UNDP’s presence in the Bangkok Regional Hub (BRH) delivers a full range of policy, programme, and operations support to 24 Country Offices (COs) in the Asia-Pacific region. As part of the Country Office Support and Quality Assurance (COSQA) function, strategic management oversight and advisory support is provided through the Management Advisory Services Team (MAST).  

As part of the team, the Operations Specialist provides comprehensive operations and implementation support to Country Office (CO) management, programme and operations teams and project personnel in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to help them accelerate the speed of delivery and improving the quality of client-oriented CO services, while effectively managing operational risks. S/he also works closely with the Country Office Support and Quality Assurance (COSQA) team in the Regional Hub, HQ units in the Bureau of Management Services (BMS), Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) and Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) to ensure coherent, timely, and appropriately prioritized support to the COs. Under the supervision of the Management Advisor in the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific (RBAP), s/he provides critical and practical guidance on implementation aspects, including in crisis situations. From the oversight perspective, s/he performs a quality assurance function on all aspects of a Country Office activities in the region in assigned area of responsibilities and flags issues of concern on those requiring senior management attention in a timely manner. The Operations Specialist facilitates alignment and linkage with regional and corporate strategy and priorities, tracks CO performance against corporate standards and results compacts between the CO and the Bureau as well as escalates CO performance issues to his/her supervisor and the COSQA team as needed.

To be successful in this role, the Operations Specialist needs to have a broad operational knowledge base, results-based management aptitude and strong programme support credentials, including advanced project and risk management as well as analytical skills. S/he should have strong teambuilding, inter-personal and communication skills, be client-oriented, and have the ability to look at issues from different angles and find creative solutions. S/he should consistently approach work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.

The position requires up to 30% travel within the region. 

1. Supports CO programme and project implementation for acceleration of delivery, by:

• Performing the role of the “go-to” resource in the Regional Bureau for COs on operations and financial management issues that slow down programme and project implementation, and providing effective solutions;
• Conducting analysis to identify operational and financial bottlenecks in COs, and providing advice and support to COs on business process reviews and development of Standard Operating Procedures;
• Providing authoritative advisory services on financial management, programme finance and enterprise risk management to COs, in consultation with relevant COSQA team, Bureau of Management Services (BMS) staff, based in HQ, BRH and GSSC;
• Performing data monitoring and analysis of programme/project implementation to support the Regional Bureau’s oversight function, and flagging issues of concern and CO performance issues to COSQA team and managers when needed;
• Conducting periodic quality assurance of CO operations management, remotely and on site, and making recommendations on improvement to CO management team;
• Monitoring Internal Control Framework (ICF) compliance by COs and advising and supporting COs on required changes.    

2. Supports Cost Centre level financial sustainability and optimal cost recovery, by:

• Facilitating review of CO Integrated Work Plans and Institutional Budget (IB) Plans, supporting the preparation of Cost Centre budget, and support allocation of IB resources to COs;
• Providing advice to COs on office financial sustainability and programme resource management, including direct project costing and revenue management;
• Supporting development and implementation of Direct Project Cost mechanism for development projects in line with corporate policy;
• Based on tracking and analysis of CO staff and operating costs, elaborating proposals for cost centre-level cost saving and reduction strategies for consideration of Bureau management team;
• Monitoring and tracking of CO revenue against management targets and preparation of inputs to quarterly CO Business Plan reviews as required.  

3. Enhances monitoring, risk management and reporting activities, by:

• Providing demand-based advice to COs on implementing the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) framework, including assurance activities;
• Monitoring and quality assurance of HACT macro and micro assessments, programme visits and spot checks, and follow-up with COs as required;
• Ensuring that COs incorporate risks identified in the micro assessments into their risk management measures and risk logs, as appropriate, and that they are followed up on;
• Supporting COs and OAI in preparations for, coordination/facilitation of and follow-up to CO/DIM/HACT audits, as needed;
• Monitoring and tracking implementation rate of audit recommendations across the Asia-Pacific region; providing assistance to CO teams to close audit recommendations; and escalating issues to Bureau managers when needed;
• Providing guidance to COs on Business Continuity Planning, including annual updating and testing of Plans; monitoring of CO compliance rate and follow up;
• Systematically monitoring the exercise of authorities delegated to COs by RBAP; identifying and addressing exceptions;
• Regular monitoring of Financial Performance Dashboard; early identification and resolution of issues in collaboration with the concerned COs;
• Regular monitoring of project closures by COs in line with corporate policies and procedures, and providing hands-on advice and support to ensure compliance.   

4. Facilitates knowledge building and knowledge sharing, by:

• Participating in, and bringing CO perspectives into, the implementation of policy and strategic initiatives at the regional and HQ level in her/his areas of responsibility to support the key results, outcomes and outputs of the UNDP Strategic Plan;
• Supporting the planning and delivering of regional workshops and learning events on programme implementation and operational/financial management;
• Participating in adapting, further strengthening and delivering the new modular training package on programme, operations and project planning and implementation that RBAP is rolling out in Asia-Pacific COs in 2019-2020;
• Providing surge capacity on programme/project management in COs when needed;
• Providing on-the-job demand-based capacity development support to CO staff in operations management as needed. 

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree) or Professional Certification Auditing, Accounting (e.g., CPA, CA, etc.) is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in operational advisory or similar functions, in a UNDP country office or regional or HQ location is required.
• Experience in programme finance or financial management is desirable.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNDP programme and project management policies and procedures desirable.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web- based management systems. Experience with ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft, is desirable.
• Knowledge of IPSAS and/or IFRS is required for external candidates.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English, both written and verbal. 

Other:

• Women candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Up to 30% of travel required.

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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