Operations Associate

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

UNOPS strategy for Afghanistan is aimed at providing maximum support to the Government and people of Afghanistan though the delivery of projects and services in line with the government’s own priorities. The UNOPS Afghanistan Operation Center (AFOC) has been established as an organizational mechanism to deliver a range of projects for which UNOPS has been designated as the implementation agency. At present, UNOPS AFOC is implementing a number of projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure (roads and schools) development, capacity building to various ministries, and environmental protection, among others, on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan and the donor community.

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) of the Government of Afghanistan, with the support of the World Bank (WB), aims to construct the Trans-Hindukush Road Connectivity Project (THRCP).  This includes improving and upgrading the 156km Baghlan to Bamyan Highway, rehabilitation of the 86km Salang Pass and developing new modalities to ensure sustainable future maintenance of this critical infrastructure. This road has a significant role to play, not only for the current traffic movement, including strategic movement of goods and freight between Northern provinces and Capital of the Country; but also as part of a wider regional resource corridor, which is already targeted as a priority to construct.

The overall objectives are to improve the Trans-Hindukush road connectivity in order to provide all year-round access and enhance local as well as international trade and regional integration. Furthermore, the improved roads will increase security by reducing the time to respond to local, regional, or national incidents, facilitate access to social services and provide new regional trade opportunities including agriculture and mining.

UNOPS has been selected as the Implementation Consultant (IC) to support the government Project Management Team (PMT) who are tasked with the design, implementation and overall management of the THRCP. This UNOPS IC remit includes technical assistance, capacity building and institutional strengthening of the PMT, along with supporting overarching strategic development needs of the Ministry of Public Works as appropriate.

The Operations Associate Reporting directly to the Team Leader, UNOPS IC, the Operations Associate will serve as the main focal point to support all operational activities for the IC and coordination with the PMT on related activities of THRCP. To include:

• Leading on provision of support for the effective operational functioning of the IC team and delivery of its role to the PMT, MOPW and wider operational needs of the THRCP.
• Provide overall coordination for vehicle transportation arrangements for UNOPS IC, including ensuring the vehicles are maintained and drivers needs managed.
• Provide overall coordination and support with security matters pertaining to the UNOPS IC team, movement of people and management of premises, including needs for site operations as required.
• Ensure full compliance of operational activities with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies and strategies.

Specific responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Support recruitment and onboarding of staff and personnel for UNOPS IC as required, including processing of all appropriate administrative and protocol requirements to their conclusion.
• Support the UNOPS IC team with travel and hotel reservations, preparation of travel authorizations, processing requests for visas, identity cards and other documents as needed.
• Provide administrative support to conferences, workshops, meetings, including processing of DSA and travel payments or related needs.
• Provide inputs for finalization of any relevant Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) on operations services.
• Assist with identification and resolution of administrative and compliance issues, in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Establish a proper filing system and maintain documentation in good order.
• Provide assistance to meeting arrangements such as conference room bookings, catering, greeting of guests and facilitation of any wider needs. Further, liaise with IT unit to ensure that the necessary phone/video conference arrangements have been made.
• Coordinate the management of stationery and relevant office supplies, timely preparation and submission of inventory reports and physical verification of relevant supplies.
• Support the organization of training for project staff on administration matters and be the key point of contact for administrative support and related advice.
• Support procurement of goods and services for office use.
• Provide accurate data and information to facilitate monitoring and evaluation of performance of the UNOPS IC operations activities.
• Assist with the preparation of operational budgets and provision of information for audits.
• Support implementation of the required internal control systems for UNOPS IC offices, including external site locations, maintain related administrative control records.
• Draft routine correspondence and communications on office administration issues and operations.
• Any other duties commensurate with role as may be required.

• 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.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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.