Senior Management Services Associate

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, HIV status or disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

To learn more about WFP, visit our website: https://www.wfp.org and follow us on social media to keep up with our latest news: YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok.

WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

WFP Armenia’s Country Strategic Plan (CSP) 2019–2025 focuses on addressing food insecurity and malnutrition through integrated solutions, such as strengthening national social protection and school feeding systems, promoting nutrition-sensitive food systems, enhancing emergency preparedness and response and building sustainable capacities. These priorities require strong internal systems and efficient management support to ensure timely and effective delivery.

The Senior Management Services Associate will lead and coordinate specialized management services, providing high-level, client-focused support and strategic advice to senior management. The role involves planning, organizing and managing complex administrative and operational functions, ensuring compliance, resource optimization and readiness for emergencies. This position is critical for maintaining operational excellence and enabling WFP Armenia to deliver on its strategic outcomes under the CSP.

The scope and complexity of this role require independent responsibility for technical and specialized work, including setting objectives, addressing undefined issues and managing interrelated processes. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate initiative, adapt systems and processes for continuous improvement and deliver a full range of client-focused, value-for-money services. These responsibilities align with the expectations for this level which includes leadership in specialized support services and strategic contribution to operational efficiency.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall guidance of the Country Director and the direct supervision of the Head of Operations Unit, the Sr. Management Services Associate will perform the following duties and responsibilities in the Country Office:

• Coordinate the provision of a range of specialized services within the Management Services portfolio to ensure efficient and high-quality service delivery

• Coordinate management of resources within the designated area of responsibility, monitor requirements, and contribute to the identification of new needs to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness of services.

• Conduct analysis on a range of data, prepare/consolidated high-quality reports to support decision-making and the efficient management of resources.

• Coordinate, monitor, and process actions related to procurement, finance, human resources, and other relevant areas ensuring data is accurately and timely recorded and processed in corporate systems.

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of existing procedures and systems and identify areas for improvement to contribute to continuous enhancement of services provided

• Provide timely and accurate resolutions to a range of complex queries to ensure efficient delivery of services

• Maintain effective working relationships with other functions, third-party contractors, and support partnership with local authorities and vendors, ensuring comprehensive service provision.

• Utilize digital tools and technology applications to improve working practices and customer service, and adoption of new technologies that are introduced at the workplace.

• Coordinate the preparation of inter-agency initiatives as part of UN Reform to achieve cost savings and enhancement of service quality.

• Supervise and coordinate junior staff, acting as a point of referral to ensure individual and team objectives are met in line with required standards.

• Provide and coordinate training and guidance to staff to improve understanding of Management Services regulations, policies, procedures, processes, standards, and systems.

• Contribute emergency preparedness and response by allocating resources, offering analytics, and providing services.

• Act as Property Officer

• Perform other related duties as required.

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:

• Comprehensive Management Services annual work plan developed, implemented and monitored, incorporating requirements from all units.

• KPIs defined and performance evaluated against agreed targets.

• Efficient management of WFP facilities, assets, fleet, travel, and protocol services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and operational continuity.

• All procurement, finance and HR-related actions processed accurately and timely in WFP corporate systems, with zero compliance gaps.

• Vendor contracts and lease agreements managed in line with IPSAS standards.

• Reports provided to support Country Strategic Planning and resource planning processes and to optimize resource use.

• Contribution to UN Reform initiatives documented, with improved service quality.

• Property Officer duties completed, including accurate lease and asset data maintained in corporate systems.

• Successful organization of all required Country Office events, workshops, retreats, conferences, and seminars with external partners.

• Emergency preparedness actions implemented, including resource allocation and analytics to support response readiness.

• Effective partnerships maintained with internal units, vendors and local authorities.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education:

Completion of secondary school education, Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Economics or other relevant field is desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in general administrative work, office management, customer service and business support in the public or private sector. 

• Has experience in overseeing and managing collection of data and preparation of high-quality reports pertaining to area of work.

• Has experience in coordinating and supervising the work of others as well as providing guidance and training - Has experience collaborating with teams across different functional areas

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Has demonstrated a strong understanding and knowledge of WFP Management Services regulations, policies, procedures, processes, standards, and system.

• Has experience in coordinating specialized support services pertaining to Management Services portfolio, such as management of assets, facilities, fleet, travel, or similar areas.

Knowledge & Skills:

Ability to interpret administrative rules, regulations and procedures and explain them clearly and concisely; Proficiency in use of spreadsheets, word processing and computerized accounting systems; Ability to analyze and interpret information and draw out key messages; Ability to initiate and adopt changes; Good writing and communication skills; Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Languages:

Fluency (level C) in English and Armenian languages; working knowledge (level B) of Russian language is desired.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact:  global.inclusion@wfp.org

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.

• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at global.hrerecruitment@wfp.org for technical support only.

• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.