Country Manager

Job categories Project Management, Leadership, Programme Management

Vacancy code VA/2023/B5104/25597

Level ICS-11

Department/office MR, AMMMCO, Amman

Duty station Baghdad, Iraq

Contract type Fixed Term

Contract level P4

Duration One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

Application period 07-Mar-2023 to 28-Mar-2023

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

This vacancy is closed.

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Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS AMMMCO - Operational Hub in Amman is recruiting for this position: Country Manager based in Baghdad, Iraq.

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.

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. 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.

As part of the Multi Country Office set up, a Project 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. Project Office also manages the operational risks associated with the Project Office’s portfolio of engagements.

UNOPS has been active in Iraq since 2004, delivering 104 projects worth over USD 360 million. UNOPS has a strong relationship with its key counterparts at both central and regional government levels in Iraq. UNOPS supports its country office in Baghdad and its sub-office in Erbil from its Hub in Amman, where support services are centralized.

UNOPS current portfolio in Iraq currently comprises 16 ongoing projects and amounts to USD 54 million. As the operational arm of the UN, UNOPS implements projects in infrastructure, procurement, and project management, and has focused its intervention in Iraq on contributing to the following sectors:

Health, across all governorates
Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of infrastructure, including municipal services (WASH, roads, street lighting, WASH and waste management) and war-damaged shelters, in Anbar and Ninewa governorates
Sustainable energy solutions, in Anbar and Ninewa governorates
Protection and humanitarian response, through the management and operationalization of the Iraq Information Center, on behalf of the Humanitarian Country Team, across all Iraq
Electoral support to UNAMI, across all Iraq, and operational support (HR/procurement) to other UN agencies

As an active member of the UN Country Team, UNOPS contributes to Strategic Priorities of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2020-2024.

In terms of national partners and counterparts, UNOPS has a longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Health and Environment (MoHE), while also strengthening its cooperation with local governorates, primarily in Anbar and Ninewa governorates.

Ongoing UNOPS projects in Iraq are funded by the World Bank, KfW, the US (USAID and Department of State), AICS, Japan, UNHCR, WHO, WFP, UN Habitat and UNFPA.

The Project Office operates as an integral part of the Multi Country Office management structure. The Country Manager reports to the Multi Country Office Director who provides strategic direction, oversight and guidance. He/she will also works in close collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the Head of Programme. The Country Manager role is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and supervising the delivery of engagements and operations in a given country - that includes liaison and engagement development activities as well as delivering timely and cost effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key results: People leadership Project Office...

Summary of key results:

People leadership
Project Office portfolio management
Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development
Service delivery and quality assurance
Representation and inter-agency partnership
Knowledge management and innovation

1. People leadership

Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability within the Project Office.
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, harrasment, sexual harrasment 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.

2. Project Office portfolio management

Under the guidance and oversight from the MCO Director and the Head of Programme, develop proposals and prepare project agreements in connection with identified opportunities.
Plan and propose to the Multi Country Office Director required resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Office.
Establish the strategies and implementation plans for the Project Office.
In collaboration with the partners, develop the objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility.
Under the guidance from the MCO Director and with the support of the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, the Country Manager manages the overall HSSE performance in the Project Office while overseeing the implementation of all HSSE requirements
In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation, 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.

3. Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development

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 under the guidance from the Multi Country Office Director) 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 through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners.
Keep the Multi Country Office Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management and business development.

4. Service delivery and quality assurance

In close collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for ensuring excellence of business processes and quality standards as well as ensure direct operational support for delivery of the Project Office programmes/projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
Monitor and oversee programme/project implementation, review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Multi Country Office, for action and/or intervention.
Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Project Office, including submitting financial reports to the Multi Country Office Director.

5. Representation and inter-agency partnership

Participate, as delegated by the Multi Country Office Director, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UNSDCF, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.
On behalf of the MCO Director, participate in any UN country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.
In alignment with the MCO Director, keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within [country name] through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF or equivalent.

6. Knowledge management and innovation

Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.
Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.
Plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Country Manager directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Office, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

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. 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

Education: An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or hig...

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed-term appointment (staff) Contract level: P4 (ICS11) Contrac...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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.
Baghdad is classified as a hardship duty station and a non-family duty station.

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.

This vacancy is closed.

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APPLICATION TIPS

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TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

We are proud of our people. The UNOPS family brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf on our partners. Spread across 80 countries, our workforce is rich in diversity and culture – with inclusion at its core.

We understand the importance of balancing professional and personal demands and offer several flexible working options.

Explore what we offer here.