I. 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. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
Located in Kinshasa, DRC the UNOPS Hub in Central Africa (CDOH) covers eleven countries, including The Central African Republic (CAR). The Hub has developed strong working relations with the international partners (Development Finance Institutions), UN agencies including UN Missions and the Government of Central Africa over the years. It provides implementation services and solutions as well advisory services areas including infrastructure rehabilitation and development (across health, education, public works, governance/public administration sectors), procurement and project management.
Based in Bangui, CAR, UNOPS is looking for a Country Manager to manage the programme and stakeholders and lead the business development activities. The Country Manager reports directly to the Hub Director who provides direction and general supervision and to the Hub Head of Programme as the secondary supervisor. It is the most strategic role for UNOPS in CAR. The Country Manager is responsible for programme development planning and programme implementation. The role contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of UNOPS in sustainable project management, sustainable infrastructure and sustainable procurement.
II. Functional Responsibilities
Summary of key results: Programme governance, implementation and monitoring
Programme development and planning Manage
Programme resources including people Partnership development, networking and advocacy
Knowledge management and innovation Representation
1. Programme governance, implementation and monitoring
Accept responsibility for project portfolio oversight as delegated by the CDOH Director and through the role of Project Executive on Project Boards. Establish and execute the programme implementation plans in collaboration with the team and partners, including setting objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and client-oriented services. Monitor and supervise the timely and cost-effective implementation of the programme according to UNOPS goals and partner expectations, approved budget and full cost recovery. Mentor and assist Project Managers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best practice project management processes. Facilitate timely and accurate project tracking, analysis of outputs, and reporting. Develop and implement the programme governance framework.
2. Programme development and planning
Support the CDOH Director in ensuring the financial sustainability of the programme and delivery of desired results, compliance with organisational strategies, rules, regulations and standards of performance. Submit mandated reports and critical issues to the CDOH Director and clients, to drive future process improvement and business development planning. Analyse and keep abreast of political and development trends in the geographical area, to identify and propose to the CDOH Director areas for UNOPS engagement and support based on priorities in the relevant geography, strategic areas of focus and comparative advantage. Manage and oversee the preparation of programme documents (including business cases/strategies, policy briefs, programme plans and risk assessments). Ensure the accurate and timely completion of programme/business recommendations for the review and approval of the CDOH Director. Consult and collaborate with internal and external colleagues and partners to ensure linkages, consistency, and harmonisation of approaches and compliance with guidelines, framework and standards of accountability, integrity and performance.
3. Manage programme resources including people Plan and propose to the CDOH Director, required programme resources (human and financial). Submit revenue and expenditure forecasts based on UNOPS and CDOH financial goals. Determine pricing strategies based on UNOPS pricing policy and models to ensure an appropriate balance between revenue and development capacity within UN mandate and spirit. Manage programme resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework and financial sustainability. Plan, recruit, manage and develop programme personnel/technical experts with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance and encouraging the formation of diverse teams in term of gender and geography. Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the programme team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently. Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed. Plan, conduct and/or respond to UNOPS performance evaluation reviews and surveys.
4. Partnership development, networking and advocacy
Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management. Support the business development function by identifying and developing new business and partnership/customer opportunities. Collaborate with the Partnerships Advisor to prepare proposals and partnerships engagement. Contribute to current and future growth plans for the CAR, ensuring alignment with the UNOP Strategic Plan. Support the Communication Specialists to develop communication strategies to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of UNOPS goals and competencies to reinforce UNOPS competitive edge as a provider of sustainable projects results. At the request of the Hub Director participate and/or represent the Country Office in inter-agency discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered.
5. Knowledge management and innovation
Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results. Institutionalise and share best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building. Draft policy papers and/or recommend policy changes to align operations with changing environment. Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, clients and stakeholders within the programme
6. Representation
Act as the internal coordination point to ensure adequate coordination of UNOPS activities in the designated country. At the request of the Hub Director, participate in relevant inter-agency and external meetings. Maintain regular contact with stakeholders, including Government to ensure full information sharing and participation. Collaborate with internal and external partners, colleagues and stakeholders to keep abreast of evolving trends, advocate UNOPS services and build partnerships/alliances to maintain/enhance UNOPS visibility in project services in development cooperation. At the request of the Hub Director, participate in the UN Security Management Team and in line with the UN Security Management System Framework of Accountability, support the UN Designated Official in discharging his/her mandate related to the safety and security of all UNOPS personnel, premises and assets. At the request of the Hub Director, participate in UN Country Team initiatives to strengthen UN coherence, inclusiveness, and aid effectiveness. At the request of the Hub Director, keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).
Impact of Results
The effective and successful performance by the Country Manager directly impacts on achievement of programme results and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.
III. Education
IV. Certifications
V. Experience
A minimum of 10 years of experience managing engineering projects or that combines strategic and managerial leadership in social development, business development, executive management and/or programme management planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization.
VI. Languages
Full working knowledge of French and English is essential.
VII. Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
This vacancy is archived.