Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you hold the applicable contract as defined below.

  • Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)
  • Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
  • Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

    Background

    UNDP, as an integral part of its mission to fight poverty and improve the lives of people around the world, is committed to being open, transparent and accountable. In 2015, as part of this commitment UNDP established a Global Shared Service Centre (GSSC) to ensure optimal and consistent provision of operational services in the areas of finance, HR, procurement, administration to UNDP Offices worldwide, and to provide training to UNDP Offices where needed. The Global Shared Service Centre (GSSC) is part of the Bureau for Management Services (BMS).

    Based in Copenhagen, the GSSC HR/Operations team provides operational interlocutor support from an HR, administrative and operational perspective to the main pillar of GSSC departments which provide GSSC services to clients and partners. It acts as an efficient and client-oriented “go-to” team for implementation of services and activities. The Operations Team is, amongst others, responsible for delivery of services related to financial management, procurement, inventory and asset management, travel and logistics as well as human resources management and protocol services. This back-office support is provided to GSSC colleagues serving in Copenhagen and in the regional locations: Addis Ababa, Amman, Bangkok, Dakar, Istanbul and Panama City.

    Under the overall guidance of the Operations Analyst, the Operations Associate ensures administrative planning and support, execution of transparent and efficient operational services and processes, supports the overall management of CPH operations budget. The Operations Associate promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach and ensures all personnel have well-equipped and well-maintained equipment and facilities. 

    The Operations Associate will work closely with colleagues in the GSSC HR/Operations Team as well as with other units in GSSC in Copenhagen and in regional offices. S(he) will also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in other UNDP units in the UN City and other UN agencies’ staff. 

    Duties and Responsibilities

    1. Provision of effective and efficient operational and administrative support services:

  • Support the cost recovery of services provided by the GSSC Operations team, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting. 
Develop predictive analytics models for accurate cost forecasting and recommend implementation strategies to optimize efficiency and compliance. Design, implement, and maintain digital tools and interactive dashboards for real-time data visualization, staffing information, and operational metrics.  Ensure accuracy and usability to enhance transparency, enable data-driven decision-making, and support organizational reporting needs. Identify and propose AI-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency including protocol services by automating task tracking and workflow processes and supporting cost recovery. Develop a framework for intelligent alerts to ensure timely completion of tasks and compliance with organizational requirements. Support the team’s overall needs for data provision primarily for business continuity, operational and cost recovery purposes as well as for research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources for regular and ad hoc statistical charts, tables, reports and more.

2. Assist with supply chain and asset management, including procurement:

Prepare and conduct RFQ, ITB or RFP, and receive and evaluate quotations, bids or proposals in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations. Facilitate procurement processes for goods and services, including subsequent contract administration, raising purchase orders and monitoring of payment disbursements Coordination of GSSC assets management, timely preparation and submission of periodic inventory reports, coordination of physical verification of inventory items in coordination with GSSC asset management focal points. Coordination and monitoring of the provision of reliable and quality office supplies and minor IT equipment.

3. Effective administrative, logistical and onsite support:

Coordination of conferences, workshops, retreats and visits, as needed. Provision of efficient administrative and operational support related to on-board and off-boarding activities. Support management of GSSC mail and DHL service delivery. Support and monitoring of office and maintenance related expenses in coordination and communication with general UN City Common Services.  Process actions/transactions in Quantum, as applicable and required. 

4. Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing:

Support and organization of training on administrative issues. Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in administration and operations. Sound contributions to knowledge management networks and communities of practice

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

The Operations Associate (NPSA6) will be reporting to Operations Analyst. As several tasks are performed onsite and in the office the Operations Associate (NPSA6) is expected to be physically present in the office on a daily basis. 

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results:    

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:    

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:    

LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:    

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:     

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:    

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:    

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Management / Operations Management     

Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization´s business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms

Administration & Operations / Inventory management    

Each office to ensure sufficient inventory items are available for use as well as reporting for items which are beyond the corporate threshold of $5K and above.

Business Development / Collective Intelligence Design     

Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information or ideas, and technology to design services or solutions

Business Development / Knowledge Generation    

Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.

Business Management / Communication    

Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.  Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Business Management / Digital Awareness and Literacy     

Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.

Business Management / Customer Satisfaction/Client Management    

Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs.  Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary Education is required. or A University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration and any other related fields will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement. CIPS level 2 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage.

Experience:

Minimum of six (6) years (with secondary education), or three (3) years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in HR, administration, or programme support services, with demonstrated exposure to operational processes such as procurement, cost recovery, or workflow optimization at the national or international level. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).  Prior experience and good knowledge of local operational and administrative procedures is an asset. Experience in cost recovery and protocol services is an asset. Experience in handling web-based management systems, ERP HR and Finance module experience, especially Oracle/Quantum is desirable.  Experience applying UNDP Policies and Procedures, UN Staff Regulations, and administrative rules and regulations is preferred. Experience in procurement management is an asset Experience with Power Apps tools, AI development, data-driven process improvement and business process optimization is an asset.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of other UN working languages would be an asset

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP 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 UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

 

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