🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – 2 Positions

As the Country Office is transitioning into a new CPD with potential increase in resource mobilization with targeted programme delivery of $20M per year, the need of a resident Operations Manager remains very critical to reinforce the existing capacities to efficiently and effectively deliver the country programmes and projects.
Thus, to ensure proper resources and results management, the Office intends to recruit a resident Operations Manager  with very strong programmatic and Operations profile under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative P/O in support of optimal results and resource management, transparency, accountability, clients delivery.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Operations Manager will advise Senior Management on all aspects of CO management and operations. The Operations Manager is responsible for strategic financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, and ICT and consistency with UNDP rules and regulations. The incumbent supports policy settings and methods to maximize the CO performance in operations demonstrating capacity for innovation and creativity and providing advice to Senior Management on readjustment of the operations to consider changes in the operating environment as and when needed.
Job Purpose

The UNDP Operations Manager leads the Operations Team in delivering efficient, client-oriented support for program and project implementation, overseeing adherence to corporate requirements such as certifications, verifications, and sample testing to ensure compliance with office standards. The Operations Manager provides strategic guidance and advisory services on procurement, human resources, program finance, and enterprise risk management. The role ensures consistent service delivery to the Country Office (CO), UNDP programs and projects, and UN common services. The Operations Manager leads the CO Operations Team and fosters collaboration within the team and with other UN agencies, adhering to rules and maintaining a client-oriented approach. Working closely with program and project teams, as well as operations staff from other UN agencies and the Regional Bureau for Africa, the Operations Manager coordinates comprehensive operations and implementation support work streams. This includes accelerating the speed and quality of client-oriented services by identifying gaps and bottlenecks and devising new and improved ways of working. The role leverages UNDP's enterprise resource planning (ERP-Quantum) systems, performance tracking tools, and global service centers for financial and other operational support services.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads and ensures that the Operations Team acts as an efficient and client-oriented resource for programme and project implementation activities, guides and oversees corporate requirements, including certifications, verifications, sample testing are met by the office;
• Provides authoritative advisory services on procurement, human resources, programme finance and enterprise risk management, in consultation with relevant RBA and Bureau of Management Services (BMS) staff.
• Support the preparation of Annual Integrated Work Plan that includes benchmarks for programme delivery, resource allocation, and consolidated pipelines in collaboration with country office senior management and programme/operations teams;
• As a member of the Country Office management team, provides advice to the Head of Office on financial sustainability, cost recovery and inter-agency operational issues;
• Ensures provision of high-quality advice on programme resource management and revenue management;
• Ensures compliance of project and programme management actions to ensure that they are implemented consistently and in accordance with corporate standards;
• Responsible for office business processes mapping and development of key Standard Operating Procedures (SOP); identifies opportunities for converting business processes into web-based systems to enhance efficiency and accountability;
• Performs delegated tasks and back stopping support as and when requested by office senior management.

2.) Oversees effective and accurate financial resource management, efficient procurement management, strategic human resources management and Assets and ICT Management.

• Performs the function of Senior Manager in Quantum and works closely with the Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in Kuala Lumpur and performing oversight on financial transactions;
• Manage the country office's integrated work planning and budgeting process, including monitoring and reporting in partnership with other relevant teams in the country office.
• Oversee the Delivery Enabling Services (DPC) and cost-recovery systems for services provided to projects and other UN agencies, including accurate forecasting, planning, and reporting of extra-budgetary income.
• Manage the proper management of contributions, ensuring business process and accounting for contributions to ensure money due to UNDP is properly identified, uniformly classified, and received with sufficient supporting documentation.
• Oversee country office cash management processes, including timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, and ensure security for cash assets on site in coordination with the GSSC.
• Oversee the country office's compliance with corporate rules and regulations in the field and establish and manage the CO procurement and contract management strategies.
• Oversee country office compliance with corporate human resources policies and strategies, supporting senior management in ensuring optimal staffing of the office and projects.
• Liaise with GSSC in Copenhagen and Malaysia to ensure offshored human resources services are provided without interruption to the office, including recruitment, contracting, and related tasks.
• Facilitate knowledge building and management, documentation of lessons learned and good practices, and innovation and knowledge transfer at the country, regional, and global levels.
• Manage UNDP assets, facilities, and logistical services efficiently and in line with corporate standards.
• Plan and manage business continuity actions, including adequately planning for disasters and recovery.
• Map office business processes and develop key Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for streamlined operations.
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and accountability through digital transformation and web-based systems.
• Oversee the maintenance and security of ICT infrastructure in the country office, ensuring compliance with UNDP's policies, protocols, and standards while supporting operational excellence.
• Collaborate with the ICT team and global service centers to manage upgrades, resolve issues, and maintain optimal system performance, including cybersecurity and data protection measures.
• Facilitate staff training and support on ICT tools and systems, ensuring they are equipped to effectively use technology while planning business continuity strategies for resilience and recovery.

3.) Efficient provision of UN common services, back-office support, security, and transactional services to clients

• Coordinates UNDP actions in the UN inter-agency Operations Management Team (OMT);
• Oversees efficient provision of client-oriented transactional services in human resources, procurement, finance and administration to UN agencies and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office;
• Elaborates strategic approaches to implementation of common services in line with the UN Development System reform, the latest developments in common services and relevant best practices;
• Acts as UNDP lead on common services (as determined by UN Country Team), and is responsible for coordinated action to ensure integrated activities on common services and implementation of the UN reform;
• Leads and supports inter-agency efforts towards or management of common premises and common back- office plans, as relevant;
• Ensures the implementation of appropriate cost recovery measures for the provision of common services and other support to UN entities, as relevant; oversees common services budget and monitors Agencies’ contributions to the common services account, as relevant;
• Responsible for efficient implementation of security measures mandated in the overall Security Plan and/or agreed in the Security Management Team.

4.) Team Building

• Guide and mentor the Operations Team to foster a positive and collaborative work environment, conducting performance evaluations and providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
• Lead initiatives to promote staff learning and engagement by supporting training, development, and knowledge sharing opportunities within the team.
• Facilitate effective teamwork and cooperation by coordinating with different teams and external service centers to ensure smooth resolution of issues and maintain optimal performance across operations.

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity