The Operations Center Director has 7 main focuses :
Manages and supervises all UNOPS Operations at the OC level;
Ensures the self sustainability of the Operations Center;
Effective institutional and organizational cooperation resulting in well-coordinated results and which contributes to a stronger UN presence;
Increases the profile, partnerships and business in developing a vision and strategic plan to position UNOPS as a viable and attractive service provider of choice in the region or country;
Increases the effectiveness and quality of delivery of the OC portfolio in guiding Project Managers;
Ensures the timely completion of quality projects within budget limits and with full cost recovery
Provides support to the Regional Director and the Executive Office with regard to the regional and global enhancement of UNOPS as a respected service provider
In particular, the OC Director:
Assesses the requirements of the host Government and other UNOPS clients such as bilateral and multilateral donors, IFI’s and the UN system, in order to identify and pursue opportunities to deliver UNOPS’ services.
Oversees, manages and controls the project portfolio of the Operation Center (OC), ensuring overall accountability with strict respect of all rules and regulations of UNOPS.
Acts as UNOPS coordination point with the UNCT, the Representatives of UN Agencies, donor agencies, and other international cooperation entities to ensure adequate coordination of the activities of UNOPS in the country, discusses problems and seeks solutions to issues that may arise;
Leads a team of programme managers and specialists which aligns organizational capacities to meet specific needs of the client community within the broader mandate of UNOPS; maintains appropriate arrangements and capacity for direct transactional support for delivery of the Operations Centre portfolio. Finds creative solutions to ensure smooth and effective project delivery.
Controls a Delegation of $250,000 to oversee and approve contracts, and waivers, and ensure proper submissions to the relevant UNOPS contracts committee above that limit;
Put in place a proper internal control framework according to UNOPS rules and develop internal performance tracking and reporting tools from both a financial and project delivery management perspective;
Assesses the requirements of Governments and other UNOPS direct/indirect clients and in conjunction with them, identifies and develops opportunities for UNOPS to provide services;
Develops a strong analytical vision with regard to the overall business and development environment.
Oversees formulation of proposals, project documents and agreements in connection with identified opportunities and in cooperation with the clients;
Builds up the capacity of the Operation Center in accordance with UNOPS’ standards and in proportion to the business acquired and implemented;
Communicates activities with UN system partners, UNOPS Regional and Headquarters offices, other clients, media and with the Governments and keeps them informed of UNOPS activities;
Provides financial and administrative reports to the Regional Director in the areas of business delivery and development; Monitors and controls programme/project implementation, reviews progress, identifies constraints and takes corrective action ensuring proper early warning and risk alerts to the Regional Office;
Coordinates activities with other UN Agencies and clusters on behalf of UNOPS on Inter-Agency matters, and ensures timely distribution of information to all relevant UNOPS staff;
Maintains regular contacts and liaise with the appropriate level at Government entities to provide programme information and clarification in order to ensure appropriate application of privileges and immunities as they apply in the country.
Reviews and develops the management team at the OC level and ensure proper distribution of activities;
Represents UNOPS in the framework of the UN Country Team and Security Management Team.
Ensure that the main values of the organization: independence, loyalty, accountability, respect for human rights, impartiality and integrity, are adhered to by all UNOPS personnel and at all times.
Represents UNOPS in the UN Country Team (UNCT), and supports the UNCT programming and advocacy activities; Participates actively and effectively in UNCT meetings, and contributes to the formulation and implementation of United Nations Development Assistance Framework/One Programme, Integrated Strategic Framework, and Delivering as One within the country; 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; Participates 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; Keeps 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 UNDAF .