Service Cluster Manager

New York City | Washington D.C.

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: New York City | Washington D.C.
Grade: Senior Executive level - D-1, Director - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
- Programme Management
- Leadership
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS provides project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. UNOPS is championing the implementation of sustainable development practices, by reporting on sustainability initiatives using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. With over 9,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The Service Cluster is part of the Europe and Central Asia Region which provides fund management, management advisory services, implementation of projects, procurement of goods and services and manages human resources across its defined portfolio. The purpose of the Service Cluster is to manage the global and New York local portfolio. This includes:

Peace and Security Cluster (PSC): Working in the field of mine action, in both emergency and post-conflict settings, on behalf of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). This includes project management (planning and managing an operation such as risk education, mine clearance, and stockpile destruction), human resources (vetting, recruitment, contract administration and training), and procurement and deployment (contracting and deploying specialized firms and non-governmental organizations to provide demining services such as victim assistance programmes, mine awareness and advocacy campaigns and mine detection dogs). PSC is a thematically-based global cluster, with personnel based in New York and across the globe in UNMAS Field Programmes, in over 18 countries/territories/UN missions.
Development Group Cluster (DGC): Based in New York, the UNOPS Development Group Cluster supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations.
Small Grants Cluster (SGC): Funded by the Global Environment Facility, SGC channels direct grants to non-governmental and community-based organizations to help them cope with various environmental threats.

The Service Cluster Manager represents UNOPS on behalf of the the Director, Global Service Cluster, and Regional Director of ECR in the areas under his/her responsibilities. The role reports to the Director, Global Service Cluster, and Regional Director, ECR who provides general direction and guidance and establishes the scope of the Service Cluster, with secondary reporting to the Director, New York. The Service Cluster Manager will direct and manage all operations under the Service Cluster that includes liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

Service Cluster leadership
Alliance building, networking and advocacy for partnership development
Service delivery and quality assurance
Partnership and Programme coordination
Knowledge management and innovation

1. Service Cluster Leadership

In close co-ordination with the Director, Global Service Cluster, and Director of the NY Office develop the Service Cluster strategy, establish priorities and supervise the implementation of programmes and projects, managing the strategic and operational risks associated with the Service Cluster’s portfolio of engagements.
In collaboration with the team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives and take decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned.
Plan and allocate resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals and ensure financial sustainability in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework.
Operate within the defined limits of authority on matters of Finance, Procurement and Human Resources and subject to any limits or conditions that may be imposed as per delegated authority
Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the Service Cluster management team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible Service Cluster workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS personnel, assets, property and information within the respective area of responsibility.

2. Alliance building, networking and advocacy for partnership development

Keep abreast of and assess the needs of UNOPS partners operating in the coverage area, to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.
Actively represent UNOPS’ role and participation in the relevant engagement tools.
Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies.
Keep Regional Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme management and partnership development in the thematic and geographical areas.
Liaise with the Director, New York Office to leverage resources towards jointly working on alliance building with existing partners and potential new partners.

3. Service delivery and quality assurance

Monitor and supervise the overall timely and cost-effective delivery of the Service Cluster programme(s) according to partner expectations, approved budgets and full cost recovery.
Take overall responsibility for financial decisions, and exercise financial control, to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Service Cluster programme(s), including compliance with financial report submissions.
Provide advice to the Regional Director and peers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS’ sustainable contribution to the achievement of results in the thematic and geographical areas.
Establish internal performance and quality control systems for the Service Cluster, including tracking, monitoring and reporting on project delivery and financials.
Evaluate performance to measure efficacy and alignment of Service Cluster with organizational/ regional strategy and compliance with UNOPS standards of accuracy, transparency and accountability, and ensure that service delivery reinforces partnership development objectives.

4. Partnership and Programme coordination

Contribute to building and strengthening strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management.
Work with the partnership development function within the relevant thematic areas by supporting the development of new partnership/customer opportunities.
Collaborate with the Programme/Project Managers and Partnership Development Manager(s) to prepare proposals and partnerships engagement.
Contribute to current and future growth plans for the Service Cluster, ensuring alignment with the UNOPS Strategic Plan.
Liaise with the Communications Group to develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of Programme goals and competencies to reinforce UNOPS competitive edge as a provider of sustainable projects results.
Timely coordination with the relevant regions/ country offices regarding the implementation of global portfolios.
At the request of the Regional Director and/or Director, New York office, participate and/or represent the Service Cluster in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered.

5. Knowledge management and innovation

Lead the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices approaches in the delivery of project services.
Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.
Lead the planning, implementation and organization of capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.
Establish priorities, in consultation with the Regional Director, for targeted investments in growth and innovation and as a member of the UNOPS global management team, contribute to identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance.
Share knowledge with peers in other regional/country teams and corporate practice groups to ensure a corporate coordinated delivery of services and synergies.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
A combination of Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Experience:

A minimum of 10 years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in international development, partnership development, operations and/or program management in a large international and/or corporate organization is required.
At least 3 years of senior leadership experience including supervising teams and managing budgets is required.
Knowledge of the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), UN Mine Action Policies, UN Mine Action Strategy and the Ottawa Treaty is highly desirable.
Experience in the UN system and familiarity with UNOPS project management, procurement, HR and finance policies and procedures is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge of English is essential
Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Staff
Contract level: D1
Contract duration: one year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

This vacancy is now closed.
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