UNOPS Ukraine & East Europe Multi-Country Office (UEMCO) is recruiting for t...

UNOPS Ukraine & East Europe Multi-Country Office (UEMCO) is recruiting for this position: Head of Support Services (HoSS), NO-D (Internal Candidates Only) to be based in Kyiv, Ukraine (Non-Family duty station) with a requirement to travel periodically to field/project offices in Ukraine and to project offices in Moldova and Poland.

About UNOPS UEMCO and Ukraine Country Context:

On 24 February 2022, the military of the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, with strikes across the territory of Ukraine. Since then, Russia’s invasion imposes a severe humanitarian and socio-economic toll, global energy and food crisis, large-scale destruction of the country's infrastructure, and disruptions in the provision of critical services and degradation of social fabrics and communities’ ties, triggering one of the world’s most significant forced displacements.

Severe attacks on energy and critical infrastructure facilities leave millions of people without electricity, water or heating supply, struggling to access water, food, health services, materials to repair homes, among others. The continued attacks cause substantial damage to the country’s economy and agricultural production, and also affect the poorest countries worldwide.

UNOPS support to partners spans the humanitarian-development nexus from emergency response to building back better, across the housing, health, education, transport, energy and mine action sectors, through infrastructure, procurement and technical assistance / project management interventions, with the ultimate aim of supporting the country on its EU accession and in its achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Role:

The Head of Support Services (HoSS) is a critical leadership role in UNOPS UEMCO, reporting to the Multi-Country Office Director, who provides general guidance and vision.

The role is responsible for providing an efficient and integrated support services for the Multi-Country Office dealing, on a daily basis with a diverse team of nationals and internationa professionals.


The Head of Support Services (HoSS) reports to the Multi Country Office Director...
The Head of Support Services (HoSS) reports to the Multi Country Office Director, and is responsible for:



Functions/Key Results Expected:
Operational leadership, advisory and technical support Project planning and coordination support Procurement Financial and compliance management Human resource management Administration and Information Technology Knowledge management and innovation
1. Operational leadership, advisory and technical support

As a key leadership role for UEMCO, the Head of Support Services monitors and supervises teams as well as all aspects of operations (Finance, HR, Procurement, , Information Technology (IT) and Administration) to ensure achievement of results, whilst driving compliance with corporate strategies, UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity. Monitor support services to ensure continuously improving client service and satisfaction, including liaising with appropriate Head Quarters Practice Groups and PCG (People & Culture Group) for required support. Contribute to the formulation of UEMCO Office strategies and policies through advisory services to the Multi Country Director. Provide technical advice and operational guidance on innovative approaches to project financing, risk assessment/mitigation and use of financing structures, mechanisms, instruments and guarantees. Collaborate with colleagues to identify the need, determine cost and plan all Multi Country Office support services, including procurement, finance, human resources and administrative services. Assist the Multi Country Director in setting goals, targets and performance standards for projects, and recommend tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing. At the request of the Multi Country Director participate in any UN forum discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered. 
2. Project planning and coordination support

Provide assistance and support to programme and project budget preparation, revisions and work planning.  Provide input into project engagement and acceptance documents including assisting with contract negotiations. Provide advice on goal setting, targets and performance standards for projects and recommend tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing.  Monitor project financial projections, take decisions and/or refer critical issues to the Multi Country Office Director and/or other stakeholders for action. Provide advice on programme and project cost sharing, deployment of funds and closure. Constantly monitor and analyze the operating environment to identify potential risks and take action/refer critical issues for intervention to ensure delivery of results.  Closely liaise with the Project/Field Offices within the Multi Country Office in order to troubleshoot any issues that might cause interruption in the support services management.
3. Procurement
Oversee and supervise Multi Country Office procurement processes, including tendering processes and evaluation and supplier selection, to ensure viable procurement solutions that meet operational needs and compliance with UNOPS procurement procedures, regulations and standard of accountability, ethics, integrity and performance. Evaluate contractual arrangements and legal commitments/risks for appropriate action. In consultation with relevant colleagues, review, administer and issue contracts, agreements/amendments with institutions and UN agencies.  Oversee the logistics of goods and equipment on project sites to confirm delivery and safe warehousing. Evaluate, list, update and monitor the performance of the roster of service providers of suitable firms or institutions

4. Financial and compliance management

Prepare UEMCO Office financial plan and manage the budget process/cycle to ensure timely revisions and reallocation of funds. Oversee the Support Services Finance Unit and ensure compliance with the UNOPS/Financial Rules & Regulations and Finance procedures Monitor, track and control expenditure to ensure optimum and appropriate use of resources.  Ensure the availability of required financial reports and exception reports including investigating anomalies to resolve problems, reporting or recommending any action required to relevant stakeholders. Supervise the timely review, posting and closure of accounts. Certify/verify accuracy and compliance with standards of accountability framework. Submit/prepare mandated reports on financial status. Supervise all financial services (accounting, cash management, payments etc.) ensuring timeliness and compliance with standards of accountability and performance. Monitor the Management Budget expenditures for the Multi Country Office and ensure that LSS (Locally Shared Services) is properly recovered, billed and spent in accordance with the applicable procedures; Act as a focal point for any internal/external audit exercise.
5. Human Resource Management

Plan personnel required for UEMCO programmes/projects. Oversee all human resource services/processes including recruitment, salary administration and compensation, performance review, training and development, ensuring compliance with human resource rules, regulations, procedures and standards of performance and ensuring that hiring managers actively seek to create diverse teams in terms of gender and geography. Promote and support a learning culture by empowering individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plan/provide easy access to learning opportunities to maintain personnel competency and flexibility. Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed. Exercise control of all personnel issues within UEMCO as required by the projects’ demands including recruitment, training, staff performance review. Nurture a strong sense of team spirit and support and champion personnel duty of care and well-being initiatives.
6. Administration and Information Technology
In close collaboration with Headquarters, support maintenance of a secure and reliable ICT environment, including adequate plans for disaster recovery. Manage the acquisition, maintenance, inventory, recording, verification and protection of project and administrative facilities/assets, including IT infrastructure, equipment and servers. Identify opportunities for leveraging the use of IT to enhance business operations and efficiency and to facilitate knowledge management, and information sharing. Manage the timely and efficient delivery of all administrative services, premises, asset management, organizational and personnel security, travel and IT).

7. Knowledge management and innovation 

Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches in UEMCO Support Services. Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building. Plan and execute mentoring and capacity building initiatives for team members within the Support Services department. At the request of the Multi Country Director and in collaboration with the team, plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of project personnel, clients and stakeholders.

Impact of Results: 

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Head of Support Services (HoSS) directly impact on the development and performance of the programmes and projects, visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthen its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...
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.
Education: A Master’s Degree in Finance, Human Resources ...
Education: 

A Master’s Degree in Finance, Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Procurement/Logistics or any other relevant related field is required; OR

A combination of Bachelor’s Degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

Experience: 

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience covering at least two (2) of the following operations functions: Procurement, Finance, Logistics/ Asset Management and Human Resources is required. Knowledge of the other functions is desirable.

A minimum of 3 years of supervisory or leadership role, including a proven track record managing personnel and operational systems is required.

Some experience in UN system organizations preferably in a developing country is desirable.

Experience dealing with UN regulations, rules and policies in the areas of contracting, procurement and human resources is desirable.

Willingness to work in hardship duty stations and/or travel to post crisis locations.

Language:
Full working knowledge of English and Ukrainian is essential. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset




Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment (FTA-Staff) Contract level: NO-D /ICS 11 ...
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

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. 

UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

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. 

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.