Operations Manager - Head of Service Center

• Ensure effective and efficient operational services and overall management of the Service centre;
• Ensure effective application of operational policies pertaining to project implementation and management, including sound operational project work plans/budgets and implementation plans;
• Ensure compliant financial resources management and efficient procurement services; 
• Ensure efficient human resource management and general administration of the projects.

• Develop appropriate tools to deliver on operational services within the required time frame;
• Set up appropriate monitoring system for the service requests in order to excel in client orientation;
• Provide frequent communication to the project managers, as main clients, on progress with respect to service requests;
• Supervise all staff in the operations centre with individual work plans and performance monitoring;
• Provide senior manager approval level in Atlas;
• Identify bottlenecks and operational solutions to operational obstacles.

• Work closely with the respective project managers to develop sound operational project work plans/budgets and implementation plans, which match expected project outputs;
• Clear agreements for working with NGOs or Government counterparts, before signature by the Head of Stabilization and Resilience Pillar;
• Review operational policies and advise on policies and SOPs which will ensure accountability and speed of implementation, with high client satisfaction. 

• Implement effective internal controls such as maintenance of the internal expenditures control system, financial recording/reporting system;
• Conduct proper planning and expenditure tracking of financial resources and monitoring of financial delivery against work plans and preparation of relevant periodic reports;
• Develop procurement strategies including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, and quality management;
• Review terms of reference to ensure the quality of inputs to be procured;
• Prepare an annual procurement plan, with an indicative list of goods and services as identified in the annual work plan, in collaboration with the procurement specialist;
• Ensure proper management of assets and timely handover where required;
• As part of a longer-term capacity building strategy, build the capacity of counterparts and service centre national staff. 

• Compliance with UNDP rules and regulations for recruitment and human resource management for the project; 
• Preparation of recruitment plan and elaboration of job descriptions for required staffing; 
• Support to recruitment process and work closely with the HR unit of the UNDP Iraq office to ensure timely recruitment of projects staff;
• Overall management of administrative issues with administration officer of the service centre.

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting. 
• Ability to lead monitoring of development projects. 
• Solid knowledge in financial resources, contracts, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration. 
• - Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems, and affect staff behavior/attitudinal change. 

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback. 
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. 
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities. 
• Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills. 
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure. 

• Has good oral communication skills and conflict resolution competency to manage inter-group dynamics and mediate conflicting interests of varied actors. 
• Has good written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize project outputs and relevant findings for the preparation of quality project reports. 

• Shares knowledge and experience. 
• Actively work towards continuing personal learning and applies newly acquired skills.

• Advanced University Degree (Masters or equivalent) in Business Administration, Operations Management, Social Sciences, International Development, Economics or related fields. 

• 10 years’ relevant work experience, at least 5 of which involve similar senior experience of operational management of projects or programmes; and of which 2 years of relevant experience in crisis/post conflict countries;
• Experience of sustaining high level professional relations with Government officials
• Successful completion of Operations manager/deputy Country Director (DCD) Operations assessment;
• Substantive project operational management experience, including detailed working knowledge of human resources, procurement, ICT, finance, project management, asset management and logistics;
• A sound track record of experience in an international setting with the UN or with international organisations, or similar context;
• Experience of the Arab region is an advantage; 
• Good knowledge of Atlas is a must. Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Front Page, Adobe In-Design and web-based management systems;
• Practical familiarity with UNDP project management principles and practices is essential.

• Fluency in English
• Fluency in Arabic an asset

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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