Job: Head of Operations - UNOPS Rapid Response Roster

Location: Multiple 
Deadline: Wednesday, 23 October 2013 

Description

Vacancy code VA/2013/B0010/4033

Position title Head of Operations– UNOPS Rapid Response Roster,

Multiple positions

Level ICS-10

Department/office Sustainable Infrastructure

Duty station Multiple

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-2

Duration between 2 weeks and 4 months

Application period 07-Oct-2013 to 23-Oct-2013

Print United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity Background Information - UNOPS

The pool of experts is used as a surge capacity for short term rapid deployments (between 2 weeks and 4 months). UNOPS Rapid Response provides a capacity of specialized humanitarian personnel and trained and prepared engineers to conduct infrastructure assessments in the context of conflict, disaster and preparedness. One of the objectives of UNOPS Rapid Response is to rapidly deploy personnel to the field. To accomplish this, a pool of experts for the above mentioned position has been established. Once approved as a member of a pool, candidates remain members for a three year period, after which they will be re-assessed should they wish to remain part of the pool.

The mission of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peace-building, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. In line with its mandate UNOPS acts as a central resource for the United Nations system in procurement and contracts management as well as in civil works and physical infrastructure development, including the related capacity development activities. UNOPS has significant experience in post-conflict, post-disaster and geographically difficult environments and in the field of emergency reconstruction of disaster stricken communities. UNOPS has a solid track record of providing effective disaster response operations and continues to be called upon to conduct infrastructure assessments in both conflict and disaster contexts.

Functional Responsibilities

The Head of Operations' main role is to lead the operations, ensuring smooth functioning of the mission's operations, consistent services delivery and constant evaluation and readjustment of the operations to take into account changes in the operating environment when needed. The Head of Operations works in close collaboration with mission teams, operations staff in other UN Agencies, UNOPS personnel and Government officials to successfully deliver operations services. It is understood that the Head of Operations can be working in complex and challenging environments with limited resources. S/he will perform the following duties and responsibilities:

Mission Implementation Management of the operations of the mission, including HR Management, Finance, Procurement, Logistical and ICT Services, ensuring the timely delivery of services to the mission; Development and implementation of a logistics and supply system; Management of the movement of personnel and equipment into and within the mission area; Ensures efficient transport and technical services; Manage and oversee operational activities; Constant monitoring and analysis of the operating environment, including timely readjustment and improvements of the operations; Identify operational priorities and coordinate cost effective mission operations in the area in accordance with nationally established criteria; Plan for and ensure accurate, regular and timely reporting of operational issues/activities; Contribute to development of plans, reports and related documents to facilitate implementation of mission activities; Ensure full compliance of operations with UNOPS rules, regulations and policies Advise the mission manager on issues that may impact the achievement of the expected mission outcomes; Analysis and identification of potential issues related to security and proposal of strategies and options to be reviewed by mission manager; Ensure compliance with safety and security procedures;

Coordination and liaison Communicate with the national and local authorities for liaison and coordination purposes; Coordinate and build relationships with United Nations (UN) agencies, international non-governmental organizations (I/NGOs) and other actors for the purposes of facilitating activities and operations;

General Duties

Provide feedback to mission manager with the aim of continuous improvement of workflows/business processes and policies;

Any other related duties as may be assigned;

Competencies

Key Competencies

• Ability to work under extreme pressure, on occasion in a highly stressful environment (e.g. civil strife, natural hazards and humanitarian crisis);
• Proven supervisory ability and/or technical leadership. Ability to maintain effective working relations both as a team member and team leader.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Ability to manage, organize, plan and implement work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment and decision making skills.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills and ability to handle a range of management and coordination issues.
• Understands the role of technology and business processes and constantly strives to better utilise these for achieving organisational goals.
• Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• Education Degree in logistics, Emergency Management, International Relations, or other relevant discipline.
• A relevant combination of academic credentials and/or industry certifications or military experience and qualifying years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the university education;
• Work Experience A minimum of 5 years of relevant and progressive professional experience in operations management (military or humanitarian), including at least 2 years of experience with disaster management or humanitarian emergency related operations;
• Experience in liaising with government officials, representatives of international and national organizations, private sector companies and other stakeholders;
• Understanding of UN programmes, policies, and coordination mechanisms;
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian emergency operating context, including Sphere, the humanitarian system, donors, security, and operations management
• Strong computer skills, including database and information management ability an asset; Language
• Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement.
• Knowledge of additional UN languages is an asset;

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (Retainer) Contract level:I-ICA 2 Contract duration: Depending on the mission, but between 2 weeks and 4 months. The fee will be based on a daily/monthly rate to be negotiated, depending on experience and the length and complexity of the mission. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

More Info and Application