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Country/Multi-Country Office Director Talent Bench and Global Roster (ICS 13)

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location:
  • Grade: Senior level - P-6, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Youth
    • Legal - Broad
    • Leadership
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

At UNOPS, we strive for excellence! We work in challenging environments around the world and we best serve people in need by being able to fill business critical roles very quickly.

In order to strengthen our capacity to meet our future needs to fill business critical roles, UNOPS has an ambitious and proactive recruitment approach: the Talent Benches and Global Rosters.  
Talent Benches (Internal Candidates Only): are part of UNOPS’ Talent Management initiatives, to further strengthen the capacity to identify and develop internal talent and to enable succession planning for business critical roles.

Global Rosters(External Candidates Only): also for business critical roles, we establish rosters which are pools of assessed candidates who can be recruited  in an efficient manner once a vacancy arises. 
Talent Bench and Global Roster members will be considered first once a vacancy for a business critical role arises. As a member you will remain on the Talent Bench and the Global Roster for a duration of 3 years.

UNOPS is looking for candidates who are internationally mobile and who could accept a job offer within the next 12 to 18 months.

The Talent Bench and Global Roster are part of UNOPS’ Talent Management initiative to further increase diversity among business critical roles.
Further information about UNOPS and its international activities can be found hereFor further information about the talent bench/global roster, please subscribe to the upcoming webinar taking place on the 2nd of November. Please send an email to talentbenches@unops.org and we shall get back to you with further details about the login details and schedule.

Note to all applicants: 

  • Candidates with experience from country offices will be given special consideration, work experience in "non-family" and hardship duty stations being an asset;
  • Candidates selected to be part of the talent bench or roster are expected to be reasonably mobile;
  • At UNOPS we take pride in ensuring that the people we hire and our culture reflect and celebrate diversity of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality and disability status. If you require an accommodation for the application, recruitment or interview process please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Please ensure to update your "UNOPS Jobs" user profile  with your most recent work experience as well as fill in the following questionnaire so that we can better understand your profile (Questionnaire).

Functional Responsibilities

The Country Office/Multi-Country Office is responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements and cost effective services contributing to partners' sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results. CO/MCO also manages the operational risks associated with its portfolio of engagements.

Reporting to and under the general guidance and oversight from the Regional Director, the CO/MCO Director directs and manages all delivery within the CO/MCO scope, including liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

The CO/MCO Director represents UNOPS on behalf of the Regional Director in the country/ies.
Summary of key results:
  1. People leadership
  2. CO/MCO portfolio management
  3. Alliance building, networking and advocacy 
  4. Service delivery and quality assurance
  5. Representation and inter-agency coordination
  6. Knowledge management and innovation
People Leadership
  • Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability within the CO/MCO

  • Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

  • Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrasement, sexual harrasement and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments. 

  • Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity, by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team, to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

  • Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.

CO/MCO portfolio management
  • Develop the strategy for the CO/MCO, establish priorities and oversee the implementation of the portfolio, managing the operational risks associated with the CO/MCO portfolio of engagements. 

  • Lead the CO/MCO in the delivery of the UNOPS strategic plan and development and implementation of the annual business plan.

  • In collaboration with the CO/MCO team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services. 

  • Guide, endorse and oversee the proposals and project document agreements in connection with identified opportunities for the CO/MCO.

  • Set the objectives, 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, propose to the Regional Director and allocate the resources required (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.

  • Is responsible for managing the overall HSSE performance in the CO/MCO while holding the accountability for the implementation of all HSSE requirements.

  • Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS personnel and their eligible dependents, assets, property and information within the respective area of responsibility.
  • In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the CO/MCO including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.

Alliance building, networking and advocacy 
  • Keep abreast and assess the needs of national governments and other UNOPS partners operating in the geographical coverage area, to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.

  • Build and strengthen strategic partnerships in the geographical coverage area through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management to develop opportunities and engagements with new and existing partners.

  • Keep Regional Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for portfolio management and business development in the geographical area.

Service delivery and quality assurance
  • With the support from the Head of Support Services and the Head of Programme, ensure appropriate arrangements for building excellence of business processes and quality standards. 

  • Monitor and supervise the overall timely and cost-effective delivery of the CO/MCO portfolio 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 CO/MCO portfolio

  • Provide advice to the Regional Director and peers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS’ contribution to the achievement of partners results in the geographical area.

  • Ensure internal performance and quality management for the CO/MCO, including tracking, monitoring and reporting on project delivery and financials.
  • Evaluate performance to measure efficacy and alignment of the CO/MCO with organizational/regional strategy and compliance with UNOPS standards of accuracy, transparency and accountability, and ensure that service delivery reinforces business development objectives.

Representation and inter-agency coordination 
  • Represent UNOPS in relevant inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to promote the organization, influence policy discussion and identify potential areas for UNOPS partnership and engagement.

  • Represent UNOPS in the UN Country Team (UNCT), and support the UNCT programming and advocacy activities.

  • Participate actively and effectively in UNCT meetings, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, Integrated Strategic Framework, and Delivering as One within the country of the main office for the Multi Country Office.

  • Is accountable to the Resident Coordinator for actions as part of the UNCT, makes substantial contributions to the UNCT’s work, and assumes a leadership role as relates to UNOPS’ mandate.

  • Participate in UNCT initiatives to strengthen UN coherence, inclusiveness, and aid effectiveness, including ensuring UNOPS active role in the Operations Management Teams (OMTs) and other senior management groups of the country team.

  • Keep UN Resident Coordinator abreast of UNOPS activities within the CO/MCO through regular communication, including a formal regular reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF.

Knowledge management and innovation 
  • Lead the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices approaches in the delivery of the regional portfolio.

  • Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.

  • Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:
  • An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) combined with fifteen (15) years of relevant experience OR 
  • A First level University degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with seventeen (17) years of relevant experience is required.
Work experience
  • A minimum of 15 years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in international development, business development, operations and/or program management in a large international and/or corporate organization.
  • At least 5 years of senior leadership experience including supervising senior professional staff and managing financial sustainability of operations, including at least 3 years in a CO/MCO. 
  • Experience working in developing countries is desirable.
  • Experience in hardship or post conflict environments is desirable.
  • Experience partnering with the public sector on developing, implementing and/or evaluating  projects and programs of high national relevance is a distinctive advantage.

Language Requirements:

  • Full working knowledge of English is essential. 
  • Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is a strong asset.
  • Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset. 

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)
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.

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET).
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Duty Station: Various UNOPS Country/Multi-Country Offices
Contract type: Fixed Term or IICA
Contract level: ICS 13 (D1 - IICA4)

Contract duration: 
  • Fixed-term staff contracts - 'One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability'
  • Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’
For more details about United Nations staff contracts as well as the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx
This vacancy is now closed.
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