Afghanistan International Operations Manager (IOM)

VACANCY NO.: 1915

CLOSING DATE: 29 February 2012

POST TITLE: International Operations Manager

CATEGORY: ICS-10

POST NUMBER: 32996

POST TYPE: Rotational

DUTY STATION: Kabul, Afghanistan

DURATION: One year initially1

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Asia and the Pacific Region

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING:

The IOM will report directly to the UNFPA Representative. The IOM provides leadership and advice on all aspects of office management and operations. The IOM supervises a number of national staff involved in financé, budget, procurement, human resource management and general administration.

The IOM role will be to ensure a smooth functioning, well-managed and results oriented Office and to facilitate programme implementation and delivery by providing for the operational needs of programmes and projects managed at the duty station. The IOM will also contribute to ensuring the Office is strengthened and supported in its operations, needs and queries by ensuring corporate administrative management policies, regulations, rules and procedures are compatible with the regional needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Ensure a smooth functioning, well-managed and results-oriented Country office

• Serve as a member of the Country Office Team, and provide support to the UNFPA Representative in ensuring information flows, advice and support on operations issues related to the RO/SRO;

• Oversee operational and staffing requirements for the Country Office TORs and of the Country Programme and its component projects by participating in review meetings and assesses the managerial and operational capacities of the implementing partners, in close collaboration with the programme and technical team;

• Analyse operational aspects of project inputs under both national and UNFPA execution in terms of personnel, equipment, sub-contracts, procurement, training, etc.

• Ensure strategic and efficient management of office and programme financial resources, while exercising proper financial controls and adherence to corporate financial policies, rules and regulations. Reports both locally and to HQs in a timely manner on established structures. Seeks advice from Headquarters when deviation from rules and regulations may be necessary and proposes alternative solutions to meet programme and office objectives.

• Maintain optimal staffing of office and projects through timely provision and training of human resources applying HR tools and mechanisms and advises on appropriate contract modalities. Implement and monitor HR policies and incorporate HR systems including performance management in the office. Monitor implementation by service providers of entitlements (Benefits and salaries).

• Supervise the implementation of corporate financial, procurement and HR systems and ensure adequate training of staff and project personnel on these issues. Ensure a continuous and updated flow of information between country office and headquarters.

• Maintain oversight for the timely provision of goods and services for office and projects following established corporate procedures regarding sub-contract review and awarding of contracts, evaluates cost effectiveness and manages the negotiations in connection with eventual agreements.

• Manage UNFPA assets and liabilities and ensures proper inventory control.

• Ensure that UNFPA interests are reflected in common system activities related to common services and premises, cost-recovery, and cost-sharing arrangements, privileges and immunities, entitlements and salary surveys, security, etc. by participating actively in inter-agency meetings and working groups.

• Supervise national staff of the OM office and ensure that established procedures are being followed.

• Review and takes corrective action as appropriate on audit findings, advances, Purchase Orders and Requisitions, payments and other financial/administrative matters.

• Establish and maintain a harmonious working environment; seeking to strengthen team-building by encouraging active participation and interaction at all levels; foster staff development and empowerment.

B. Contribute to efficient operations at the country level, in close collaboration with the programme staff in the RO/SRO

• Provide support and advice to the programme associate and programme assistant as well as to other members to the technical and programme team in their programme and operations support to Cos, including on follow-up on audits recommendations; and take corrective action as appropriate on audit findings, advances, Purchase Orders and Requisitions, payments and other financial/administrative actions; • Promote network relationships for accessing and sharing knowledge in the region on operations matters; and • Support a continuous, up-to-date and accurate flow of information between the Country Offices and the RO/HQ. • Perform any other duties as may be required by the UNFPA Representative.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Commitment to UNFPA’s Values and Guiding Principles • Developing People/Fostering Innovation and Empowerment/Performance Management • Team Work/Communication/Self-Management • Strategic Thinking/Results Orientation and Commitment to Excellence/Decision Making • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Learning

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Business acumen • Implementing management systems • Innovation and marketing of new approaches • Client orientation • Organizational awareness • Job Knowledge/technical Expertise

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, information technology, economics or related field. 

• 5 years of proven relevant progressively responsible work experience in administration, HR management, finance, information technology and/or office management is desired,

• Excellent knowledge of the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations, UNFPA’s human resource management policies, financial rules and regulations and procurement. • Strong analytical and leadership skills • Proficiency in Atlas/PeopleSoft is desirable, word processing and other computerized applications; • Strong written and oral communication skills; • Field experience and knowledge of the Region is a strong asset • Fluency in English, working knowledge of Dari and/or Pashto is desirable.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.

We offer an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the position. The package includes a competitive net salary plus housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.

HOW TO APPLY:

UNFPA has established an electronic application management system. This allows applicants to create a candidate profile, which can be updated regularly and submitted for more than one vacancy. Download the Step by Step Guide to Applying in the E-Recruit System of UNFPA at http://www.unfpa.org/employment/application_guide.doc. Please print out the Guide for your reference during the registration and application process

Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

No expectancy of renewal in accordance with UN Staff Regulation 4.5

How to apply:

UNFPA has established an electronic application management system. This allows applicants to create a candidate profile, which can be updated regularly and submitted for more than one vacancy. Download the Step by Step Guide to Applying in the E-Recruit System of UNFPA at http://www.unfpa.org/employment/application_guide.doc. Please print out the Guide for your reference during the registration and application process

Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.