Support Services Manager

Peace and Security Cluster

Background Information - UNMAS Palestine Response

The PSC Palestine Project Unit operates as an integral part of Peace and Security Cluster structure. The Head of the Palestine Project Unit reports to the PSC Director who provides direction and guidance. S/he is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and closing all projects in the country in order to support substantive partners in delivering its mandate. 

In Palestine, PSC’s partner is the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and UNMAS’ representative in-country is the Chief of Mine Action Programme (CMAP). The CMAP is therefore the HPU’s primary stakeholder. UNOPS PSC and UNMAS have developed a delineation of responsibilities, using a responsibility matrix to define who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. The HPU is expected to work in close cooperation with the CMAP, ensuring that, in substance, the Palestine mine action programme operates as one integrated team.

This position is under the supervision of the Head of Support Services in the UNMAS Palestine programme. 

The Support Services Manager reports to the Head of Support Services and guides the Support Services Team in the Palestine Programme, fosters collaboration within the team as well as the client-oriented approach. The Support Services Manager works in close collaboration with a number of local internal stakeholders, relevant partners as well as colleagues in HQ - to successfully deliver operations services.

The Support Services Manager acts as an advisor to Senior Management on all aspects of the office management and operations. This includes strategic financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, ICT, transportation and vehicle management, administration and security, in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations. The main purpose of the role is to ensure the right support is in place for current and upcoming projects, balancing operational and project priorities, whilst ensuring effective, efficient and consistent support service provision across the project portfolio and internally.

• Management of the Operations/Support Services of the Office, namely procurement, logistics, finance, administration and human resources - facilitating effective, efficient and consistent support service provision to projects and all activities under the Office.

• Support the Head of Project Unit and Operational teams in delivering their targeted results

• Collaborate with relevant colleagues to identify the need, determine cost and pro-actively plan support services. 

• Monitor and supervise all aspects of operations to ensure compliance with corporate strategies, UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity and achievement of results. Ensure proper implementation of standards and operating procedures

• Monitor effectiveness of support services, to ensure optimum client service and satisfaction. Drive timely readjustment and improvements of the operations.

2. Knowledge Management and project planning support

• Provide assistance and support to the project budget preparation, revisions and work planning

• Provide advice on goal setting, targets and performance standards for projects and recommend tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing.

• Provide advice on project cost sharing, deployment of funds and closure.

• Establish appropriate tracking systems to share progress within and across oPt teams regarding support services achievements and liaise with the Head of Support Services to ensure team uses best practices at all times. 

3. Procurement and logistics

• Supervise the Office procurement processes, including tendering processes and evaluation and supplier selection, to ensure viable procurement solutions that meet operational needs and compliance with UNOPS procurement procedures, regulations and standard of accountability, ethics, integrity and performance.

• Liaise with required logistics counterparts, advocate for entry of goods needed for UNMAS and its stakeholders into Gaza 

• Provide guidance on all logistics, asset management and procurement matters. Oversee the logistics of goods and equipment on project sites to confirm delivery and safe warehousing.

• Develop and implement a vehicle management and maintenance system in accordance with UNOPS vehicle management policy and procedures and with the support of the Security focal points in Gaza 

• Manage the repair and maintenance for all equipment

5. Human Resources management

• Support the Head of Support Services in required recruitment and human resources actions as needed

• Promote and support a learning culture by empowering individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plan/provide easy access to learning opportunities to maintain personnel competency and flexibility. Definition of training plans for personnel involved in the delivery of support services

• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant work experience is required; OR 
• First-level University Degree (Bachelor degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant work experience is required. 

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in managing support services including one or more of the following: human resources, logistics and asset management, finance, procurement, contract management, administration, operations management at the national or international level. 
• Experience with ERP systems or similar platforms is required. 
• Experience in Logistics and Asset Management is highly desired. 

• Fluency in English (writing, speaking, reading) is required.

• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.