Contract Management Specialist

Job Highlight

Lead demand-driven technical assistance assignments to unblock climate-resilient infrastructure implementation across Eastern Caribbean SIDS, ensuring high-quality delivery within set programme tolerances and fostering sustainable skills exchange and regional stakeholder partnerships.

Role Purpose

The functions/responsibilities/key results of this job description are generic and may not always be applicable, nor be comprehensive, for all assignments and/or missions under this job title. The specific tasks and deliverables for each retainer assignment may vary and will be detailed in the terms of reference developed for each assignment by the RIISE Secretariat.

The RIISE Facility delivers demand-driven technical assistance primarily through two service modalities: the Rapid Helpdesk, which provides short-term remote advisory support for urgent queries, and Surge Deployments, which involve medium-term engagements designed to support the effective resolution of complex project implementation needs. While RIISE operates on a "remote-first" delivery approach—utilizing digital collaboration tools by default to optimize responsiveness and cost-efficiency—the Consultant must possess the availability and willingness to travel for on-site deployments across participating Caribbean countries. In-country field presence remains a fundamental requirement for complex assignments where direct hands-on engagement, collaborative work with government counterparts, and on-site technical assessments are critical for effective delivery.

While the contract modality for this Vacancy Announcement is an ICA retainer contract on a project or assignment basis, UNOPS may offer, on a need basis, full-time employment for a specified consecutive period of time (up to one year maximum, with possible extensions), with the possibility to move between the two contract modalities subject to operational needs and the incumbent’s acceptance of the proposed assignments

Functions / Key Results Expected

The specific tasks for each assignment may vary from one assignment to another assignment. Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the RIISE Secretariat and designated Supervisor, the Specialist will be called upon for specific projects to fulfill one or more of the following key tasks:

Specialized Contract Management and AdvisoryInterpret, analyze, and provide strategic advice on all matters related to contract management.Oversee and supervise specific contractual interpretations, ensuring an in-depth understanding of mechanisms and deadlines to provide timely responses.Analyze and issue opinions on the applicability of contractual clauses based on the specific case.Evaluate and propose modifications to contractual terms, coordinating with the project team when necessary. Impact, Cost, and Time AnalysisPerform cost estimations and evaluate financial impacts resulting from the application of specific contractual clauses.Conduct technical analyses and calculate time and cost impacts related to contractual aspects. Technical Supervision and CoordinationIf applicable, conduct technical site visits to inspect specific aspects of contract management and verify compliance with technical specifications based on applicable regulations.Attend follow-up and discussion meetings regarding contract management.Coordinate directly with the project teams upon identifying any relevant legal issues. Dispute and Claims ManagementManage, evaluate, and respond to claims submitted by contractors, assessing their validity based on contractual terms, technical specifications, and project records.Prepare supporting documentation and defense strategies for dispute resolution processes.Participate in negotiations, mediation, or arbitration to resolve disputes effectively, minimizing negative impacts on the project's budget and schedule. Reports and ReportingGenerate and submit detailed reports or technical criteria on the managed contractual interpretations. RIISE Assignment Deliverables Primary Assignment Reports (Modality-Specific)RIISE Helpdesk Report: For short-term Rapid Helpdesk assignments, the incumbent must deliver the response and advisory inputs using the standardized RIISE Helpdesk Report Template.Assignment Closure Report / Final Technical Report: For Surge Deployments and other medium-term assignments, a comprehensive report must be submitted by the incumbent within 10 working days of the assignment’s end. Mandatory Components of the Final Technical Report

Regardless of the assignment, final technical outputs must adhere to RIISE’s Deliverable Standards and include, as applicable, the following components:

Knowledge Transfer Summary: A mandatory section documenting the specific skills, methodologies, tools or capabilities shared with and transferred to government counterpart staff during the assignment.Safeguards and Risk Summary: A concise summary of relevant safeguards and risk issues identified, measures recommended or implemented, residual risks and any required follow-up actions.Actionable Recommendations & Limitations: Clear recommendations accompanied by prioritized action items, responsible parties where applicable, and an explicit section noting the limitations and assumptions taken into account during the assignment. Administrative Closure DeliverablesIntellectual Property (IP) Handover Confirmation: A mandatory administrative document that the expert must secure before the assignment can be financially closed. It must be signed by the government counterpart, confirming that all relevant technical outputs (reports, drawings, specifications, data) have been successfully transferred to the requesting government. TravelOfficial travels may be required during the assignment;The BSAFE course must be successfully completed prior to commencement of travel;The Contract Management Specialist is responsible for ensuring they have all required vaccinations/inoculations when traveling to certain countries, as designated by local authorities. The Contract Management Specialist is required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under: https://dss.un.org/dssweb/

This recruitment aims to fill a retainer position. Depending on actual needs, the hiring unit may decide to recruit endorsed qualified professionals for contracts with different working conditions (short/long term, part/full-time, retainer, regular or ongoing positions).

Education Requirements

Required

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Law, Business Administration, Contract Management or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required; OR Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above related fields with 7 years of relevant experience.

Desired

Training or certification training in FIDIC conditions of contract (e.g., Red, Yellow, or Silver Books).Training or certification training or certification in Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms (e.g., Dispute Adjudication/Avoidance Boards, mediation).

Required

Experience Requirements

Relevant work experience is defined as experience in contract management and/or administrative procurement. A minimum of 3 years of experience in managing public works contracts with international funding sources is required.

Desired

Professional experience in construction law, claims administration, and dispute resolution for large-scale infrastructure projects.Proven knowledge of international procurement standards and multilateral development bank regulations (e.g., IDB, CDB, World Bank, EIB).Proven experience in the practical application of FIDIC Contracts in complex infrastructure projects. Prior experience in Caribbean countries (particularly OECS Member States).