UNDP Jobs - 49804- Operations Officer - (Open to Syrian Nationals Onl

Operations Officer - (Open to Syrian Nationals Only)

Location :

Damascus, SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

12-Oct-2014

Application Deadline :

25-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SC-8

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Operations Officer will be responsible for effective implementation of common services and cost recovery mechanisms in Damascus and the Hubs consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The Operations Officer promotes a client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the operations of UN Hubs. The Operations Officer will work in close collaboration with the CO operations staff, and operations staff in other UN Agencies to successfully deliver required services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures focusing on achievement of the following results:

Full compliance of operations with UN/UNDP rules, regulations and policies, implementation of corporate operational strategies;
Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system;
CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in the Hubs under the supervision of the Operations Manager.

Ensures proper implementation of common services with other UN Agencies focusing on achievement of the following results:

Implementation of common services in line with the latest developments in common services and the best practices;
Liaise with all UN Hubs Coordinators to prepare quarterly work plans along with related budgets;
Review quarterly work plans and related budgets prepared by UN Hub Coordinators before its submission to OMT for approval;
Monitor the implementation of approved quarterly work plans;
Liaise / coordinate between the UN Hubs Coordinators and relevant units in the CO for the implementation of the work plans, as needed;
Ensure that UNDP rules and regulations pertaining to efficiency, transparency, competition and value-for-money are adhered to by UN Hub Coordinators when procuring any goods and/or services;
Assist in the preparation of relevant Memorandum of Understandings for common premises and common services, as needed.

Ensures the management of common services budgets and related financial transactions, and organization and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:

Establishment of common services budgets in Atlas;
Proper planning and monitoring of common services budget and of Agencies contributions to the common services account;
Proper tracking of expenditure and verification of related financial transactions and payments in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
Preparation of regular reports containing analysis of financial situation including total expenses, income received and outstanding contributions;
Proper management of agencies’ contributions and accounting for contributions to ensure that the money due to UNDP is properly identified, consistently and uniformly classified, and recorded on a timely basis;
Preparation of proforma invoices for agencies’ contributions based on agreed upon cost sharing methodology and follow up with relevant staff of UN agencies to ensure timely receipt of contributions;
Implementation of cost-recovery mechanisms for management of common services budgets and other services (HR, procurement, finance,….etc.) provided by CO to UN Agencies;
Ensure proper control of Hubs assets; preparation of assets reports and implementation of assets verification exercise;
Perform any other duties, as required.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the UN Hubs on operational matters focusing on achievement of the following results:

Organization/conduct of training for the UN Hub Coordinators on operational and financial matters;
Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in the Hubs;
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Competencies

Building Partnerships:

Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues;
Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:

Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty relating to the position;
Ability to formulate and manage budgets; manage contributions and investments; manage transactions; and conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery;
Possesses knowledge of organizational policies and procedures and applies them consistently in work tasks;
Analyzes the requirements and synthesizes proposals;
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Promoting Organizational Change and Development:

Researches and documents ‘best practices’ in organizational change and development within and outside the UN system
Design and Implementation of Management Systems:
Make recommendations relative to work-processing approaches and procedures which would lead to more efficient systems design.

Client Orientation:

Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion;
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients;
Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly.

Promoting Accountability and Results-Based Management:

Gathers, analyzes and disseminates information on best practice in accountability and results-based management systems.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University Degree (Bachelor Degree) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field.

Experience:

Six years of relevant experience in providing administrative, financial and operational services;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.