DescriptionAbout UN University (UNU) The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe. United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) UNU-WIDER is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu. Responsibilities Under the supervision of the Director of UNU-WIDER, and thematic guidance by the UNU management, the Head of Operations (HOO) contributes substantively to the leadership, management, and development of UNU-WIDER. The HOO is responsible to provide senior level leadership and management across UNU-WIDER’s Operational Support Unit (OSU) consisting of Administration, Procurement, Travel, Finance & Budget, ICT, and Human Resources & External Contracts Teams. The HOO is as member of the UNU-WIDER Management Team (WMT), UN Security Management Team, chairs several committees, and represents the Institute in other UN and UNU bodies.Key Responsibilities1. Collective Leadership Serve as a key advisor and counsel to the Director of UNU-WIDER and other members of the WIDER Management Team on operational and administrative matters, especially related to administrative services management, including Procurement, Travel, Finance & Budget, ICT, and Human Resources & External ContractsAdvise overall strategic directions of UNU-WIDER, with an emphasis on operations and administration, and collaborate with the Director of UNU-WIDER in setting and driving organizational vision and operational strategies, thus contributing to the development of the Institute’s mission, vision, and strategiesLead on the implementation of UNU-WIDER’s Host Country Agreement with Finland, including management of respective relations with the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other relevant authoritiesRepresent UNU-WIDER and UNU in a range of working groups, steering groups, and advisory group meetings 2. Management Lead in further development and strengthening of Operational Support Unit (OSU) in coordination and dialogue with the direct reports (middle-management team lead positions within OSU) by motivating, encouraging, and supervising personnel, lead and participate in the recruitment and selection of new personnel for the unit, identify skills and opportunities for development, provide advice and guidance on OSU personnel as neededIn coordination and dialogue with the direct reports establish and maintain operations and administrative workflows and service standards, team goals and targets, trouble shooting and further systems developmentEnsure that the skills of OSU personnel are optimally utilized and further developed in the interest and to the benefit of UNU-WIDER as well as the personnelManage, guide, develop and train personnel under their supervision and keep abreast with latest developments in administrative policies and procedures of UNU and UN Takes an active role in the UN Security Management System in Finland and acts as UNU-WIDER’s Enterprise Risk Manager 3. Budget and Financial Management Ensure effective and accurate financial resources management and supervision of the finance personnelProvide overall supervision and strategic guidance to the direct report who leads on and is accountable for financial operations at UNU-WIDERProvide strategic direction in the preparation of the budget and oversee the establishment and implementation of UNU-WIDER’s General Operating Expense and Human Resource budget to ensure compatibility with work priorities and objectives, taking into account the most effective use of resourcesOversee the establishment and maintenance of a set of sound policies, procedures, standards, and tools which are consistent with UN and UNU policies and practice in order to ensure proper accounting, financial management and controlSupervise and/or provide guidance on financial administration and management information issues and practices to colleaguesAct as UNU-WIDER’s focal point for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in use at UNU and liaise with UNU HQ on the development of related workflows and standard operating proceduresPerform the role as UNU-WIDER focal point for external audits and other verification exercises, provide responses to audit queries and ensure follow up with audit recommendations 4. Procurement, Travel, and General Administration Provide overall supervision and strategic guidance to the direct report who leads on and is accountable for procurement, travel, asset management, and general administrative services at UNU-WIDERProvide strategic leadership and advice to the procurement, travel, and administrative team and colleagues on issues and practices regarding procurement, administrative, and general servicesStreamline UNU-WIDER’s internal procedures and workflows to ensure prompt and effective administrative service delivery in line with the Institute’s strategies and work plans 5. Human Resources and External Contract Management Ensure strategic human resources management and supervision of HR personnelIn close collaboration with the Chief of Human Resources at UNU Centre, provide overall supervision and strategic guidance to the direct report who oversees and leads on human resources management and related administrative issues at UNU-WIDEROversee the establishment and maintenance of a set of sound procedures, standards, and tools which are consistent with UN and UNU staff and personnel policies and guidelines and promote the development and maintenance of a positive employee experience at UNU-WIDER 6. ICT In close collaboration with the Chief of Information Technology at UNU Centre, provide overall supervision and strategic guidance to the direct report who oversees and leads on ICT strategies and operations at UNU-WIDEROversee the establishment and maintenance of a set of sound procedures, standards, systems, and tools which are consistent with UN and UNU ICT policies, guidelines, and practices to support the implementation of UNU-WIDER’s strategies and work plans Other Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor Key performance indicators Timely and quality performance of operations and administration at UNU-WIDERTimely and quality follow-up and reporting to internal and external stakeholders/partners on operational mattersQuality and level of engagement with internal and external stakeholders/partnersTimely and quality implementation of operations projects in line with annual workplansPerformance and professional development of personnel in UNU-WIDER’s Operations Support Unit (OSU) Competencies Values: Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identityIntegrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standardsHumility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from othersHumanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet Behaviours: Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UNAnalyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan actionDeliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations servesLearn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of othersAdapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
RequirementsRequired Qualifications and Experience: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.A minimum of seven (7) years (with master’s degree or equivalent) and nine (9) years (with first-level university degree) of progressively responsible experience in administration, budget, finance, human resources management or related field.At least 5 years of work experience in the United Nations system is required.Knowledge of United Nations Finance, Procurement and HR rules and regulations is required.Demonstrated experience in managing diverse teams, coaching, and mentoring personnel is requiredExperience with ERP systems is required.Strong understanding of project management and results-based management.Excellent analytical skills, including analysis of systematic problems and recommending plans of action.Ability to take initiative and translate knowledge, ideas and strategies into concrete action and results.Experience in drafting reports, communications, and presentations is required.Demonstrated negotiating, cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills.Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.Ability to handle confidential information. Language Requirements: Fluency in English.Knowledge of another UN official working language and/or Finnish is an asset. Remuneration UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL Duration of contract This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for one (1) year with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term appointment basis, subject to satisfactory work performance. For academic positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years. Expected start date: As soon as possible How to Apply: To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you: Apply via the apply link;fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); andanswer a few questions that are tailored to the position. You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information. Application Deadline: 16 October 2022 Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references. Special notice Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector's authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. Information about UNU rosters UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU. Scam warning UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web
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