Administration Officer

Kyiv

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Kyiv
Grade: Junior level - LICA-8, Local Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Operations and Administrations
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Background - job specific

In Ukraine, UNOPS support to the partners in their reform agenda since 2017 spans the rule of law, social protection, demining, emergency response and security. The projects are funded by the EU, the Governments of Japan and Canada.

All projects have gender equality as a transversal theme, and have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives.

Following the increased militarisation around Ukraine’s borders as well as the recognition of the so-called Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics by the Russian Federation, the security situation in Ukraine deteriorated rapidly, with the launch of a military offensive by the Russian Federation on 24 February 2022. Armed violence escalated in at least eight oblasts (regions), including Kyivska oblast and the capital city of Kyiv, as well as in the eastern oblasts of Donetsk and Luhanska which were already affected by conflict. The towns of Mariupol, Kharkiv, Irpin were strongly affected, so resident civilians fled their homes en masse.

Martial law and a state of war were introduced in Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and the general mobilisation of all Ukrainian males between 18 and 60 years old was ordered, while the Ukrainian airspace was closed to civilian users.

The UNOPS immediately launched its Emergency Procurement Procedure (EPP) to enable a faster response to requirements related to the crisis. The EPP provided flexibility in procurement procedures while still ensuring adherence to essential public procurement principles.

The Administration Officer may supervise and lead the team of the administration personnel within the Country Office. The Administration Officer works in close collaboration with the support services, programme and project teams locally, UNOPS HQ colleagues, UN agencies and Government officials to successfully deliver administrative services.

Functional Responsibilities

This is a local position, it is therefore open to Nationals of Ukraine and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Summary of Key Functions

Management of UNOPS premises
Support to management on security-related issues
Management of administrative services and supervision of administrative team
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures management of UNOPS premises, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Overall management of office premises; follow-up with building owner regarding contractual arrangement/negotiation of office lease renewal in consultation with the Regional Office/Country Office/Multi Country Office management team.
Promotion of energy-saving and implementation of green office policy.
Scheduling and monitoring of maintenance/repair/washing/painting work of the office premises and environment. Supervision of the cleaning and maintenance team to ensure effective and efficient services be provided
Monitoring and ensuring the timeliness and quality of administrative tasks (e.g. cleaning and security guard service) on daily basis.

2. Ensures proper assistance to management on security-related issues, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Analysis and identification of potential issues related to security and proposal of strategies and options to management for review.
Guidance and supervision to the security guards for safeguarding the staff and premises
Preparation of quarterly Security Incident Reports.
Update of security briefing note and briefing of staff and UNOPS visitors on security-related matters.
UNOPS Staff List (including dependents) updated on a timely basis.

3. Ensures effective management of Country Office administrative services and supervision of the administrative team, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Monitoring and analysis of administrative services and recommendations for changes in policies, systems and procedures to ensure services are aligned with changing business needs and objectives

Ensuring UNOPS administrative resources are fully and properly accounted for and that internal control systems are adequate and functioning.
Assessment of expenditure in administration (office premises, assets, travel, etc.) for previous years; estimate of new requirements and preparation of budget plans for designated areas of work.
Collaboration in the administration of common premises to ensure efficiency, cost- effectiveness and timeliness of operations and services.
Negotiation of contracts with vendors and service providers to ensure cost-effective services and of quality and timely service.
Preparation and monitoring of the team work-plans. Supervision and guidance to the staff in the administrative team, including the drivers’ team, handyman and administration personnel, for satisfactory performance and client-oriented services.
Management of office vehicles and transportation service to ensure punctual transportation service is provided to the staff, UNOPS visitors and high officials on mission.
Supervision of the recording (inventory), disposal and transfer of office assets for the office; evaluation, on a regular basis, of the inventory status and transactions in the database, reporting anomalies and discrepancies for timely action.
Efficient and effective cooperation among different sub-teams in terms of achieving results.

Administrative advice and support to international staff and consultants (e.g. assist international staff and consultants in finding suitable housing according to their needs within a short time frame).
Drafting of correspondence and internal procedural directives relating to administrative matters
Administrative support to key events (e.g. conferences, VIP visits, UN Day, etc.) on a timely and quality basis.

4. Provides support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Organization of training for the operations/ projects staff on administrative-related topics.

Briefing/debriefing of staff members on issues relating to area of work
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in administration.

Competencies

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education

A first-level university degree preferably in Business or Public Administration, or related fields is required.
An advanced University degree may be accepted and substitute some years of experience.

B. Work Experience

2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in administrative management is required.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (e.g. Google Software) is required

C. Language requirements

Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Contract type, level and duration

This is a local position, it is therefore open to Nationals of Ukraine and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Contract type: Ongoing ICA
Contract level: Local ICA Specialist- LICA 8 (ICS8)
Contract duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or to
satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.