Operations Manager

Under the guidance and immediate supervision of Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), the Operations Manager acts as an advisor to Senior Management on  aspects of CO operations management, with a particular emphasis on interagency and regional support. The OM plays an advisory role in areas including strategic financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, ICT and common services consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Operations Manager works in close collaboration with programme and project teams in the CO, operations staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials to successfully deliver operations services in a client orientation approach.

As an alternate member of the CO management team, assists the DRR in the strategic management of operations focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Full compliance of operations with UN/UNDP rules, regulations and policies, implementation of corporate operational strategies, establishment of management targets (BSC) and monitoring of achievement of results.
• Establishment of collaborate arrangements with potential partners, a Client relationship Management system for resource mobilization purposes; GLOC Mobilization and appropriate operational partnership arrangements.
• CO business processes mapping and establishment of localized internal Control Framework (ICF),  internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Finance, Human Resources Management, Procurement, Transport, Logistical and ICT services.
• Constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, timely readjustment of the operations, advice on legal considerations and risk assessment.
• Knowledge building and sharing with regards to management and operations in the CO, organization of the operations staff trainings, synthesis of lessons learnt/best practices, and sound contributions to UNDP knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Effective and accurate financial resources management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Proper planning, expenditure tracking and audit of financial resources, including extra-budgetary income in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Proper management of the contributions management business process and accounting for contributions to ensure that the money due to UNDP is properly identified, consistently and uniformly classified, recorded on a timely basis and received with sufficient supporting documentation.
• Performance of Manager Level 2 role in Atlas for voucher and Treasury transactions approvals, bank reconciliation. Approval of pending disbursements as the “third authority” (cheques, bank transfers, EFT). Approval of bank reconciliations.
• Organization of cost-recovery mechanisms for CO services provided to projects and UN Agencies, including ensuring preparation of proforma invoices for UN agencies.
• Organization and oversight of CO cash management processes, including liquidity management, recommendation of imprest level, risk assessment, bank relationship management; timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site.
• Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNDP staff at HQ of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
• Member of bank signatory panel.
• Transaction and stop payment approval on internet banking system.
• All financial transactions are identified, recorded and verified in compliance with IPSAS as outlined in the corporate policies and procedures

Ensures strategic human resources management in support to other UN agencies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• CO compliance with corporate human resources policies and strategies.
• Optimal staffing of the office and projects.
• Support to recruitment processes in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations, appropriate use of different contractual modalities, contracts management, OM performing the function of HR Manager in Atlas.

Ensures provision of efficient procurement and logistical services and supervision of the Procurement team  focusing on achievement of the following results:

• CO compliance with corporate rules and regulations in the field and elaboration of the CO  procurement strategies including sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement promotion and introduction, performance measurement.
• Elaboration of the CO contract strategy including tendering processes and evaluation, managing the contract and contractor, legal implications. Oversight of procurement processes and logistical services in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations, OM acting as Manager Level 2 in Atlas for Purchase orders approvals.
• Proper management of UNDP assets, facilities and logistical services, including full compliance with IPSAS in the accounting for the procurement, utilization and disposal of the CO’s assets.

Ensures forward-looking information and communication management and supervision of ICT team focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Use of Atlas functionality for improved business results and improved client services.
• Identification of opportunities and ways of converting business processes into web-based systems to address the issues of efficiency and full accountability.
• Maintenance of a secure, reliable infrastructure environment for ICT and adequate planning for disasters and recoveries.
• Identification and promotion of different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge sharing, information provision and learning including e-registry, web-based office management system, etc.

Ensures proper common services organization and management, establishment of partnerships with other UN Agencies focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Establishment of common services, maintenance of coordinating machinery to ensure integrated activities on common services and implementation of the UN reform.
• Elaboration of the strategic approach for implementation of common services in line with the latest developments in common services and the best practices.
• Proper planning and tracking of common services budget and of Agencies contributions to the common services account.
• Establishment of operational partnership with non-Resident Agencies and UNDP offices in the sub region

Functional Competencies:

Building Partnerships

Level 2: Identifying and building partnerships

• Effectively networks with partners seizing opportunities to build alliances
• Identifies needs and interventions for capacity building of counterparts, clients and potential partners
• Displays initiative, sets challenging outputs for him/herself and willingly accepts new work assignments

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 2: Developing tools and mechanisms

• Participates in the development of mechanisms, including identifying new approaches to promote individual and organizational learning and knowledge sharing using formal and informal methodologies

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 2: In-depth knowledge of own discipline

• Understands advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines (financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration)
• Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
• Continually looking for ways to enhance financial performance in the office

Promoting Organizational Change and Development

Level 2: Assisting the individuals to cope with change

• Performs appropriate work analysis and assists in redesign to establish clear standards for implementation

Design And Implementation of Management Systems

Level 2: Designing and implementing management system

• Makes recommendations regarding operation of systems within organizational units
• Identifies and recommends remedial measures to address problems in systems design or implementation

Client Orientation

Level 2: Contributing to positive outcomes for the client

• Anticipates client needs
• Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective
• Solicits feedback on service provision and quality

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management

Level 2: Input to the development of standards and policies

• Provides inputs to the development of organizational standards for accountability

Core Competencies:

• Building support and political acumen
• Building staff competence,  creating an environment of creativity and innovation
• Building and promoting effective teams
• Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication
• Creating an emotionally intelligent organization
• Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards
• Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Fair and transparent  decision making; calculated risk-taking

UNDP Certification programmes Prince2, Procurement, HR, Accounting and Finance

Education:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field.
• A Bachelor`s degree with at least 10 years of continuous service relevant experience on a United Nations FTA /CA/PA would be considered in lieu of the advanced university 

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems and establishing inter-relationships among international organization and national governments. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems and ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft. Strong knowledge of Excel is required
• Experience in Finances and/or auditing is highly desirable
• Certification in Procurement, HR Accounting and/or Finance is desirable.
• Experience of accrual accounting, IPSAS or IFRS is an added advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English  

Important applicant information

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

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