Chief of Operations, P-5, Islamabad, Pakistan

Purpose of the Position:

To manage the operational functions of a large country office (i.e. finance, accounts, human resources, administration, supply & procurement, security and ICT), in support of the Pakistan country office programme. To contribute to the development of the harmonized and aligned set of business practices that supports the ONE UN Programme in Pakistan.

Key Expected Results:

• Approves and authorizes all operational transactions through the consistent and correct
  interpretation and determination of applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations, (e.g., bank accounts, disbursements within authorized limits, contractual agreements, human resources, administration, purchase of supplies and equipment).
• Monitors compliance with all operational systems and procedures. Establishes relevant internal controls. Ensures accuracy, promptness and appropriateness of information and reports to Head of Office and HQs.
• Contributes to the development of policies, directions, new approaches and methodologies in the operations area that contribute to unified business practices of the ONE UN Programme through participation in strategic meetings of the UN OMT and in consultation with the Regional Office and HQ levels.
• Ensures the acquisition of all expendable and non-expendable property (administrative and/or programme supplies), ensuring procurement is in accordance with organization's rules, regulations and procedures. Controls inventory, its utilization and disposal.
• Supervise overall security of UNICEF Pakistan staff, project personnel, their eligible dependents and property of organization.
• Advises and recommends to the Head of Office and HQ when deviation from the rules and regulations may be required and proposes alternative solutions through the Representative to HQ, to meet office objectives.
• Participates in the country programme strategy, development, planning and preview/review meetings to identify staffing and administrative operational requirements.
• Reviews office structures and operations, and updates job descriptions prior to budget preparation, in line with the country programme commitment. Prepares the budget and the accompanying justification and documentation. Monitors and controls budget allotments.
• Negotiates/arranges with government authorities for operational facilities of the Basic Cooperation Agreement, (e.g., customs, visas, protocol, and receipt of contributions, security, accommodations, privileges and immunities). Assists in capacity building of government counterparts to ensure adherence to financial regulations and rules pertaining to cash assistance to the government.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

EDUCATION: Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Management or related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in office management, especially in the area of human and financial resources planning and administration. Experience/ Knowledge about the UN Coherence and UN Reforms will be desirable. Training in IPSAS will be desirable.

LANGUAGES: Fluency in English and another UN language is required. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.
• Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget.
• Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment.
• Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
• Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates team- and department-wide activities.
• Creates organization-wide processes to help ensure that all adhere to procedures and policies.
• Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
• Has high-level leadership and supervisory skills; provides others with a clear direction; motivates and empowers others; recruits staff of a high caliber; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching.
• Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups. Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government leaders and stakeholders.

How to apply:

The candidates should apply at the http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php using reference code E-VN-2011-000584. The incumbent is expected to start on 01 January 2012.

Closing date: 27 May 2011 — UN Children's Fund