Assistant Administrator and Director, Bureau of Management

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment. Internally advertised General Service (GS) fixed-term appointment (FTA) positions located in Headquarters are open to GS staff members currently serving in New York/Washington D.C. who hold a UNDP permanent or FTA who are either US Permanent Residents, US citizens or holders of a valid G4 visa at the time of their application and whose G4 visa has been acquired on account of their employment in the UN Systems based in New York or Washington, DC. Externally advertised GS fixed-term appointment and temporary appointment (TA) positions located in New York/Washington D.C. are open to candidates who are either US Permanent Residents, US Citizens or holders of a valid G4 visa at the time of their application and whose G4 visa has been acquired on account of their employment in the UN Systems based in New York or Washington, DC. Current UNDP GS staff serving outside of HQ must meet the eligibility criteria stated above prior to their application. Selected candidates who meet the above mentioned eligibility criteria are responsible for their own travel and/or relocation costs. Selection to GS fixed-term appointment positions at Headquarters requires passing a UN administered clerical test (ASAT). Applicants under serious consideration for short-listing of posts requiring accountancy and finance skills, must take the UNDP Accountancy and Finance Test (UNDP AFT) prior to short-listing.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the global development network of the United Nations, connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 177 countries, supporting countries to reach their own development objectives and internationally agreed development goals, addressing challenges of: Democratic Governance; Poverty Reduction and Achieving the MDGs; Crisis Prevention & Recovery; Environment & Energy; and HIV/AIDS. The Bureau of Management (BoM) is the central operations Bureau in UNDP Headquarters that supports the organization in the following areas: human resources, finance and administration, budget, procurement, information and communications technology (ICT), legal affairs, security, management consulting services, and multi-partner trust funds. It provides operational/management infrastructure services and solutions for UNDP to achieve programme and development results. In doing so, it keeps pace with the evolving needs and expectations of development partners and international best practice through strengthening and innovating in business operations. At the same time, BoM oversees policy adherence in operations/management, safeguarding UNDP’s accountability vis-à-vis United Nations Member States and other relevant partners. BoM is based in UNDP Headquarters, New York, with out-posted presence in Denmark, Malaysia, and a small number of staff in Egypt, Panama, Slovakia, and Thailand. The BOM Director is a member of UNDP’s corporate leadership group (the Executive Group), and as such, serves as a role model for corporate values, behaviors and substantive skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Administrator and Director of BoM reports to the UNDP Administrator/Associate Admininistrator. He/She is a member of UNDP’s Executive Group (EG) and contributes to shaping and monitoring overall corporate strategic directions. He/She directs and manages the corporate management function to address the organization’s priorities and achieve outcomes. In particular over the next two years, the Bureau Director will lead efforts to shift the direction and approach of the Bureau to deliver high performance and quality on three critical business functions: Corporate services which are customer focused, providing efficient, reliable, responsive and quality services; Strategic corporate advice in key areas, including a strategy to ensure financial sustainability, a people capability strategy and an improved performance management system; and Governance, compliance and risk management. The principal functions of the position include the following: Participates in UNDP’s highest level corporate decision making body, the Executive Group (EG) contributing to strategic directions for the organization as a whole; Leads and manages BoM and works collaboratively and collegiately across UNDP to achieve outcomes and results in line with UNDP’s Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan; Shapes strategic thinking, including formulation of operations/management strategies, policies, and business processes/solutions in line with best practice; Provides strategic direction and support to all aspects of operations/management and business support services of UNDP including human resources, finance and administration, budget, procurement, legal affairs, information systems and technology (ICT), security, management consulting services, and Multi-Partner Trust Funds; Identifies existing and emerging challenges and priorities in UNDP’s operations/management system, analyzes them, implements measures to improve effectiveness and efficiencies and pursues innovative solutions; Acts as the Chief Procurement Officer of UNDP; Performs functions linked to staff separation, disciplinary measures and legal disputes as per UNDP’s Legal Framework for Addressing Non-Compliance with UN Standards of Conduct and other legal instruments; Leads enterprise risk management (ERM) and promotes an optimum accountability system for the organization. Builds relevant strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, to carry out UNDP’s mission and achieve results; Leads and advises on UNDP positioning on management areas in support of UN Reform efforts; Represents UNDP and leads inter-agency dialogue and initiatives in the area of management at the CEB High Level Committee on Management (HLCM) and other high-level forums; Leads by example and encourages excellence, professionalism, competence, integrity and ethics and values enshrined in the UN Charter; Guides, mentors and develops a team of BoM senior managers in New York, Copenhagen, and other out-posted offices; Oversees and is responsible for Bureau’s operations in financial, human resources, procurement and general administration.

Competencies

Strategic Thinking - demonstrated ability to identify high level strategic issues, opportunities and risks, develop organizational strategies to meet objectives, and generate and communicate organizational direction and expected outcomes to all stakeholders. Leadership - proven track record of excellent management, leadership and representation skills; demonstrated effectiveness in establishing productive relationships and networks to achieve outcomes; strong people management skills; demonstrated competence for incorporating gender perspectives; demonstrated personal drive and commitment to organizational objectives; proven experience in leading change and shifting organizational culture. Achieves Results - demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction in the provision of high quality corporate services; demonstrated excellence in successful management of a complex portfolio of corporate responsibilities including sharp analytical ability and translating goals into practical implementation strategies; proven ability to build organizational capability and responsiveness to achieve outcomes; mature judgment and initiative. Communication – influential and confident oral and written communication skills; proven ability to negotiate persuasively and achieve objectives; proven ability to establish and maintain effective inter-personal relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Professionalism - ability to work collaboratively and collegiately with internal and external stakeholders to achieve corporate goals; capacity to anticipate and address difficult issues; demonstrated commitment to acting ethically and with integrity and commitment to the values enshrined in the UN Charter.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Advanced university degree in development-related disciplines, such as Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration or other relevant areas. Experience: A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience. A strong record of progressively responsible, substantive experience and results achievement in the corporate management field, including in large organisations. Senior experience at the international level, including in operations/corporate functions, inter-agency and international co-operation, negotiation of partnerships and management of resources are especially relevant. The candidate will have held leadership roles and demonstrated his/her ability to advocate for effective solutions. Language: Proficiency in English. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish is useful.

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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Assistant Administrator and Director, Bureau of Management