The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Delivering as one UN
Across the United Nations system, reforms and innovation are helping the UN deliver better, faster and more cost-effectively for people and the planet.
Guided by the UN80 efficiency agenda and the UN 2.0 vision, these efforts aim to strengthen multilateral action, improve efficiency and productivity, and generate savings that can be reinvested in development results.
UNOPS contributes to this collective work by sharing its self-financing, operational expertise and providing services that help reduce duplication, leverage economies of scale and increase value for money across the UN.
As one of the UN’s largest operational service providers, UNOPS supports the implementation of projects and programmes that advance the Sustainable Development Goals and enable the broader UN system to focus more resources on its core mandates.
Our focus is on finding alignment, complementarity and collaboration – to ensure that across the UN family we can deliver effectively in this crucial moment.
Driving UN efficiency and reform
The UN80 efficiency agenda and UN 2.0 transformation are reshaping how the UN works – deepening collaboration and fostering innovation to achieve greater cost-effectiveness and stronger results. Through country-level initiatives such as common premises, shared back-office operations and joint business strategies, UN entities are finding new ways to eliminate duplication and deliver savings.
UNOPS is committed to advancing this critical work. Through our technical and operational expertise in infrastructure, procurement and project management, as well HR and financial services, UNOPS is helping drive efforts to make the UN more efficient and productive at scale.
Business innovation and collaboration
The UN Business Innovation Group (BIG) provides a key platform for entities to collaborate on operational improvements. Co-chaired by UNFPA and UNOPS, BIG brings together expertise across the system to identify opportunities for shared services, new tools and innovative practices.
“We are not just resetting efficiencies. We are resetting the future of the United Nations. A future where our operations are fit for purpose, fit for the future, and fit for those we serve.” - Sonja Leighton-Kone, UNOPS Deputy Executive Director
Through workstreams on Common Back Offices, Common Premises, Business Operations Strategies and Global Shared Services, BIG helps the UN achieve measurable efficiencies and improve value for money in support of multilateral development.
High-Level Committee on Management (HLCM)
The High-Level Committee on Management drives system-wide reforms in management, finance, human resources and operations. UNOPS contributes to this collective agenda by sharing operational knowledge and participating in several efficiency initiatives, including on procurement and supply chains, e-commerce solutions, and HR services – such as payroll and non-staff contracting. These efforts help the UN system realize cost savings, strengthen accountability and improve the productivity of shared services.
High-Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP)
The High-Level Committee on Programmes promotes coherence in policy and programme design across the UN system. By engaging in HLCP discussions, UNOPS ensures that its services align with system-wide priorities and that operational perspectives help inform strategic planning. This collaboration supports the UN’s ability to deliver results more efficiently and at greater scale.
Moving forward together
The UN’s efficiency agenda is a collective journey to make multilateral action more impactful and sustainable. By sharing expertise, pooling resources and embracing innovation, UN entities can achieve meaningful savings and deliver stronger results at scale.
UNOPS is proud to contribute to the efficiency agenda by providing transparent, efficient, cost-effective services that help the UN family focus on what matters most – addressing urgent needs, accelerating sustainable development, and creating a more equal, prosperous and sustainable future where people and the planet can thrive.
