Director, Congo Operation Center

UNOPS helps its partners in the United Nations system meet the world’s needs for building peace, recovering from disaster, and creating sustainable development. UNOPS is known for its ability to implement complex projects in all types of environments around the globe. In an effort to promote organizational excellence, UNOPS seeks highly qualified individuals for the following position:

Vacancy Details

Vacancy Code UNOPS/2011/AFO/CDOC/ADM/001 – Re-adv Post Title Director, Congo Operation Center

Post Level P5/D-1

Position Status Rotational

Organizational Unit Africa Office

Duty Station Kinshasa, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Duration One year (renewable subject to satisfactory performance)

Closing Date 30 November 2011

Re-advertisement Please note that candidates who have already applied for this post do not need to re-apply as their applications will continue to be considered.

Background

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a large service provider in the United Nations system, working on behalf of more than 30 UN departments and organizations.

The UNOPS Operations Centre in Congo (CDOC) services the needs of the Government with funding from bilateral donors, the EU, International Financial Institutions and UN Agencies. As the implementing arm of the UN in the Democratic Republic of Congo, CDOC delivers implementing services for over 35 Million USD/year, mostly in the fields of infrastructure, capacity-building, and socio-economic rehabilitation, for various donors UN agencies and other counterparts. UNOPS in DRC provides a wide range of project management and related services including procurement, contracts management and procurement support services, logistics, HR and administration/financial management.

Under the supervision of the Regional Director for Africa, the Operations Centre Director and Representative develops UNOPS’s presence in DRC and oversees the daily activities of a large portfolio of projects. He/she directs UNOPS activities, liaises with Donors, partners and stakeholders, as well as the UN Country Team. In addition, the Director performs business development activities both in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in support of the Regional Office

Duties and Responsibilities

The Operations Center Director has 7 main focuses:

 Manages and supervises all UNOPS Operations at the OC level;  Ensures the self sustainability of the Operations Center  Represents UNOPS in United Nations Country Teams (UNCT) and interfaces with Governments;  Increases the profile, partnerships and business in developing a vision and strategic plan to position UNOPS as a viable and attractive service provider of choice in the region or country;  Increases the effectiveness and quality of delivery of the OC portfolio in guiding Project Managers;  Ensures the timely completion of quality projects within budget limits and with full cost recovery  Provides support to the Regional Director and the Executive Office with regard to the regional and global enhancement of UNOPS as a respected service provider

In particular, the OC Director:

 Assesses the requirements of the Government of DRC and other UNOPS clients such as bilateral and multilateral donors, IFI’s and the UN system, in order to identify and pursue opportunities to deliver UNOPS’ services.

 Oversees, manages and controls the project portfolio of the Operation Center (OC), ensuring overall accountability with strict respect of all rules and regulations of UNOPS.

 Acts as UNOPS coordination point with the UNCT, the Representatives of UN Agencies, ADB, WB, EU, EC and other international cooperation entities to ensure adequate coordination of the activities of UNOPS in DRC, discusses problems and seeks solutions to issues that may arise;

 Leads a team of programme managers and specialists which aligns organizational capacities to meet specific needs of the client community within the broader mandate of UNOPS; maintains appropriate arrangements and capacity for direct transactional support for delivery of the Operations Centre portfolio. Finds creative solutions to ensure smooth and effective project delivery.

 Controls a Delegation of $250,000 to oversee and approve contracts, and waivers, and ensure proper submissions to the relevant UNOPS contracts committee above that limit;

 Put in place a proper internal control framework according to UNOPS rules and develop internal performance tracking and reporting tools from both a financial and project delivery management perspective;

 Assesses the requirements of Governments and other UNOPS direct/indirect clients and in conjunction with them, identifies and develops opportunities for UNOPS to provide services;

 Develops a strong analytical vision with regard to the overall business and development environment. Oversees formulation of proposals, project documents and agreements in connection with identified opportunities and in cooperation with the clients;

 Builds up the capacity of the Operation Center in accordance with UNOPS’ standards and in proportion to the business acquired and implemented;

 Communicates activities with UN system partners, UNOPS Regional and Headquarters offices, other clients, media and with the Governments and keeps them informed of UNOPS activities;

 Provides financial and administrative reports to the Regional Director in the areas of business delivery and development; Monitors and controls programme/project implementation, reviews progress, identifies constraints and takes corrective action ensuring proper early warning and risk alerts to the Regional Office;

 Coordinates activities with other UN Agencies and clusters on behalf of UNOPS on Inter-Agency matters, and ensures timely distribution of information to all relevant UNOPS staff;

 Maintains regular contacts and liaise with the appropriate level at Government entities to provide programme information and clarification in order to ensure appropriate application of privileges and immunities as they apply in the country.

 Reviews and develops the management team at the OC level and ensure proper distribution of activities;

 Represents UNOPS in the framework of the UN Country Team and Security Management Team.

 Ensure that the main values of the organization: independence, loyalty, accountability, respect for human rights, impartiality and integrity, are adhered to by all UNOPS personnel and at all times.

Results Expected:

• Effectively leads and manages the office; • Focus on and ensure immediate business expansion and long-term business development; • Ensure that annual income targets are met; • Ensure quality service delivery that meets and exceeds clients expectations.
• Success in establishing UNOPS as a reputable organization that provides operational excellence for results that matter; • Expand the network of partners and in building a sustainable and diversified portfolio in DRC; • Establish a sustainable Operations Centre that meets its targets and contributes to the support and oversight provided by AFO and Headquarters;
How to apply:

Academic Qualifications and Experience

 Advanced university degree in any of the following fields: Public Administration, International Relations, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Law, Management, Engineering Social Sciences, or any other fields related to the work of UNOPS.  Minimum 10 to 15 years of work experience at international levels in public policy, social development, business development, project and program management.  Proven experience in hardship duty stations or post-conflict countries preferably, but not necessarily, in Sub-Saharan Africa Candidate selected with less than 15 years of relevant work experience will be appointed at P5 level.

Post requirements and Language

 Proven knowledge and experience in program management, and development issues and strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.  Ability to assess and determine the current needs and opportunities for UNOPS in DRC and make strategic and tactical decisions to keep the DRC Operation Center as a provider of choice in the country.  Experience in management at UNOPS or in other UN agencies or in the private sector, preferably entrepreneurial  Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills.  Proven ability to create and manage complex budgetary needs and performance based metrics.  Proven successful human resource management of a delivery-based operation, with nearly 200 international and national personnel  Proven ability to have developed and managed successful business development of over $80 Million USD (cumulatively).  Leadership and organizational ability.  Ability to address human resource challenges such as gender equity, ethnic balance, and religious diversity.  Senior level analytical, negotiation, communication and advocacy skills.  Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious

 Fluency in both spoken and written French and English is essential.

Submission of Applications Qualified candidates may submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae and an updated United Nations Personal History Form (P.11), via e-mail to africavacancies@unops.org. Kindly indicate the vacancy number and the post title when applying (in the subject line by e-mail).

Additional Considerations

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.

UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a selected candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post.

This grade is indicative only. The final grade will be determined at the time of recruitment according to the candidate’s qualifications

For more information on UNOPS, including its core values and competencies, please visit the UNOPS website at www.unops.org.