UNDP Jobs - 14288- Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Location :

Port Harcourt, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Mar-2010

Application Deadline :

22-Jan-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

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

The Niger Delta Local Development Programme uses local governance and decentralization as an entry point for poverty reduction, conflict prevention and sustainable development. The programme recognizes that to improve in a sustainable way the quality of life of the inhabitants of the Niger Delta it is important to strengthen institutions of local governance and enhance their responsiveness to people’s needs. The key elements of the strategy are:

Support to the creation of a social dialogue framework integrating at institutional level all relevant stakeholders.
Support to the implementation of a local participatory planning and budgeting procedure for achieving transparent use of resources.
Local development fund to support local development investments (in public infrastructure and social services, income generation, livelihood and natural resources management and HIV/AIDS) in an effective, sustainable and participatory manner.
Capacity development programme enhancing the capacity of local governance institutions to respond to local needs as well as plan, finance, implement and maintain public infrastructure and services.
Creation of a system for both institutional and participatory monitoring and evaluation of investments.

Project Set-up:

The project is under DEX modality. A Programme Management Unit (PMU) will be set up in Port-Harcourt to coordinate, in a timely and efficient manner, all programme components and activities which will be implemented in two States: Ondo and Bayelsa. In addition to the operation team, the office will be staffed with a Communications Officer, a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, and Community Management Specialists in two sub-offices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

The Operations Manager is responsible for operational support in the following key areas:

ensuring implementation of strategic direction of operations,
financial resources management
efficient procurement and logistical services for the project, plus guidance and training of local entities on procurement and financial management so as to facilitate the phase out of the procurement function to the local level and enhance financial management capacities as foreseen in the project document,
human resources management, and
information and communication management services required for the smooth operation of the project and its three offices.

In carrying out his/her responsibilities, the Operations Manager ensures that all service delivery is undertaken in full compliance with the UNDP DEX procedures and the UNDP Rules and Regulations.

The Operations Manager will directly report to the Programme Chief Technical Advisor on the effective management of the day-to-day operation of the project main office, and oversight of the two sub-offices. In addition, the OM will directly supervise and guide all the operations personnel in the PMU, and oversee the work of the administrative staff in two sub-offices.

Competencies

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Solid knowledge in financial and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, ICT, general administration.
Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example.
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Program Finance, Procurement and Results Management.
Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, development and implementation of new system.
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance Management, or related disciplines.

Experience:

Demonstrated experience in management and oversight of internal office operations, provision of management advisory services, and management of staff and operational systems, for a minimum of 5 years at the national and international level, with sound understanding of strategic service delivery at the country-office level.
Full familiarity with UNDP PROCUREMENT AND FINANCIAL rules and procedures is required.
Good experience in building client relationships and working with international organizations, national governments, civil society and local community groups.
Prior experience in complex and challenging developing countries including working in a conflict and post-conflict situations essential.
Proficiency in Atlas and standard computer software (word-processing, excel, databases, power point and internet.
Demonstrated experience in systems design and application an asset.

Language

Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of an additional official UN language would be an asset.