Director [Multi Country Office]

Job categories Leadership

Vacancy code VA/2023/B5302/27204

Level ICS-13

Department/office AFR, SNMCO, Senegal MCO

Duty station Dakar, Senegal

Contract type Fixed Term

Contract level D1

Duration 2 years initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance

Application period 19-Dec-2023 to 31-Jan-2024

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

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.

The Multi-Country Office is responsible for providing strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight, and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the locations of the entire Multi-Country Office (MCO). It is also responsible for developing, delivering, and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

The Senegal Multi-Country Office (SNMCO) is one of five MCOs within the Africa Region in UNOPS. Reporting to and under the general guidance and oversight from the Regional Director, the MCO Director directs and manages all delivery and operations under the Multi-Country Office scope - which includes liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

The MCO Director represents UNOPS on behalf of the Regional Director in Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo Benin, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Egypt. The subregion may be under reorganization during 2024.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions: People leadership Multi-Country Of...

Summary of functions:

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

1. People Leadership

Create, foster, and role model a culture of trust, empowerment, and accountability across the Multi-Country Office locations.
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, harassment, sexual harassment 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. Multi Country Office portfolio management

Develop the strategy for the entire Multi Country Office, establish priorities and oversee the implementation of the portfolio, managing the operational risks associated with the Multi Country Office portfolio of engagements.
Lead the MCO in the delivery of the UNOPS strategic plan and development and implementation of the annual business plan.
In collaboration with the MCO team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
Guide, endorse and oversee the proposals and project document agreements in connection with identified opportunities across the Multi Country Office.
Set and endorse the objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner-oriented services across the Multi Country Office
Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives and take decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned.
Plan, propose to the Regional Director 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.
Is responsible for managing the overall HSSE performance across the entire MCO while holding the accountability for the implementation of all HSSE requirements.
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) 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 and assess the needs of national governments and other UNOPS partners operating in the geographical coverage area, to identify and plan with them 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 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 and existing partners.
Keep Regional Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for portfolio management and business development in the geographical area.

4. Service delivery and quality assurance

With the support from the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, ensure appropriate arrangements for building excellence of business processes and quality standards.
Build capability and ensure direct operational support for the units within the MCO.
Monitor and supervise the overall timely and cost-effective delivery of the Multi Country Office portfolio(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 the Multi Country Office portfolio
Provide advice to the Regional Director, peers and Country Managers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS’ contribution to the achievement of partners results in the geographical area.
Ensure internal performance and quality management for the Multi Country Office, including tracking, monitoring and reporting on project delivery and financials.
Evaluate performance to measure efficacy and alignment of the Multi Country Office with organizational/regional strategy and compliance with UNOPS standards of accuracy, transparency and accountability, and ensure that service delivery reinforces business development objectives.

5. 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 contribute to the formulation and implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, Integrated Strategic Framework, and Delivering as One within the country of the main office for the Multi Country Office.
Is accountable to the Resident Coordinator for actions as part of the UNCT, makes substantial contributions to the 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 ensuring UNOPS active role in the Operations Management Teams (OMTs) and other senior management groups 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.

6. 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, regional and national 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.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the incumbent directly impacts on the development and performance of the portfolio, 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.

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 A Master’s Degree or equivalent in relevant field such...

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) Contract level: D1...

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.
The MCO Director represents UNOPS on behalf of the Regional Director in Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo Benin, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Egypt. The subregion may be under reorganization during 2024.

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.