Operations Senior Manager (Head of Operations)

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - PSC

Peace and Security Cluster

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the PSC on behalf of its clients.

Background Information - Job-specific

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered nearly two decades of turmoil, particularly in the eastern provinces. The use of landmines was a feature during the conflict and Explosive Remnants of War from the fighting remain a hazard.

UNMAS established a presence in the DRC in 2002 to assist MONUSCO and GoDRC with explosive hazard management activities. In compliance with Security Council Resolutions 2098 (2013), 2463 (2019) and more recently 2502 (2019), UNMAS DRC runs two main projects in the DRC, one in support of MONUSCO and another one in support of the GoDRC and the UN Country Team (UNCT).

UNMAS DRC supports MONUSCO in the achievement of its mandated objectives under the strategic component: (1) Protection of Civilians (PoC) and Human Rights. UNMAS DRC does so through explosive hazard management, including survey, clearance and disposal of explosive hazards, including unsafe ammunition stockpile of FARDC and Congolese national police, assessment and destruction of unserviceable, obsolete or surplus ammunition from Troop/Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) and assessment and destruction of weapons and ammunition surrendered during the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration and resettlement process, supporting national efforts to address the threat posed by the uncontrolled proliferation and misuse of SALW in the DRC; provision of awareness sessions to UN personnel; as well as through the provision of technical support and advice on weapons and ammunition stockpile management both to the GoDRC and relevant MONUSCO sections. UNMAS DRC also stands ready to support any other requests from the Mission, wherever possible, for example, the assessment and clearance of Mission premises on closure, prior to returning to civilian use. These activities are in line with the UNMAS Strategic Objective 2 and 4 of the UNMAS Multi-Year Strategic Plan and contributes to UNMAS vision for the DRC: “ a country free from the threat of mines, explosive hazards, and armed violence, where communities live in a safe and secure environment, and where national security institutions and authorities have the capacity to address the residual explosive threat and adequately store and manage their weapons, ammunitions and stockpiles.”

UNMAS Objectives

In accordance with MONUSCO mandate and strategic objectives, UNMAS aims to develop National capacities to improve the security of Small Arms & Light Weapons (SALW) and ammunition of the National Defence and Security Forces. The project focuses on equipping and training the National Forces and Police for a better physical security and management processes of weapons and ammunition of stated owned stockpiles. In addition, the program plans to establish an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Threat Mitigation capacity in DRC, with the objective of ensuring effective prioritization of tasks, utilization of resources, and encouraging common messaging by all UN, governmental, non-governmental and commercial implementers engaged in related activities countrywide.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the UNMAS DRC Senior Programme Manager (SPM), the Head of Operations will play an integral role in programme management and strategic overview of UNMAS DRC operations. The Head of Operations is responsible for the following functions:

1. Technical advisory role (standards, doctrine, advisory)

• Ensure consistent application of relevant standards dependent upon the mine action activities being undertaken in-country (IMAS, IATG, ISACS, NTSGs, etc).
• Develop and implement a Concept of Operations and provide inputs into mine action related policies, taking into consideration cross-cutting issues, such as gender, diversity, conflict sensitivity, sustainability, and environment.
• Coordinate technical, operational, and quality assurance processes.
• Advise internal and external stakeholders on country-specific emerging threats and possible solutions; respond to related queries.
• Identify, define, and prioritize the programme needs and opportunities in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Advise internally on potential technical operational issues that may impact the achievement of programme / project outcomes and appropriate solutions.
• Develop Scopes of Work and Statements of Requirement in line with country strategies, mandates, and donor requirements, and participate in evaluation panels.
• Lead Boards of Inquiry as relevant.
• Develop and implement an annual workplan of activities, including milestones and associated budget requirements.
• Ensure operational plans are cost effective and reviewed regularly.
• Coordinate the implementation of relevant UNOPS Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) management plans as required.

2. Manage programme/operational resources

• As part of the management team, contribute to resource mobilization efforts to develop the programme and support high impact programming.
• Contribute to the monitoring budgets/expenditure for over/under spend and adjust planning accordingly.

3. Implementation/delivery and monitoring of operations

• Oversee, coordinate, and monitor mine action operations and performance.
• Design, implement and oversee a robust quality management and information management system in line with the requirements set in the UNMAS Minimum data requirements.
• Ensure that the United Nations Gender guidelines for Mine Action are actioned and timely implemented and that the objectives in the gender and diversity strategy are mainstreamed within the Operations department.
• Design and maintain a risk management system focused on problem solving which ties into contract management awareness; maintain and utilize risk and issues logs.
• Ensure that the security management system is aligned to UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) country specific requirements. keep abreast of regional security and political landscape.
• Review all performance reports and populate internal monitoring and reporting mechanisms (i.e. Grant and contract management plans) to inform the monthly payment process.
• Organize debriefing with the grantee/contractor to provide feedback on performance against deliverables and if necessary, discuss corrective actions to be taken in following months, recommend liquidated damages and/or lead dispute resolutions if necessary.

4. Stakeholder coordination, representation, and inter-agency collaboration

• Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with all key stakeholders could include but not limited to other UN entities, African Union, member states (and Coalitions) Government, mine action organizations, and donors.
• Establish and/or maintain regular coordination platforms for mine action stakeholders, in coordination with Government and humanitarian/development coordination platforms as relevant.
• Represent the Country Office in meetings/conferences.
• Engage national Mine action authorities and/or relevant Government ministries for purposes of coordination and capacity building as requested, specifically relating to review/implementation of National Technical Standards and Guidelines and/or International Mine Action Standards and other relevant international standards as well as treaty implementation/obligations.
• Seek opportunities to support/delivery with other UN entities and engage in collaborative planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting.

5. Knowledge management

• Ensure records of operations-related files are well maintained.
• Implement relevant standards, tools and templates to effectively manage efficient and effective project delivery.
• Keep abreast of and incorporate latest/best practices, approaches and technology to enhance the programme delivery and results.
• Initiate and undertake lessons learned exercises, including the sharing, effective filing, and incorporation into future plans and ensure information sharing mechanisms internally, as well as with clients and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.
• At the request of the Senior Programme Manager and in collaboration with the team, plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of project personnel, clients and stakeholders.
• Mentor and advise Operations Officers and/or Project Managers in planning, execution and delivery of allocated projects, ensuring incorporation of best operational processes.

6. People management

• Support in recruitment, train, guide, empower and develop Mine action technical staff, with consideration for individual training and development needs within the overall delivery of Operations
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing the Operations team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Directly lead national and international UNOPS staff and consultants in a multicultural team, ensuring a professional, ethical and well managed Operations department.
• Foster a positive and enabling work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Ensure that regular performance reviews are conducted, and any issues are immediately addressed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful performance by the Head of Operations directly impacts on achievement of programme results and consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNMAS DRC as it supports MONUSCO deliver on its mandated strategic objectives.

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY! * QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience OR
• First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience OR
• Military or Police experience with a minimum of 13 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in operations management in military, police settings, or humanitarian Mine Action operations.
• Experience in Explosive Ordnance Disposal is required.
• Field experience in a hardship or post conflict environment is required.
• Experience with mine action programmes, policies, and coordination mechanisms is desired.

• Experience in using the following international standards is desired:

  ○ International Mine Action Standards (IMAS);

  ○ International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG);

  ○ International Small Arms Control Standards (ISACS).

Language

• Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking) is required.
• Knowledge of French is desired.

* CANDIDATES WITH NO UN OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

* QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!

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.

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.
• 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
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• 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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: IICA-3 (ICS-11) 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

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.