Head of Office

Pristina

Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
Location: Pristina
Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Programme Management
- Leadership
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The Project Office is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks associated with the Project Office’s portfolio of engagements – as part of the Multi Country Office set up, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners' sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

UNOPS has been active in Kosovo (under UNSCR 1244/99) since 1999, helping partners achieve their goals in areas such as economic development, education, health, environment, justice, mine action and post-conflict rebuilding of infrastructure and livelihoods. The UNOPS office in Pristina currently provides services including project management, infrastructure, administrative support, procurement, fund management and HR services to EU, UNMIK, UNHCR, UNEP, the Government of Kosovo and other bilateral and multi-lateral partners.

The Project Office operates as an integral part of the Multi Country Office management structure. The Head of Office reports to the Multi Country Office Direct or who provides direction and guidance. The Head of Office role is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and supervising the delivery of all projects and support services that includes liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

Functional Responsibilities

Project Office programme/project management

Develop proposals and prepare project documents agreements in connection with identified opportunities and in cooperation/collaboration with partners.
Plan and propose to Multi Country Office Director required resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Office.
Establish the strategies and implementation plans for the Project Office, in collaboration with the partners, set objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.
Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel within the respective area of responsibility.
In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.
Perform project manager’s functions, if required

Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development

Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners, to identify and plan with them (and the Multi Country Office Director) areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.
Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners.
Keep the Multi Country Office Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management and business development.

Service delivery and quality assurance

Establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for direct operational support for delivery of the Project Office programmes/projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.
Monitor and oversee programme/project implementation, review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Multi Country Office, for action and/or intervention.
Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Project Office, including submitting financial reports to the Multi Country Office Director.

Representation and inter-agency partnership

Participate, as delegated by the Multi Country Office Director, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UNDAF/One Program, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.
Participate in any UN country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.
Keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within Kosovo through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNDAF or equivalent.

Knowledge management and innovation

Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.
Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.
Plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

A Master’s degree in Management, Social sciences, development, project management, infrastructure related or any other relevant field is required.
Bachelor’s Degree with a combination of two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience in a relevant discipline may be accepted

Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, business development, operations and/or programme management in a large international and/or corporate organization.
At least 3 years of leadership experience including supervising teams and managing budgets is required.
Previous experience managing donor funded projects or programmes is required.
Previous experience as Head of Office is highly desirable.
Some experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is desirable.

Language

Full working knowledge of English is essential.
Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Contractor Agreement
Contract level: International Specialist Level 3
Contract duration: ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
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.
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
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.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

This vacancy is now closed.
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