Operations Manager at UN Women

Reporting to the Country Director the Operations Manager in the Kenya Country Office (KCO) serves as a member of the senior management team, with oversight responsibilities for all aspects of the KCO. This includes strategic financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, security management, ICT and common services consistent with UN Women rules and regulations. The Operations Manager additionally serves as a key advisor to the Country Representative on matters of organizational integrity with the aim of ensuring: (i) compliance with UN Women policies and regulations; (ii) effective systems to support programme delivery and growth; (iii) accountability to organizational values and principles; and (iv) an enabling workplace environment in which staff potential is maximized.

The Operations Manager leads and guides the Kenya Country Office Operations Team and fosters collaboration within the team, with programme staff and with other UN Agencies and a client-oriented approach. The Operations Manager works in close collaboration with programme teams in the office, providing close guidance to programme staff who perform adjunct operations functions, ensuring that such staff are knowledgeable of rules and procedures governing programme finances, donor reporting, and personnel. She/he also works in collaboration with operations staff in other UN Agencies, UN Women Regional Office and HQ staff and Government officials to successfully deliver operations services.

Duties And Responsibilities

Manage the operations in the Kenya Country Office:

• Serve as a member of the Senior Management team and provide advice and support to the Kenya Country Director on operational issues;
• Develop the annual workplan for the Operations Team and oversee its implementation and monitoring;
• Participate in review meetings and assess the managerial and operational capacities of implementing partners in collaboration with the programme and technical team;
• Manage business process mapping and establish internal standard operating procedures in all areas of the Operations Team’s functions;
• Manage the implementation of corporate, budget, financial, procurement, and HR policies and systems and ensure adequate training of staff and project personnel on these issues;
• Ensure a continuous and up-to-date flow of information between the KCO , ESARO and HQ;
• Oversee all operations activities, including finance, human resources, procurement, transport, IT, security, administration and ensure they follow UN Women rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
• Manage staff in Operations Team: Finalize performance plans and evaluation standards; conduct performance assessments, provide feedback and coaching.
   

Oversee Planning, Expenditure Tracking And Auditing Of Financial Resources

• Ensure strategic and efficient management of office and programme financial resources;
• Exercise proper financial controls;
• Report locally and to HQ on established structures; seek advice from RO when deviations may be necessary;
• Review and take corrective action as appropriate on audit findings;
• Perform Manager Level 2 role in ATLAS for voucher and Purchase Order (PO) approvals;
• Ensure the KCO ‘s compliance with Internal Control Framework, Delegation of Authority and segregation of duties and responsibilities.
   

Oversee/Provide Human Resources Services To The Kenya Country Office

• Oversee recruitment processes; liaise with the RO/HQ and service providers as necessary;
• Oversee contracts; advise on appropriate contract modalities.
   

Oversee Procurement Processes

• Manage the provision of goods and services for the KCO and projects following established corporate procedures regarding sub-contract review and awarding of contracts, evaluate for cost effectiveness and manage the negotiations in connection with eventual agreements;
• Manage the preparation of procurement plans in the KCO;
• Participate/chair in local Procurement Review Committees (PRC);
• Manage KCO’s assets and liabilities and ensure proper inventory control.
   

Oversee Information And Communications Technology (ICT) Management

• Oversee the implementation of ICT systems;
• Ensure staff have access to ATLAS functionality for improved business results and improved client services;
• Mange maintenance of a secure, reliable infrastructure environment for ICT and adequate planning for disasters and recoveries.

Serve as the focal point for security issues and ensure safety and security of staff:

• Brief supervisor and staff on security matters and disseminate relevant information as advised by UNDSS, brief UN Women visitors on security;
• Ensure full compliance with MOSS and MORSS procedures on security of staff and office premises;
• Ensure that personnel request appropriate security clearance for travel;
• Liaise with HQ-based Security Advisor or their designated staff member on all security matters;
• Develop and maintain Business Continuity Plan.
   

Participate In Inter-agency Activities

• Represent UN Women in inter-agency meetings and working groups on operations issues to ensure UN Women’s interests are reflected in common system activities related to common services and premises, cost recovery and cost sharing arrangements, privileges and immunities, entitlements and salary surveys, security etc;
• Liaise with UNDP and other UN agencies on operational issues, activities, and collaboration.

Contribute to knowledge sharing between the Kenya Country Office and ESARO:

• Ensure knowledge is shared and adequately applied between the KCO and ESARO.

Competencies

Core Values

• Respect for Diversity;
• Integrity;
• Professionalism.
   

Core Competencies

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.
   

Functional Competencies

• Strong knowledge of operation, finance, procurement, human resources, ICT, and security systems and processes, particularly in the UN system is an asset;
• Ability to provide advice and support;
• Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects;
• Ability to handle confidential information;
• Good negotiating skills;
• Strong IT skills.

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, HR, or related field is required.

Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level, in office management, operations or finance;
• Experience in leading a team;
• Experience in working in a computer environment using multiple office software packages, experience in handling of web -based management systems and ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft;
• Experience of accrual accounting, IPSAS or IFRS is highly desirable;
• Professional background in programming/ projects management is desirable.

Language Requirement

• Fluency in English is required;
• Knowledge of Swahili or any other UN official working language is an asset.

Application Instructions

All applications must include (as an attachment) a completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from http://www.unwomen.org/about-us/employment Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment.