UNDP Jobs - 44206- Support for Business Operations Strategy (BOS) Imp

Support for Business Operations Strategy (BOS) Implementation

Location :

Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2014

Application Deadline :

08-Mar-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

11 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

11 months

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 overall leadership and guidance of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the Operations Management Team (OMT) endeavors to facilitate the implementation of Delivery as One (DaO) by harmonizing operational policies of UN bodies, agencies, funds and programmes in Ethiopia. Moreover, the OMT proposes and implements inter-agency initiatives to ensure the quality of support services, while utilizing resources effectively.

Within this context, the OMT has decided to adopt and implement UN Development Group’s (UNDG) pilot results-based framework to enhance the planning, monitoring and management of the UNCT’s business operations and support to programnme delivery. This Business Operations Strategy (BOS) outlines the UNCT priorities in the field of common operations for 2013 – 2015. The BOS aims to improve the quality, timeliness and cost-effectiveness of the UN’s support to programme delivery.

To facilitate monitoring and implementation of the BOS, a consultant will be hired by the OMT to support the OMT Working Groups with coordination of data collection and analysis, and implementation of BOS support activities.

Objective

The Operations Management Team (OMT) will engage the services of a Service Provider (referred to as“Consultant” hereafter) to undertake the tasks of supporting the implementation of monitoring activities of the OMT Working Groups on various areas, including but not limited to procurement, human resources, HACT and business continuity management.

Given the size of the UNCT and its operations in the country, secretarial, administrative and logistical support is necessary for the timely implementation of the BOS activities, particularly at the technical level.

The overall objective of the consultancy is to ensure that the OMT Working Groups implement the BOS activities in their area in a timely and high-quality manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Consultant will provide the OMT with technical, administrative and logistical support for the successful monitoring and implementation of the BOS. In particular, the Consultant will be asked to assist the implementation of the BOS activities through data collection and analysis, and inter-agency coordination support to ensure timely information exchange.

The Consultant will work with the OMT Working Group Chairpersons to make sure the adequate administrative support is provided for the timely implementation of the inter-agency activities (listed in the deliverables).

The Consultant will advise the RCO and OMT Chairpersons on a regular basis, and attend OMT and OMT Working Group meetings as appropriate.

Deliverables

The Consultant will support the OMT and OMT Procurement Working Group in organizing a staff capacity development workshop with the HLCM in Addis Ababa on common procurement. The Consultant will provide administrative support for this activity, and produce the workshop report;
The Consultant will provide support to the OMT with data collection from the UN agencies towards the first review of the BOS with customer surveys to measure satisfaction of existing services, as well as the relevant parts of the UNDAF mid-term review;
The Consultant will provide support to the OMT with data collection from the UN agencies and potential suppliers to support the OMT Procurement Working Group with a market assessment in the field of IT equipment, hotel/conference services, and driver uniforms;
The Consultant will support the Business Continuity Management Working Group with conducting the joint risk assessments of two field locations;
The Consultant will ensure that lead agencies (according to BOS) sign long-term agreements for the use of the UN family with the appropriate suppliers based on the results of the market assessment, and that these agreements are distributed to the agencies.

Competencies

Core competencies:

Professionalism

Knowledge and understanding of UN’s operational context in Ethiopia, particularly in the fields of common services, joint premises and common procurement;
Ability to identify key procedures and issues, conduct data collection, operational analyses and discussions with decision-makers to propose solutions to these issues;
Ability to apply sound judgment in the context of assignments given, and work under pressure;
Shows persistence and remains calm in stressful situations;
Shows pride in work and achievements, demonstrates professional competence and mastery of the subject matter;
Responds positively to feedback and different points of view;
Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Planning and Organizing

Develops clear goals that are consistent with the terms defined here;
Identifies priority activities and assignments, and adjusts them as required;
Allocates appropriate time and resources for completing work by foreseeing risks and developing contingency plans accordingly;
Monitors and adjusts plans as necessary, and uses time effectively.

Accountability

Takes ownership of responsibilities and honors commitments;
Delivers assigned tasks within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules;
Takes personal responsibility for his/her shortcomings.

Functional competencies:

Expertise in operational support activities required to ensure high-quality and cost-effective delivery of UN’s development and humanitarian assistance, particularly within the context of Ethiopia;
Knowledge of UN’s legal context in Ethiopia, and the Ethiopian market, particularly to facilitate UN’s inter-agency harmonization, operational support and procurement activities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced degree in business management, economics, and supply and logistics or a relevant field.

Experience:

Minimum of 4 years of experience in providing coordination support to UN agencies, particularly in an area of business operations (such as procurement, human resources, HACT and business continuity);
Experience with holding operational analyses to identify benchmarks on quality and efficiency for inter-agency operations activities, and monitor and implement these activities accordingly;
Professional training in, and experience with strategic planning, and results-based management, including monitoring;
Experience working in Ethiopia for an international organization such as a UN agency, as well as a good knowledge of the UN’s operational context in the country.

Language:

Excellent knowledge of English (both writing and speaking).

Interested individuals should apply by presenting the following document:

Up to date Curriculum Vitae and at least three (3) professional references.