Senior Operations Associate

Deadline for ApplicationsFebruary 5, 2026

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based)

Family

Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA7

Target Start Date2026-03-01

Terms of ReferenceImportant Information for Applicants:

• Eligibility – Internal Advertisement Only, i.e., applications are open to:
- Internal candidates: staff members with an indefinite or fixed-term appointment in the same category as the position advertised, staff members who, at the date of the deadline for application, are serving at the grade of the position or one grade below or above, as well as any candidates serving at higher grades who fulfil the criteria as per the job advertisement.
- Former Staff (due to post abolition under special measures): Local FTA/IND contract holders whose posts were abolished due to structural changes, and who were separated as of 01 January 2025 (last working day 31 December 2024). Other types of former staff members are considered candidates with UNHCR experience for any location. Eligibility period for application: May 2025 – June 2026 vacancies.
- Candidates with UNHCR experience at the time of application: current staff members in other categories, staff members on temporary appointment, affiliate workforce and interns with at least 1 year of service, and staff loaned/seconded. Former UNHCR locally recruited staff members who held an indefinite or fixed-term appointment (within 2 years of separation for males and 5 years for females).
- External candidates all other candidates who are not in the above groups. Former International staff/Former TA/AWF will be considered external when applying for any positions/category.
• Nationality / Right to Work Requirement: Only Mexican nationals or candidates holding permanent residency or valid work permit in Mexico are eligible. Applicants must attach proof of permanent residency at the time of application. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
• Selection Process: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will be required to sit for a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
• Application Requirements: Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their Workday Career Profile is accurate and fully updated prior to applying. The evaluation will be based solely on the information provided in the application. Once submitted, applications cannot be modified. Candidates under serious consideration may be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided.
• Diversity and Inclusion: UNHCR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or disability status. All applications are treated with the strictest confidentiality, and UNHCR is committed to providing equal career opportunities for all staff.
• Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA): UNHCR maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). SEA constitutes serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal. Concerns or suspicions can be reported confidentially to: inspector@unhcr.org or at https://www.unhcr.org/php/complaints.php or by confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80.
• Educational Requirements: UNHCR recognizes only qualifications obtained from institutions accredited in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) and UNESCO. The database is available at: WHED portal.at http://www.whed.net/.
• Remuneration: A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. This includes salary, allowances (where applicable), comprehensive medical insurance, and participation in the UN pension scheme. Further details are available via the UN Office of Human Resources Management.

1. General Background
(Brief description of the national, sector-specific or other relevant context in which the individual contractor will operate)

Mexico continues to face one of the most complex mixed-movement and asylum contexts globally, with Tapachula serving as the primary entry and processing hub for asylum seekers and refugees. The Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR), with the technical and operational support of UNHCR and UNOPS, is implementing a large-scale institutional response aimed at strengthening access to asylum procedures, protection services and integration pathways. A key pillar of this response is the Centro Multiservicios de Tapachula (CMS), a flagship infrastructure and service-delivery initiative implemented in phases. Phase I construction has been completed, and Phase II represents a major expansion, incorporating additional institutional actors, integration services, and large-scale construction works. In parallel, UNOPS is implementing a dedicated Integration Project, closely linked to CMS operations, aimed at strengthening systems, services and institutional coordination to enable effective socio-economic integration of refugees and other populations with international protection needs. Given the size, complexity and political sensitivity of these interventions - including significant construction components, multiple funding streams, and high-level government counterparts - UNHCR and UNOPS require a highly capable Senior Operations Associate to ensure day-to-day operational leadership, coordination, monitoring, reporting and risk management at field level.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
(Concise and detailed description of activities, tasks and responsibilities to be undertaken, including expected travel, if applicable)

The Senior Operations Associate will serve as the primary operational focal point at field level for the UNOPS Integration Project and the CMS Phase II construction project in Tapachula. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring all operational, financial, administrative and reporting aspects of these projects, ensuring their timely and compliant implementation in close coordination with UNHCR, UNOPS, COMAR and other relevant national and local stakeholders. This position requires a high level of autonomy, judgement, and operational leadership, as well as the ability to manage complex construction-related workflows, multi-actor coordination, donor reporting and institutional liaison in a politically sensitive environment.

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships

The Senior Operations Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Sub-Office, Tapachula, and in close coordination with UNHCR Programme, Supply and Protection units, as well as UNOPS project management counterparts.

The incumbent will maintain regular operational contacts with:

• UNOPS project teams (engineering, procurement, finance);
• COMAR leadership and technical units;
• UNHCR at COMEX and other relevant units
• Other UN agencies and partners operating within the CMS framework.

The role may include functionally guiding support staff or consultants assigned to CMS Phase II and Integration project activities.

Duties

A. Project Coordination and Execution
• Act as the field-level operational focal point for the UNOPS Integration Project and CMS Phase II.
• Coordinate and monitor the full project lifecycle, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and closure phases.
• Ensure that construction and operational activities progress in line with approved scopes, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Support the alignment of CMS Phase II infrastructure works with operational and service-delivery requirements.
B. Financial Monitoring and Reporting
• Closely monitor project expenditures, commitments and burn rates in coordination with UNHCR and UNOPS finance teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial and narrative reporting to UNHCR and UNOPS.
• Identify financial risks, implementation bottlenecks and variances, and propose corrective actions.
C. Liaison and Stakeholder Management
• Serve as the primary operational interlocutor with COMAR and other government counterparts regarding CMS Phase II and Integration activities.
• Facilitate coordination between construction works and operational actors to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
• Support high-level meetings, technical discussions and field visits with authorities and donors.

D. Compliance, Risk and Quality Assurance
• Ensure compliance with UNHCR, UNOPS and donor policies, procedures and accountability frameworks.
• Contribute to risk identification, mitigation planning and monitoring related to construction, operations and institutional coordination.
• Support internal reviews, audits and assurance processes as required.
E. Planning and Strategic Support
• Contribute to operational planning, workplans and implementation strategies related to CMS Phase II and Integration.
• Provide analytical inputs, briefing notes and operational updates to senior management.
• Support transition and sustainability planning, including handover and capacity-transfer elements to government counterparts.
F. Other Responsibilities
• Perform other related duties as required to support UNHCR-UNOPS operations in Tapachula.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
(Clear description of measurable outputs, milestones, key performance indicators and/or reporting requirements which will enable performance monitoring)

Performance will be assessed based on:
• Timely implementation of CMS Phase II and Integration project milestones.
• Quality and timeliness of financial and narrative reports.
• Effective coordination with UNOPS and government counterparts.
• Proactive identification and mitigation of operational and financial risks.
• Compliance with UNHCR and UNOPS procedures and donor requirements.

4. Qualifications and Experience
(List the required education, work experience, expertise and competencies of the individual contractor. The listed education and experience should correspond with the level at which the contract is offered.)

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher, preferably in Business Administration, Economics, Political Science, Law, Engineering, Architecture or a related field is an asset.

b. Relevant Work Experience
(List number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience which could be an asset.)

Required:
• Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience (or 2 years with a Bachelor’s degree) in operations, programme management, infrastructure projects or similar roles.
• Demonstrated experience supporting or managing complex projects, preferably involving construction or large-scale service delivery.
• Proven experience in financial monitoring, reporting and coordination in humanitarian or development contexts.

Proficiency in English and Spanish at a minimum B2 level.

Desirable:
• Prior experience with UNOPS, UNHCR or other UN agencies.
• Exposure to construction or infrastructure-related projects.
• Experience working with government counterparts in sensitive operational contexts.
• Training in programme design, monitoring & evaluation. Completion of UNHCR learning programmes relevant to the functions (e.g. OMLP).
• Knowledge of UNHCR's operational rules and procedures. Experience as Programme or Operations Associate and in COMPASS development training.

c. Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)

Functional Skills
Operations and project coordination
Financial monitoring and reporting
Results-based management
Risk analysis and mitigation
Stakeholder and institutional coordination

Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation

Managerial Competencies
Managing Resources
Empowering and Building Trust
Judgement and Decision Making

Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing
Political Awareness

Standard Job Description

Required Languages English

,Spanish

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Work Experience

Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance

RemoteNo