Portfolio Specialist

The Portfolio Specialist is a mid-level professional responsible for managing complex projects and programs independently within UNOPS operations in Argentina and Uruguay. The role provides authorized advice on regulatory best practices, procurement processes, risk management, and strategic partnerships to ensure efficient, compliant, and high-impact service delivery, contributing to portfolio development and strategic positioning of UNOPS in the region.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical analysis and operational recommendations for UNOPS operations implementation in Argentina, ensuring compliance with infrastructure and public contract regulations.
• Review, consolidate, and apply standard models of procurement, bidding, and contracting documents for operations and projects.
• Provide technical inputs for risk identification and mitigation, supporting monitoring of potential disputes with contractors and suppliers.
• Formulate recommendations to align UNOPS management with best practices in local administrative law regarding procurement, infrastructure, and transparency.
• Support operational monitoring and information gathering on project resource management.
• Implement strategies for effective project resource management.
• Coordinate and monitor project procurement plans ensuring compliance with schedules and applicable regulations.
• Participate and interact with UNOPS teams and advisors, attending meetings and coordinating technical activities for timely report delivery.
• Prepare technical reports and substantive inputs to support the Office Head and management team in strategic positioning and opportunity tracking.
• Participate in technical formulation, drafting project proposals, budgets, and support preparation of collaboration agreements.
• Continuously map partners and donors, identifying relevant regulatory contexts and preparing briefing notes for business development.
• Adapt and contribute high-level inputs for substantive summaries on specific partners and partnership opportunities.
• Advise offices on appropriate approaches to engage with non-traditional and strategic partners.
• Implement strategies to deepen and expand strategic commitments with partners, positioning UNOPS as a solutions organization.
• Contribute to portfolio development by advising on new project formulation.
• Participate in inter-institutional debates and planning to ensure UNOPS position and priorities are considered.
• Implement actions to build and strengthen internal alliances through active networks and effective communication.
• Advise, coordinate, and collaborate with program and project management staff and support teams to ensure aligned interactions with internal practices and partners.
• Apply and share relevant knowledge to improve operations and project development.
• Contribute to fostering a culture of knowledge sharing within the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent preferably in International Relations, Business Administration (MBA), Political Science, International Development, Economics, Law or related field, or a Bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted instead of a Master's degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex projects at national and/or international level and advising public and private entities.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in negotiation and drafting of collaboration agreements and project proposals.
• Desirable 2 years of experience in procurement processes and regulations and/or financial management in international organizations.
• Desirable experience with UNOPS.
• Desirable experience with International Financial Institutions (IFIs).
• Desirable certifications in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2) or legal/regulatory areas.
• Spanish native proficiency required.
• Intermediate English proficiency desirable.

Skills

• Project Management
• Negotiation
• Drafting Collaboration Agreements
• Project Proposal Preparation
• Procurement Procedures
• Finance Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Risk Management
• Strategic Partnerships
• Portfolio Development
• UNOPS Operations
• International Project Management
• Public and Private Sector Advisory
• International Financial Institutions
• PMP Certification
• Prince 2 Certification

Languages

Spanish, English