Director, Country Office

Yangon

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Yangon
Grade: Senior Executive level - D-1, Director - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The UNOPS Myanmar Country Office (MMCO) has been established to better support, develop and oversee the UNOPS portfolio of programmes and projects in Myanmar with focus on health programmes, livelihood and rural development, and peace and justice. MMCO ensures that synergies between projects are effectively developed.

The MMCO portfolio currently comprises several programmes and projects, including fund management of the multi-donor Access to Health Fund, the Livelihoods and Food Security Fund, the Joint Peace Fund, the Nexus Response Mechanism. MMCO also supports the Asia Region Health Cluster that has been designated as Principal Recipient of the GFATM for Myanmar. MMCO is also expanding its infrastructure and procurement services in Myanmar (as well as advisory Services when appropriate). UNOPS MMCO has worked in the country since 1996, contributing to the achievements of a range of partners, including governments, bilateral donors and United Nations organizations.

The Director & Representative represents UNOPS in Myanmar on behalf of the Regional Director who provides general direction and guidance. The Director and Representative directs and manages all operations under MMCO that includes liaison and engagement development activities, stakeholder management, and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners.

Functional Responsibilities

Country Office management

Develop MMCO strategy, establish priorities and hold an overall oversight over the operations and portfolio delivery.
Ensure that MMCO strategy supports the Regional Strategy and priorities.
In collaboration with the team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, 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 and allocate resources (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.
Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the MMCO management team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, 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.
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) in Myanmar, including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and performing duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.
As a member of the Senior Management Asia Region Team (SMART), actively contribute and support towards the formulation and implementation of the regional strategy, initiatives and targets.

Alliance building, networking and advocacy

Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the country, to identify and plan with them (and the Regional Director) areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.
Actively represent UNOPS’ role and participation in UN common engagement tools.
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 partners. Establish strong stakeholder management.
Keep Regional Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme management and business development in the geographical area.

Service delivery and quality assurance

Monitor and supervise the overall timely and cost-effective delivery of the MMCO programme(s) 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 MMCO programme(s), including compliance with financial report submissions.
Provide advice to the Regional Director and peers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS’ sustainable contribution to the achievement of results in the geographical area.
Establish internal performance and quality control systems for the MMCO, including tracking, monitoring and reporting on project delivery and financials.
Evaluate performance to measure efficacy and alignment of MMCO 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 contributes to the formulation and implementation of UNSDCF/One Programme.
Is accountable to the Resident Coordinator for actions as part of the UNCT, makes substantial contribution to 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 playing an active role in the Operations Management Teams (OMTs) and other senior management group of the country team.
Keep UN Resident Coordinator abreast of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication, including a formal regular reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF (or equivalent).

Knowledge management and innovation

Lead the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices approaches in the delivery of project services.
Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.
Lead the planning, implementation and organization of 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:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field (including business management, economics, civil engineering, international affairs, public health) is required.

A relevant first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of a Master’s/advanced university degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 10 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 teams and managing budgets, including at least 3 years in a country office.

Prior work experience in Myanmar is an asset.

Prior work experience in the Asia Region is preferred.

Strong understanding and prior experience working with UN Country Teams is an asset.

Language requirements:

Full working knowledge of English is essential. Excellent presentation skills are required.

Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset. Knowledge of Myanmar 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.

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. 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Staff
Contract level: ICS13/D-1
Contract duration:One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Considerations

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.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
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
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
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.

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.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

This vacancy is now closed.
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