Country Manager

Contract

This is a P-5 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 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 153,775 USD and 192,715 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

UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is recruiting for this position: **Country Manager based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 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.

Europe and Central Asia (ECR) Region**

The ECR Regional Office oversees and enables efficient and effective delivery of support to partners in the ECR region in line with UNOPS’ corporate strategy. The region has several hundred regular UNOPS personnel who work in diverse and complex environments.

UNOPS portfolio in ECR consists of projects in many countries located in the Europe and Central Asia region managed out of country and multi-country offices - in Austria (AUMCO), Serbia (RSMCO), and Ukraine (UACO).

Through high-quality implementation of its diverse multi-sectoral projects, ECR effectively supports national partners in achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while currently contributing through its activities to 15 out of 17 SDGs. Key sectors for ECR are health, environment, infrastructure, rule of law and economic development.

The Austria Multi-Country Office

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

  Uzbekistan Office

Under the purview of AUMCO, the UNOPS Uzbekistan Office, established in Tashkent in October 2022 supports the Government of Uzbekistan’s development efforts in the country, through the provision of effective project management, infrastructure, and procurement services. At present, the office has signed and has been implementing three engagements contributing to SGD3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), while actively working with the Government of Uzbekistan and development partners in diversifying its portfolio in line with the country’s development priorities including education.

The Role

The Country Manager, who will be an integral part of the AUMCO management team, reports directly to the AUMCO Director who provides strategic direction, oversight, and general guidance. The Country Manager will work in close collaboration with the AUMCO Head of Programme and Head of Support Services on programmatic and operational matters respectively.

The Country Manager is responsible for representation, programme development planning, and all stages of programme/project implementation and operations to achieve the results in the area of responsibility. The Country Manager 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 Country Manager 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 Uzbekistan, as well as supporting expansion of UNOPS’ value addition across Central Asia.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of key results:

1. People leadership
2. Project Office portfolio management
3. Alliance building, networking, and advocacy for business development
4. Service delivery and quality assurance
5. Representation and inter-agency partnership

6. Knowledge management and innovation

   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. - 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, lead in developing proposals and preparing project agreements in connection with identified opportunities. - Plan and propose to the 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 Country 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. - Under the guidance from the MCO Director and with the support of the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, the Country Manager manages 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 manuals.

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.
• 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.

• Address partnership challenges in a timely and efficient way, incl. through regular direct and hands-on communication with donors and government stakeholders.

  Service delivery and quality assurance

• In close collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, 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

• Represent UNOPS vis a vis the Government, closely engage with line Ministries and development partners to strengthen relationships and engagement on Uzbekistan’s development priorities.

• 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 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 alignment with the MCO Director, keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within Uzbekistan through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF 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, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.

• Plan, implement and organize strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

  Impact of Results: The effective and successful achievement of results by the Country Manager directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Office, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) combined with ten (10) years of relevant experience OR - A First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) combined with twelve (12) years of relevant experience is required.

Experience: - A minimum of 10 years (for advanced university degree holders) or 12 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. - A minimum of five (5) years of experience with the UNOPS/United Nations. - Experience managing large teams, including management of senior professional staff is a distinct advantage. - Experience in managing complex infrastructure projects is a distinct advantage. - Experince in a developing country settings, ideally in Central Asia, is desirable. - Prior experience in IFI-funded projects/programmes 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 Requirements: - Full working knowledge of English is required. - Knowledge of Russian and/or Uzbek language would be considered a distinct advantage. - Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment (Staff-FTA) Contract level: P-5 / ICS 12 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

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. 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.

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.