By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Business Operations & Coordination Associate

Colombo

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Colombo
  • Grade: Consultancy - SB-3 (SC6/SC7), Service Contract, Local Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Administrative support
    • Sustainable trade and development
    • Public, Private Partnership
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

Under the overall leadership and guidance of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the Operations Management Team (OMT) endeavours to facilitate the implementation of Delivery as One (DaO) by harmonizing operational policies of UN agencies, funds and programs in Sri Lanka. Moreover, the OMT proposes and implements inter-agency initiatives to ensure the quality of support services, while utilizing resources effectively.
 
Within this context, the OMT has decided to adopt and implement UN Development Group’s (UNDG) results-based framework to enhance the planning, monitoring and management of the UNCT’s business operations and support to program delivery. This Business Operations Strategy (BOS) outlines the UNCT priorities in the field of common operations. The BOS aims to improve the quality, timeliness and cost-effectiveness of the UN’s support to program delivery. To facilitate the initiation, monitoring and implementation of the BOS, and The Business Operations and Coordination Associate will work under supervision of Chair/Co-Chair of OMT and will be engaged in supporting day to day operational matters of OMT and its working groups. The person will be responsible to undertake functions related to coordination of data collection and analysis, interpretation and implementation of BOS support activities.
 
Under the supervision of the Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), the Business Operations and Coordination Associate will support the RCO with day-to-day coordination with counterparts to advance the DaO agenda
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:
 
  • Coordination and support the preparation of the Business Operations Strategy:
  • Coordinate the implementation of the BOS activities through data collection and analysis and timely information sharing with BOS taskforce and OMT and its Working Groups;
  • Provide the BOS taskforce with required data for developing BOS and working closely with OMT and its Working Groups and give, administrative and logistical support for the successful preparation of the BOS, including follow up the populating of operations platform with required data; 
  • Work with the OMT and its Working Group Chairpersons to make sure the adequate administrative support is provided for the timely delivering of the agency /inter-agency inputs for the different BOS processes; 
  • Coordinate capacity building workshops pertaining to development of BOS at different stages.
 
Support OMT and its Working Groups to conduct survey on common services for the designated service line(s):
  • Support conducting assessment of the BOS implementation, results and existing common services and identify areas where these services can be improved and costs reduced;
  • Support the preparation of feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses.
 
Maintain a fully functional Secretariat for the OMT:
  • Regularly update the LTA data base and HR roster within the relevant systems;
  • Participate in the meetings and support OMT, OMT Working Groups and BOS taskforce Committee as necessary;
  • Assist in the coordination and monitoring of Annual work plan of OMT for next year;
  • Update the OMT and OMT working groups’ progress and minutes of the meetings in OMT records; and
  • Undertake any other activities assigned by the Chair/Co-Chair of the OMT.
 
Support the RCO with day-to-day coordination with counterparts to advance the DaO agenda:
  • Coordinate between UN Agencies, Government and relevant counterparts to promote a One UN approach towards programme and operational coordination;
  • Support the RCO with piloting innovative tools that will enhance operational coordination;
  • Supports the roll out of existing initiatives that support the DaO agenda;
  • Undertake any other activities assigned by the Head of RCO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impact of Results
 
 
  • The above key results will ensure effective management of the OMT Secretariat, including smooth coordination, effective preparation and roll out of the BOS, and timely support to the RCO for relevant coordination activities. 
 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:
  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism
  • Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
 
Functional Competencies:
  • Proven knowledge in office procurement, HR/Admin and common services.
  • Strong diplomatic skills and capacity to build and maintain partnerships with a number of stakeholders (UN Agencies, Government entities, other development partners and the private sector)
  • Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, internet, power point and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, proven networking, team-building, organizational and   communication skills.
  • Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices inside and outside the UN.
  • Ability and sensitivity to work with a wide cross-section of partners, including        Government, I/NGOs and private sector.
  • A self-starter, able to inspire and influence action and work under pressure.
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
 
Technical Competencies:
  • Ability to undertake extensive research. 
  • Demonstrates strong analytical oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to engage effectively with other implementing agencies supporting the respective   UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, etc.
  • Good understanding of the governance structure and systems in Sri Lanka, including the current political economy context. 
 

Required Skills and Experience

Education Experience:
  • Secondary Education with 6 years of experience in providing coordination, administrative and operational support.
  
OR 
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political or Social Sciences with  1 year experience in providing coordination, administrative and operational support.
 
 
Other:
  • Proven ability to work independently
  • Evidence of strong research and analytical skills.
  • Usage of computers and office software package (MS Word, Excel etc.) and knowledge of database packages and experience in handling of web based management systems is preferred.
  • A consistent track record of self-motivation and achievement
  • Prior experience with the UN system (with a specific focus on experience with the RCO) would be considered an advantage
  • Experience handling general project administration and management of logistics.
  • Demonstrated capacity to undertake assigned responsibilities and work under pressure.
  • A team player with excellent inter-personal skills
 
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English and Sinhala and/or Tamil with excellent written and oral communication skills is essential
 

Disclaimer

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Scam warning

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.

This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: