Director, Country Office (Internal Candidates Only)

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 159,540 USD and 199,940 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 Panama Multi-Country Office (PA****MCO****) is recruiting for this position: Country Director based in San Jose, Costa Rica****.

Work Context:

This role requires frequent travel on official missions to project sites and other locations in and outside San Jose, Costa Rica, as well as frequent verbal interactions with national public partners, other counterparts as well as peers and direct reports, this includes sound negotiation and influence skills.

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.

About UNOPS in Costa Rica:

The Costa Rica Office is one of the countries under Panama Multi Country Office (PAMCO), the MCO covers Panama, Costa Rica and the English/Dutch speaking Caribbean Countries

The Country Office Costa Rica Director is responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements and cost effective services contributing to partners' sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results. Country Office Costa Rica Director also manages the operational risks associated with its portfolio of engagements. The Role:

Reporting to and under the general guidance and oversight from the Multi Country Director, the CO Director directs and manages all delivery within the Country Office scope, including liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

The CO Director represents UNOPS on behalf of the MCO and Regional Director in Costa Rica.

About our Culture:

Our work contributes to building the foundations for countries and communities to achieve peace and sustainable development, guided by our values: Inclusion, Integrity, Humility and Humanity.

UNOPS celebrates diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities. The UNOPS workforce is made up of people of diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. UNOPS aims to maintain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive work environment for its entire workforce.

Functional Responsibilities

The Country Director is responsible for the direction, strategic leadership and operations of the UNOPS Office in Costa Rica, focusing on the following key results: 1. People leadership 2. Country Office portfolio management 3. Alliance building, networking and advocacy 4. Service delivery and quality assurance 5. Representation and inter-agency coordination 6. Knowledge management and innovation

1. People Leadership

• Create, foster, and role model a culture of trust, empowerment, and accountability within the Country 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

2. Country Office portfolio management

• Develop the strategy for the Country Office, establish priorities, and oversee the implementation of the portfolio, managing the operational risks associated with the Country Office portfolio of engagements.
• Lead the Country Office in the delivery of the UNOPS strategic plan and development and implementation of the annual business plan.
• In collaboration with the Country Office team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, performance measurements, standards, and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
• Guide, endorse, and oversee the proposals and project document agreements in connection with identified opportunities for the Country Office.
• Set the objectives, performance measurements, standards, and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
• Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives, and take decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned.
• Plan, propose to the Regional Director, and allocate the resources required (human, financial, and administrative) to achieve goals and ensure financial sustainability in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability framework.
• Operate within the defined limits of authority on matters of Finance, Procurement, and Human Resources and subject to any limits or conditions that may be imposed as per delegated
• Is responsible for managing the overall HSSE performance in the CO while holding the accountability for the implementation of all HSSE requirements.
• Oversee, monitor, and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS personnel and their eligible dependents, assets, property, and information within the respective area of responsibility.
• 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

3. Alliance building, networking, and advocacy

• Keep abreast and assess the needs of national governments and other UNOPS partners operating in the geographical coverage area, 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 in the geographical coverage area through active networking, advocacy, and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management to develop opportunities and engagements with new and existing partners.

• Keep Regional Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for portfolio management and business development in the geographical area.

  4. Service delivery and quality assurance

• With the support from the Head of Support Services and the Head of Programme, ensure appropriate arrangements for building excellence of business processes and quality standards.

• Monitor and supervise the overall timely and cost-effective delivery of the Country Office portfolio according to partner expectations, approved budgets, and full cost recovery.
• Take overall responsibility for financial decisions, and exercise financial control, to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Country Office portfolio
• Provide advice to the Regional Director and peers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS’ contribution to the achievement of partners results in the geographical area.
• Ensure internal performance and quality management for the Country Office, including tracking, monitoring, and reporting on project delivery and financials.
• Evaluate performance to measure efficacy and alignment of the Country Office with organizational/regional strategy and compliance with UNOPS standards of accuracy, transparency, and accountability, and ensure that service delivery reinforces business development objectives.

5. Representation and inter-agency coordination

• Represent UNOPS in relevant inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to promote the organization, influence policy discussion, and identify potential areas for UNOPS partnership and engagement.
• Represent UNOPS in the UN Country Team (UNCT), and support the UNCT programming and advocacy activities.
• Participate actively and effectively in UNCT meetings, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, Integrated Strategic Framework, and Delivering as One within the country of the main office for the Multi Country Office.
• Is accountable to the Resident Coordinator for actions as part of the UNCT, makes substantial contributions to the UNCT’s work, and assumes a leadership role as relates to UNOPS’ mandate.
• Participate in UNCT initiatives to strengthen UN coherence, inclusiveness, and aid effectiveness, including ensuring UNOPS active role in the Operations Management Teams (OMTs) and other senior management groups of the country team.
• Keep UN Resident Coordinator abreast of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication, including a formal regular reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF.

6. Knowledge management and innovation

• Lead the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices approaches in the delivery of the regional portfolio.
• Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional, and national development planning and knowledge building.
• Lead the planning, implementation, and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, partners, and stakeholders.
• Establish priorities, in consultation with the Regional Director, for targeted investments in growth and innovation and as a member of the UNOPS global management team, contribute to identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance.
• Share knowledge with peers in other regional/country teams and corporate practice groups to ensure a corporate coordinated delivery of services and synergies.

Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Country Director directly impacts on the development and performance of the Country Office portfolio, visibility, and image of 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Social Science, International Development, Project Management, or other relevant disciplines combined with ten (10) years of relevant experience.

OR

• A First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Social Science, International Development, Project Management, or other relevant disciplines combined with twelve (12) years of relevant experience is required.

  Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in international development, business development, operations and/or program management in a large international and/or corporate organization is required.
• At least three (3) years of senior leadership experience including supervising senior professional staff and managing financial sustainability of operations, including at least 2 years in a country office.
• Experience working in developing countries is desirable.
• Experience in dealing with infrastructure portfolios is desirable.

• Experience partnering with the public sector on developing, implementing and/or evaluating projects and programs of high national relevance is a distinctive advantage.

  Languages

• Fluent in Spanish and English Language is required
• Knowledge of any official UN language is an advantage.

Motivation letter

While your application showcases your skills, experience, and education, we are also eager to learn more about your interests and motivations. Therefore, we invite you to upload a motivation letter with your application for the position. Remember to share in the letter your motivation for joining the UNOPS team in the advertised position, your interests and skills. We would also like to know your perspective regarding United Nations values: Inclusion, Integrity, Humility and Humanity. For more information about UN Values see this link.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment (FTA-Staff)

Level of contract: P5/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

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.

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 peace and 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 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

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

Additional information