Country Manager

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 122,082 USD and 157,399 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background Information - Job-specific

Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO)

The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Specifically, AUMCO aims to enable achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement through global programmes and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia, focused on:

• Infrastructure
• Procurement
• Project Management (full service, back on track)
• HR and Transactional Services
• Grants Management
• Technical and Advisory Services

UNOPS in Georgia

UNOPS Georgia was established in mid-2018 to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ portfolio in the country. The office currently provides implementation services to several projects where UNOPS works closely with development partners and the Government of Georgia, focusing on the education, security, and healthcare sectors. This includes a flagship EU project to create and operationalize an Eastern Partnership School that caters to 6 countries in the sub-region.

UNOPS Georgia, which is overseen by AUMCO, is focused on providing efficient and cost-effective implementation services on behalf of all our partners to support the Government of Georgia achieve its national priorities and in alignment with the UNSDCF.

Purpose & Scope of the Assignment

The Country Manager, who will be an integral part of the AUMCO management team, reports directly to the AUMCO Director who provides direction and general supervision. The Country Manager will work under the guidance of the AUMCO Head of Programme and Head of Support Services on programmatic and operational matters respectively. The Country Manager is responsible for programme development planning, and all stages of programme/project implementation and operations to achieve the results in the area of responsibility. S/he will oversee and guide the day to day activities of Project Managers and teams, and proactively engage with partners and beneficiaries to coordinate project development and/or delivery. The incumbent will also lead on identifying and addressing key issues and risks.

The role significantly contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the competencies and position of UNOPS in sustainable project management and services to partners, stakeholders and UN system partners, in Georgia, as well as Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Functional Responsibilities

People leadership - Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability within the Project Office. - Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed. - Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments. - 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. - Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance. - Build the capacity of personnel to apply UNOPS regulations, systems and best project management practice. - Manage and supervise technical advisors and retainers to ensure efficient delivery.

Project Office portfolio management - Under the guidance and oversight from the MCO Director and the Head of Programme, develop proposals and prepare project agreements in connection with identified opportunities, in Georgia, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan. - Plan and propose to the MCO Directorthe required resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Office. - Take corrective action, where needed, to ensure project management systems and standards are fully applied. - With guidance from the Head of Programme, oversee and advise Project Managers and teams on a day to day basis and in a hands-on manner where required, and engage with the respective partners and beneficiaries proactively, to ensure that UNOPS’ projects and activities are delivered in a quality, effective, efficient and timely manner. - Establish the strategies and implementation plans for the Project Office. - In collaboration with the partners, develop the objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services. - Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their dependents within the respective area of responsibility. - Manage the overall HSSE performance in the Project Office while overseeing the implementation of all HSSE requirements - In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation, 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.

Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development

• Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the country, to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.
• Address partnership challenges in a timely and efficient way, incl. through regular direct and hands on communication with the EU, other donors and government stakeholders.
• 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 MCO Management 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 ensuring excellence of business processes and quality standards as well as ensure 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, including by taking hands on action where needed to address key issues and risks.

• Under the guidance of the MCO, 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 harmonization of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UNSDCF, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.

• On behalf of the MCO Director, 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 in Georgia, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan.

• In alignment with the MCO Director, keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within Georgia, as well as in Azerbaijan and Armenia, through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF.

  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, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.
• Plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) combined with seven (7) years of relevant experience OR - A First level University degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) combined with nine (9) years of relevant experience is required.

Experience - A minimum of 7 years (or 9 years for first level university degree holders) of progressively responsible experience in international development, business development, operations and/or project/programme management in a large international and/or corporate organization. - Experience managing medium to large teams, including management of senior professional staff is a distinct advantage. - A minimum of 3 years of experience with the United Nations holding a management role is required. - Prior experience in the EU as a donor is highly desirable. Experience partnering with the public sector on developing, implementing and/or evaluating projects and programs of high national relevance is a distinct advantage.

Language - Full working knowledge of English is essential. - Knowledge of Georgian and/or Russian 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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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. For people managers only: 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

1. Contract type Fixed Term Appointment
2. Contract level P4 and
3. Contract duration One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.