Country Manager

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.

The Project Office is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with the Project Office’s portfolio of engagements – as part of the Multi Country Office set up, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

UNOPS in Mozambique supports its partners efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. By providing a range of services, including fund management and administrative services, as well as infrastructure and procurement services, UNOPS supports peace and reconciliation efforts, improves health services and helps build a more sustainable future for the people of Mozambique

The Mozambique Project Office operates as an integral part of the Kenya Multi Country Office management structure. The Mozambique Country Manager reports to the Kenya Multi Country Office Director who provides direction and guidance. The Country Manager role is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and supervising the delivery of all projects and support services in a given country – that includes liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

Purpose and scope of the assignment

The Country Manager positions UNOPS as a service provider of choice in its mandated areas of sustainable infrastructure development, procurement and project management. S/he will strengthen the current client base consisting of the [country] Government, International Donors and UN Agencies, and develop additional partnerships on the basis of evidence and demand.

Bringing a deep understanding of the challenges of project management in complex conditions, the Country Manager will build UNOPS position within the UN community as a trusted, reliable partner providing a valued service in reaching affected populations.

The Country Manager leads a team that shares a commitment to excellence, demanding and rewarding the highest standards of achievement, and acting decisively when standards are not met. S/he promotes flexibility and decisive responsiveness to needs and opportunities, coupled with high standards for measuring success.

Through excellent and targeted project management, the Country Manager demonstrates UNOPS capabilities in operating in the most complex and difficult situations and proves the unique and indispensable services UNOPS can provide to the international community.

S/he is responsible to produce/read projects initiation documents (PID), Legal Agreement and have a thorough understanding of the terms, conditions, and the respective roles and responsibilities of the partners/stakeholders to ensure the project(s) products are capable of meeting the business cases for both UNOPS and the client. Success of the project(s) and hence Country Manager will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities.

Under the direct supervision of the Director, the Country Manager is responsible for all aspects of the projects’ life cycle. S/he must be able to apply, at a mastery level, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key results:

1. Project Office programme/project management
2. Stakeholder management, alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development
3. Service delivery and quality assurance
4. Representation and inter-agency partnership
5. Personnel management
6. Knowledge management and innovation

1. Project Office programme/project management

• Develop proposals and prepare project documents agreements in connection with identified opportunities and in cooperation/collaboration with partners;
• Plan and propose to Multi Country Office Director required resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Office;
• Establish the strategies and implementation plans for the Project Office, in collaboration with the partners, set objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services;
• Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity;
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team 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;
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse;
• Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments;
• Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel [and their eligible dependents] within the respective area of responsibility;
• In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual;
• Implement approved project plans (including the establishment of milestones) within tolerances set by the project board;
• Embed sustainability dimensions including social and gender inclusion, environmental and economic aspects into project life cycle;
• Manage the production of the required products, taking responsibility for overall progress and use of resources and initiating corrective action where necessary;
• Liaise with any external suppliers or account managers;
• Authorize Work Packages;
• Advise the Project Board of any deviations from the plan;
• Identify and manage risks so that maximum benefit to client and stakeholders is achieved; Manage and review product quality and ensure products are accepted;
• Monitor and evaluate performance of service providers;
• Identify, manage and/or report threats to UNOPS internal business case to MCO Director;

Procedures:

• Follow the Project Management Cycle Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions);
• Prepare/adapt Project Initiation Documentation and Stage/Exception Plans and relevant Product Descriptions for approval by the Project Board;
• Prepare the Highlight Reports, End Stage Reports, Operational Closure Checklist, End Project Report and Handover Report;
• Maintain Electronic Blue File, Procurement, HR and Finance files as required by those practices as per OD12;
• Ensure that all expenditure comply with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR);
• Manage budgets, cash flow and obligations to ensure that deliverables are met and payments to contractors and personnel are received on time;
• Understand and manage UNOPS overheads, allocable charges, and related corporate charges as they apply to the project;
• Understand the unique structures of the UN and budget appropriately for personnel;
• Manage and remain accountable for expenditures against the budget (based on accurate financial reports);

2. Stakeholder management, alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development

• Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the country, to identify and plan with them (and the Multi Country Office Director) areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results;
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners;
• Keep the Multi Country Office Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management and business development;
• Establish solid working relationships with the project board(s), client and key stakeholders;
• Manage communications and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in a position to accept handover products;
• Advise the client on issues that may impact the achievement of their outcomes (including issues of sustainability and post project requirements such as maintenance);
• Manage the information flows between the Project Board/MCO Director and the project(s);

3. Service delivery and quality assurance

• Establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for direct operational support for delivery of the Project Office programmes/projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available;
• Monitor and oversee programme/project implementation, review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Multi Country Office, for action and/or intervention;
• Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Project Office, including submitting financial reports to the Multi Country Office Director;

4. Representation and inter-agency partnership

• Participate, as delegated by the Multi Country Office Director, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF)/One Program, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’;
• Participate in any UN country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures;
• Keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within Mozambique through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF or equivalent;

5. Personnel management

• Lead and motivate the project management team;
• Ensure that behavioural expectations of team members are established;
• Ensure that performance reviews are conducted;
• Identify outstanding staff and bring them to the attention of the OH Director;
• Have a thorough understanding of UNOPS personnel contract modalities (including ICA and Staff);
• Select, recruit and train team as required by project plans;
• Perform the Team Manager role;

6. Knowledge management and innovation

• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches;
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building;
• Plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Country Manager directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Office, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required; A first University degree ( A Bachelor’s degree) combined with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, business development, operations and/or programme management in a large international and/or corporate organization;
• At least three (3) years progressive leadership experience including supervising teams and managing budgets is required.
• Experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is desirable;
• Experience in hardship or post-conflict environments is desirable;
• Engineering experience and experience in managing complex infrastructure projects and programs is highly desirable.

Languages:

• Full working knowledge of English is required;
• Full working knowledge of Portuguese language is required;
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• 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 seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

• This position is based in a family duty station.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA )
2. Contract level : IICA 4/ ICS 12
3. Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

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.

How to apply

https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=23948#6