UNDP Jobs - 7383- Service Center Manager

Service Center Manager

Location :

Abuja, NIGERIA

Type of Contract :

ALD International

Starting Date :

14-Nov-2008

Application Deadline :

28-Nov-08 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

ALD-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

In order to be able to maximize delivery of development results through UNDP projects, UNDP Nigeria has set up a dedicated unit to provide timely and quality operational services to project implementation. The Service Center is a dedicated unit to provide operational services to project implementation. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director for Operations, and in coordination with DRR-P, the Service Center (SC) Manager oversees the Center’s operations as well as supervises the SC staff in the Procurement unit.

The Service Center Manager ensures the effective delivery of operational support to the Country Office to be rendered by the Service Center. He/She also provides strategic direction for the development and provision of support services in the implementation of projects, in order to assure: i) the expected results in the frame work of the strategy of cooperation in the country and ii) the effective and transparent execution of the financial resources of the programme.

He/She works closely with the Operations team, Programme Team, Business Team, UNDP HQ and Government officials ensuring successful performance of UNDP Nigeria operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Ensuring Strategic direction of the Service Center
Ensuring self-sustainability through cost recovery
Efficient procurement and contract services and supervision of the Procurement Team
knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Ensures strategic direction of the Service Centre (SC) focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Develops an annual strategic business plan for the Service Center including estimates of income and expenditure.
Ensures full compliance of the SC operations with UN/UNDP rules, regulations and policies and monitoring the achievement of results.
Oversees SC business processes mapping and establishment of internal Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) in procurement.
Constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, timely readjustment of the SC operations.
Participate in the formulation and monitoring of the corporate planning instruments.
Identifies new areas for support services in the implementation of projects that can be provided effectively through the Service Center.

2. Ensures self-sustainability through cost recovery focusing on achievement of the following results:

Supervises cost recovery management for the CO.
Reviews cost recovery bills in ATLAS and manages the cost recovery portfolio.

3. Provides efficient procurement and contracting services focusing on achievement of the following result:

Provides strategic vision and guidance towards the functioning of procurement in the CO. This includes: sourcing strategy, supplier selection and evaluation, quality management, customer relationship management, e-procurement introduction and promotion, establishment of Long Term Agreements with vendors and performance management.
Supervises the preparation of periodic reports evaluating the procurement indicators in order to ensure the effective implementation of the projects.
Oversees control of CO Assets.
Conducts when necessary negotiations for contracts and provides general advice and supervision of the administration of contracts.
Supervises the technical and financial evaluation of offers for complex projects and reviews the evaluation reports and recommendations for adjudication of contracts when required.
Oversees the establishment of procurement plans for different projects to provide opportunities for Long Term Agreements.
Supervises and assesses performance of procurement staff in the Service Center, provides necessary coaching and leadership to ensure quality and efficient client-focused services are delivered.
Ensures the effective utilization of the allotted financial resources, manages and supervises financial transactions, ensures timely submission of accounts and financial reports.
Control of Pos. manager level 2 in ATLAS for PO approvals.

4. Ensures financial resources management focusing on achievement of the following result:

Proper planning, expenditures tracking in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations, performing the function of Manager Level 1 in Atlas for PO approval.
Elaboration of oversight system for transactions performed by the Service Center. Ensures the effective utilization of the allocated financial resources and timely submission of reports.
Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies.
Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within CO resources mobilization efforts.
Provides necessary coaching and leadership to ensure quality and efficient client-focused services are delivered.

5. Knowledge Building and Sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results:

Develop and implement strategies of training with clear orientation in the area procurement/contracts in order to promote efficiency and the development of local capacities.
Promote the development of instruments that contribute to improving the efficiency of services.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the overall economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of the CO operations. Failure to deliver key results will affect expectations of clients and/or donors, improved delivery at the Country Office level, internal communication and financial transparency and accountability.

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, contract, asset and procurement.
Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side) and affect staff behavioral/attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership

Builds strong relationship 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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

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

Experience:

7 years of relevant experience at the National or International level in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems and establishing inter-relationships among international organization and national governments.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and experience in handling of web based management systems.

Language requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken english.