Country Manager

UNOPS Bangladesh

UNOPS has been present in Bangladesh since 2003, initially providing operational support programme focusing on police reforms and disaster management. The presence has significantly grown since then with UNOPS being appointed as Local Fund Agent for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Bangladesh.

In 2014, UNOPS established formal representation in Bangladesh as a response to a request from the Executive Board of UNOPS to provide more substantial support to the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) across various areas, including organisational capacity development and integrating resilient infrastructure approaches. The office currently provides capacity development support to several GOB infrastructure related agencies and some key national NGOs with a focus at improving operational capacities within the sectors of procurement, human resources management, finance and internal control, and project management.

Moving forward, UNOPS, in line with its global priorities is expanding its portfolio within Bangladesh to provide more significant support in the sectors of resilient infrastructure, fund management and operational efficiency with an emphasis on building national capacities, improving resilience of communities and supporting in the implementation of SDGs.

The UNOPS Bangladesh office has an ongoing portfolio of approximately 25 Mil USD and 15 personnel. There are significant opportunities for growth and contribution to the achieving SDGs in country. To date, UNOPS has not had a resident Country Manager and thus has not fully capitalized on our positioning and partnerships. This position will play a key role in achieving this objective. The Head of Office represents UNOPS on behalf of the OSAC Manager in the country of his/her responsibilities. The OSAC Manager provides general direction and guidance for the role. The Head of Office will lead all project and business development activities, while representing UNOPS with government, non-government and UN stakeholders. The Head of office will also ensure the timely and effective delivery of programmes and projects in Bangladesh.


Summary of key results:

1. Alliance building, networking, business development and advocacy
2. Representation on behalf of the OSAC Manager and inter-agency coordination
3. Office management, delivery and quality assurance
4. Knowledge management and innovation

1.      Portfolio and Business Development, alliance building, networking and advocacy

• Lead the review and analysis of country needs relevant to UNOPS areas of expertise, and engage/network with all relevant stakeholders incl. government, UN and development partners – in close consultation with the hub director;
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships in the country 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 OSAC Manager informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme management and business development in the country;
• Establish priorities, in consultation with the OSAC Manager 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.
• Advocate on behalf of UNOPS around key topics relevant to UNOPS expertise, and ensure that UNOPS positioning is aligned with the SDG framework.
• Provide advice to the OSAC Manager and peers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS’ sustainable contribution to the achievement of results in the country.
• Be accountable for the close monitoring and fiscal prudence related to the Management Budget.
• Be accountable to the OSAC Manager to achieve annual targets agreed with ARO for  the country in terms of delivery, net engagement revenue, net revenue, engagement acquisition and engagement revenue addition. 

2.      Representation on behalf of the OSAC Manager and inter-agency coordination

• On behalf of the OSAC Manager 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.
• On behalf of the OSAC Manager represent UNOPS in the UN Country Team (UNCT), and supports the UNCT programming and advocacy activities.
• Participate 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.
• Actively represent UNOPS' role and participation in UN common engagement tools.

• 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.
• Participate 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.
• 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 UNDAF.

3.      Office Management

• Contribute to the development of the Office strategy in collaboration with the OSAC Manager and head of support services
• Recommend and/or determine priorities and supervise the implementation of work plans to manage the strategic and operational risks associated with the Office programme of engagements.
• Disseminate all relevant information and knowledge to the team in relation to UNOPS, UN issues and other strategic issues.
• In collaboration with the team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
• Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives and take decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned.
• Plan and propose to the OSAC Manager required resources (human, financial and administrative) to ensure financial sustainability in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics and integrity.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS personnel, 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.

5.      Knowledge management and innovation

• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices approaches in the delivery of regional portfolio.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.
• Network and liaise with relevant departments at UNOPS regional and HQ offices for knowledge sharing

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.