Director, Country Office
Giga
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Job summary
UNOPS Panama Country Office seeks a senior leader to direct and manage all delivery and operations within the CO's scope. This role represents UNOPS, oversees liaison with partners and government, and ensures timely, cost-effective services for sustainable results.
You will lead a diverse team, coordinate across functions, and drive strategic planning, risk control, and capacity building to advance SDGs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Qualifications
- Leadership experience in a large public/intl organization
- Experience in strategic and managerial leadership in operations
- Knowledge of risk, financial and procurement controls
- Experience building partnerships with governments and stakeholders
Responsibilities
- Provide people leadership across CO locations with a culture of trust and accountability
- Develop and oversee CO portfolio strategy and annual objectives
- Oversee financial sustainability and adherence to ethics and accountability frameworks
- Lead alliance building and advocacy to expand UNOPS services
- Ensure quality service delivery, risk management and HSSE across the CO
- Represent UNOPS in inter-agency and UNCT settings and support UNSDCF delivery
- Drive knowledge management and innovation across the region
Skills
Education
Job description
Position Title: Director, Country Office
Job Category: Leadership
Duty Station(s): Panama City
Seniority Level: Senior Level
ICS Level: ICS 12
Contract Type: Staff - IP - FTA
Contract Level: IP P-5
Posting Start Date: 25-Aug-2026
Posting End Date: 14-Sep-2026
Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Drive strategic leadership and operational excellence to deliver sustainable results and strengthen partnerships in-country.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, UNOPS operates across 23 countries, delivering high-impact solutions that drive sustainable development. UNOPS focuses on building and improving resilient infrastructure—including roads, bridges, public facilities, sanitation systems, and housing—to enhance quality of life and foster inclusive growth. UNOPS also supports public health by procuring essential medicines and medical equipment, ensuring broader access to healthcare services. By strengthening institutional capacities, UNOPS promotes transparent, efficient, and equitable public management. As a trusted partner to governments and development stakeholders, UNOPS aligns its interventions with national priorities, helping countries advance the Sustainable Development Goals through practical, results-driven support.
Based in Panama City, Panama, the UNOPS Office of the Regional Director (ORD) for Latin America and the Caribbean provides strategic leadership and coordination across the region, enabling effective delivery of UNOPS’ mandate. Through portfolio oversight, integrated risk management, and the mobilization of expertise and resources, the ORD ensures regional coherence and operational excellence. The office supports country teams in aligning activities with organizational goals, strengthening the impact and efficiency of development efforts. It also leads regional positioning and representation in high-level forums, advancing visibility and engagement with key stakeholders. In close collaboration with other regional offices and headquarters, the ODR fosters cross-regional learning, promotes innovation, and drives strategic initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Panama Country Office oversees UNOPS projects in Panama and works closely with government partners and other stakeholders to deliver sustainable development solutions. Its portfolio includes infrastructure, procurement, capacity strengthening and HR Transactionals.
The role requires a leader with a strong ability to inspire and develop diverse teams, while bringing the operational discipline needed to coordinate at scale, oversee complex delivery and ensure consistently high-quality operations.
* Experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is considered an asset. ** Direct knowledge and experience in using new technologies to enable scalable operations is highly desirable.
Reporting to and under the general guidance and oversight of the Regional Director, the Country Office (CO) Director directs and manages all delivery and operations under the CO’s scope - including liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders. The CO Director also represents UNOPS on behalf of the Regional Director in the country covered by the CO.
- Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability across the Country Office (CO) locations.
- Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
- Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
- Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team, to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
- Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.
- Develop the strategy for the entire Country Office, establish priorities and oversee the implementation of the portfolio, managing the operational risks associated with the Country Office portfolio of engagements.
- Lead the delivery of the UNOPS strategic plan through the CO annual plan.
- In collaboration with the CO team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
- Guide, endorse and oversee the proposals and project document agreements in connection with identified opportunities across the Country Office.
- Set and endorse the objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services across the Country Office.
- Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives and make decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned.
- Plan, propose to the Regional Director and allocate resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals and ensure financial sustainability in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework.
- Operate within the defined limits of authority on matters of Finance, Procurement and Human Resources and subject to any limits or conditions that may be imposed as per delegated authority.
- Manage overall HSSE performance across the entire CO while holding the accountability for the implementation of all HSSE requirements.
- Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS personnel and their eligible dependents, assets, property and information within the respective area of responsibility.
- Consult - as the most senior UNOPS person in-country - with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation, including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy Manual.
- Keep abreast and assess the needs of national governments and other UNOPS partners operating in the geographical coverage area, to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships in the geographical coverage area through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management to develop opportunities and engagements with new and existing partners.
- Keep the Regional Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for portfolio management and business development in the geographical area.
- With the support from the CO Head of Support Services and the CO Head of Programme, ensure appropriate arrangements for building excellence of business processes and quality standards.
- Build capability and ensure direct operational support for the units within the CO.
- Monitor and supervise the overall timely and cost-effective delivery of the Country Office portfolio(s) according to partner expectations, approved budgets and full cost recovery.
- Take overall responsibility for financial decisions, and exercise financial control, to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Country Office portfolio
- Provide advice to the Regional Director, peers and Country Managers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS’ contribution to the achievement of partners' results in the geographical area.
- Ensure internal performance and quality management for the Country Office, including tracking, monitoring and reporting on project delivery and financials.
- Evaluate performance to measure efficacy and alignment of the Country Office with organizational/regional strategy and compliance with UNOPS standards of accuracy, transparency and accountability, and ensure that service delivery reinforces business development objectives
- Represent UNOPS in relevant inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to promote the organization, influence policy discussion and identify potential areas for UNOPS partnership and engagement.
- Represent UNOPS in the UN Country Team (UNCT), and support the UNCT programming and advocacy activities.
- Participate actively and effectively in UNCT meetings, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, Integrated Strategic Framework, and Delivering as One within the country of the main office for the Country Office.
- Is accountable to the Resident Coordinator for actions as part of the UNCT, makes substantial contributions to the UNCT’s work, and assumes a leadership role as relates to UNOPS’ mandate.
- Participate in UNCT initiatives to strengthen UN coherence, inclusiveness, and aid effectiveness, including ensuring UNOPS' active role in the Operations Management Teams (OMTs) and other senior management groups of the country team.
- Keep the UN Resident Coordinator abreast of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication, including a formal regular reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF.
- Drive high-quality, well-informed decisions that align with organizational goals for effective and measurable outcomes to the regional assessment exercise for UN Resident Coordinators.
- Ensure corporate reporting, information flow and appropriate escalation of awareness of emerging risks and topics.
- Champion risk management through a 'tone at the top' leadership approach, promoting alignment with applicable standards and policies.
- Lead the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices and approaches in the delivery of project services.
- Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.
- Lead the planning, implementation and organization of capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.
- Establish priorities, in consultation with the Regional Director, for targeted investments in growth and innovation and as a member of the UNOPS global management team, contribute to the identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance.
- Share knowledge with peers in other regional/country teams and corporate practice groups to ensure a coordinated corporate delivery of services and synergies.
Innovation Management, Organizational Leadership, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Alliances, Strategic Partnerships, Strategic Thinking
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 12 years of relevant experience OR
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 10 years of relevant experience is required.
- Relevant experience is work in strategic and managerial leadership in public affairs, management, business development planning and operations in a large corporate or international organization, or related areas.
- Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
- Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
- Spanish - Fluent - Required
- English - Fluent - Required
- French - Intermediate - Desirable
- UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
- Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
- UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
- We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
- UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- For more details about the contract types, please click here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
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