**Deadline for Applications**
February 5, ****
**Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)**
A (least hardship)
**Family Type (not applicable for home-based)**
Family
**Staff Member / Affiliate Type**
UNOPS LICA7
**Target Start Date**
**********
**Terms of Reference**
Important Information for Applicants:
- 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 uninterrupt

📌 Senior Operations Associate (Tapachula de Córdova y Ordoñez)
🏢 United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (Unhcr)
📍 Tapachula de Córdova y Ordoñez