United Nations - UNOPS
Formation
The origins of UNOPS can be traced to the early 1970's. The Division for Project Execution was created in 1973 by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The original purpose of the Division was to implement UNDP programs. In 1975, it was renamed the Office for Project Execution (OPE). In 1988, OPE was renamed the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). In 1995, UNOPS became an "at-large" entity of the United Nations, instead of an arm of the UNDP.
Project Management Services
UNOPS gathers its expertise in project management by drawing from experts in the United Nations (U.N.) system, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, and elsewhere. UNOPS can provide complete oversight of a project or it can provide individual services for a project on an as-needed basis. In addition to assisting various U.N. agencies with their projects, UNOPS offers its services to other entities such as international organizations and the governments of developing countries.
Project management services include hiring the needed staff members or field workers, organizing, training, and administering finances for the project. One of the most common project management services that UNOPS provides is in the area of procurement - of both goods and services. UNOPS provides assistance with preparing bids, negotiating contracts, and managing financial risks.
UNOPS services are provided in a multitude of settings, from reconstruction of a war-ravaged country to helping countries with mine deactivation or development issues.
Organizational Structure
UNOPS is headquartered in New York, but has many offices worldwide. UNOPS is a not-for-profit organization. It is unique in that is the only portion of the United Nations that is "self-financing." Instead of depending on donations, dues, or voluntary contributions from members, UNOPS is funded from fees it earns in providing project management services.
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