United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Company Profile

Background

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a self-financing entity within the United Nations system, dedicated to implementing humanitarian and development projects worldwide. Established in 1973 as part of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and becoming an independent organization in 1995, UNOPS focuses on infrastructure, procurement, and project management services. Its mission is to help people build better lives and assist countries in achieving peace and sustainable development. The organization's vision is a world where people can live full lives supported by sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure, and by the efficient, transparent use of public resources in procurement and project management.

Key Strategic Focus

UNOPS specializes in providing implementation, advisory, and transactional services across five core areas:

Infrastructure: Designing, constructing, and rehabilitating essential facilities such as roads, schools, and health clinics.

Procurement: Acquiring goods and services to support project implementation.

Project Management: Overseeing projects to ensure they meet objectives, timelines, and budgets.

Financial Management: Managing funds to ensure transparency and accountability.

Human Resources: Providing staffing solutions to support project needs.

The organization operates in over 80 countries, often in post-disaster and conflict-affected settings, focusing on developing countries and economies in transition.

Financials and Funding

As a self-financing entity, UNOPS covers its direct and indirect costs by charging fees on each project it supports. In 2023, the organization delivered approximately $2.7 billion in peace and security, humanitarian, and development projects.

Pipeline Development

UNOPS supports a diverse range of projects, including:

Healthcare Services in Guatemala: Assisting the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance to improve nationwide healthcare services through efficient and transparent procurement.

Crisis Response in Gaza: Collaborating with the UN and partners to support humanitarian response efforts amid ongoing conflict.

Renewable Energy in Yemen: Implementing renewable energy solutions to provide reliable electricity and improve access to essential services for millions of people.

Technological Platform and Innovation

UNOPS leverages its expertise in infrastructure, procurement, and project management to deliver innovative solutions tailored to local contexts. The organization emphasizes sustainability and resilience in its projects, integrating nature-based solutions to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Leadership Team

Jorge Moreira da Silva: United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director since April 2023. He has extensive experience in the public and development sectors, focusing on climate change, energy, and the environment. Previously, he served as Director of the Development Co-operation Directorate at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and as Portugal’s Minister for the Environment, Territorial Planning, and Energy.

Sonja Leighton-Kone: Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director – Management and Policy, appointed in October 2023. With over 25 years of experience in international development, she has held senior operations positions at UNICEF and the World Food Programme.

Kirstine Damkjaer: Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director – Delivery and Partnerships, appointed in May 2024. She brings over 25 years of global senior-level management experience, including expertise in infrastructure, development finance, and project implementation.

Hilary Balbuena: Chief of Staff – Executive Office, joined in June 2023. She has over 25 years of experience in leadership roles focused on strategic planning, budgeting, and financial and human resources management.

Leadership Changes

In May 2022, Grete Faremo resigned as Executive Director following an investigation into the Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative, which revealed significant management failures and potential fraud. Acting Executive Director Jens Wandel was appointed to lead the organization's reform efforts.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

UNOPS operates within the international development and humanitarian assistance sector, focusing on infrastructure, procurement, and project management. The market is characterized by a growing demand for sustainable development solutions, particularly in post-disaster and conflict-affected regions.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Project HOPE: A global health and humanitarian relief organization founded in 1958, focusing on health education and providing medical assistance.

Project Management Institute (PMI): A professional organization for project management, offering certifications and resources to project managers worldwide.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

UNOPS collaborates with various partners to enhance its capabilities and extend its reach:

Health: Hosting the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and the Stop TB Partnership.

Nutrition: Hosting the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement.

Water and Sanitation: Hosting the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund.

Sustainable Urban Development: Hosting Cities Alliance.

Disaster Displacement: Hosting the Platform on Disaster Displacement.

Operational Insights

UNOPS distinguishes itself through its self-financing model, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to partner needs. Its focus on sustainability and resilience, combined with a commitment to transparency and accountability, positions the organization as a trusted partner in the international development sector.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

UNOPS aims to continue expanding its support for sustainable development by:

Enhancing Climate Action: Providing practical solutions to help countries and communities build resilience and prepare for future climate challenges.

Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Supporting the UN family, governments, and other partners in accelerating progress towards all 17 SDGs.