UNDP Jobs - 13656- Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Location :

Harare, ZIMBABWE

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

08-Dec-09 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

UNDP is a key partner to the Global Fund to Fight HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and is the UN agency assuming the role of Principal Recipient of GFATM grants in Zimbabwe. In its role as Principle Recipient, UNDP ensures quality financial management, timely procurement of supplies, and efficient monitoring and service delivery.

UNDP‘s management role consists in implementing grants, ensuring financial accountability, and training of national and international counterparts on programme management and financial accountability.

Under the overall guidance of GFATM Project Coordinator, the Operations Manager oversees the effective and strategic functioning of the Programme Management Unit for provision of integrated support services to the GFATM Project in the areas of Procurement, Financial and Human Resource Management. The Operations Manager promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the team while fostering collaboration within the team.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Operations Manager ensures the following responsibilities:

Ensures provision of strategic policy direction and support to the PMU focusing on achievement of the following results:

Reviews and advises the GFATM Project Coordinator and other staff members of the GFATM PMU on the UNDP Rules, Regulations and policies. Implements corporate operational strategies introducing best practices, lessons learnt and knowledge management initiative;
Participates in decision making on plans and policies affecting GFATM programme operational systems in the areas of Procurement, Financial and Human Resource Management;
Enforces internal administrative/operational rules and procedures for programme implementation;
Introduce and reinforce internal control procedures in line with UNDP Internal Control Framework and accountabilities and responsibilities;
Analyses need for and evaluate cost effectiveness of operational alternatives; recommends contracting modalities for administrative services and outsourcing interventions, monitors service delivery of outsourced areas. Ensures that all contracts are in accordance with corporate legal requirements and ensures provision of adequate legal services, if required.

Ensures effective and accurate financial resources management and supervision of the Finance Team focusing on achievement of the following results:

Oversees financial management system. Provides advice to ensure adequate capacity and competencies for integrated financial management;
Prepares the GFATM PMU’s administrative budget and advises the GFATM Project Coordinator on the planning of the financial resources; makes constant analysis of GFATM PMU’s administrative budget, expenditures and commitments; and makes the necessary re-allocations;
Supervises and manages the Finance Team, including, all the payments made on behalf of GFATM Project, reconciliation of expenditures, payments and bank statements. Acts as a member of the bank signatory panel, if required;
Oversees and supervises handling of the GFATM Project’s bank accounts; liaises with the bank authorities related to banking procedures and provision of services; ensures timely replenishments and funds availability;
Oversees financial reporting system for GFATM Project and other programmes allocated, ensuring that reports are prepared in a timely manner.

Ensures strategic human resources management and supervision of the HR Associate focusing on achievement of the following results:

Promotes, implements and monitors GFATM Project programmes compliance with UNDP HR Rules, Regulations and Policies;
Oversees and supervises recruitment processes to ensure implementation of HR policies; ensures timely renewal of contracts; reviews and certifies HR reporting data; reviews and certifies salary calculation for national and international staff allocated in GFATM PMU.

Ensures efficient Procurement and Supplies Management (PSM) operation and management and supervision of the PSM Team focusing on achievement of the following results:

Coordinates and certifies procurement of goods and services for GFATM Project, reviews and ensures proper procurement processes, certifies procurement/contractual reports;
Oversees the PSM support provided to the GFATM Project;
Supervises updates of the inventory of GFATM property.
Coordinates and certifies procurement of goods and services for GFATM Project, reviews and ensures proper procurement processes, certifies procurement/contractual reports.

Knowledge management and sharing:

Ensures forward-looking information and communication management and focusing on achievement of the following results:

Promotion of different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge sharing, information provision and learning including e-registry, web-based office management systems;
Promotion of different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge sharing, information provision and learning including e-registry, web-based office management systems.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning;
Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects;
Solid knowledge in financial resources and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, general administration;
Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
Leads teams effectively and shows mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in Business, Economics, Public Administration, Finance or related field.

Experience:

Minimum of 7 years professional experience, which includes at least 3 years of international experience in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems and establishing inter-relationships among international organization and national governments in developing countries;
Solid experience in the management of people and systems in high-pressure environments;
Strong IT skills and knowledge of web-based management systems;
Knowledge of UN or UNDP policies and procedures would be an asset.

QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.