MONUSCO: DIRECTOR OF MISSION SUPPORT, D2 – Kinshasa

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) with duty station, Kinshasa. The Director of Mission Support (DMS) will report to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Head of Mission (HoM). Kinshasa has been designated as a family duty station by the United Nations Secretariat. As such, MONUSCO staff based in Kinshasa are allowed to relocate their family members to Kinshasa.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the DMS will be responsible for the following functions: • Acts as the principal adviser to the HoM on all matters pertaining to administrative, financial, contractual, and technical and operational support activities and, as such, under the framework of authorities delegated by the HoM to the DMS, is responsible and accountable to the HoM for the effective general management of the human, financial and physical resources allocated to the mission. • Contributes to the implementation of the mission”s mandate by providing the necessary overall operational support required for the fulfilment of the mandate, such as administration, budget, finance, human resources supply chain management, information, and communications, service delivery, etc. • As a member of the Mission Senior Management Team, participates in the mission planning process for the effective functioning of the Mission in relation to mandate implementation and with a view to the transition phases leading to the eventual termination of the Mission’s operations, and contributes to an integrated approach and consistency in the implementation of the mandate. • Maintains communication with the UNCT Operations Management Team (OMT) on issues of common interest. • Under the authority of the SRSG and HoM, ensures the appropriate and accurate implementation of the Delegation of Authority Framework in the Mission, including oversight, monitoring and regular reporting to the SRSG and HoM on the implementation of the DoA Framework in MONUSCO. • Manages, and is accountable to the SRSG and HoM for, the establishment and implementation of a set of robust policies, procedures, practices, standards and tools that are consistent with UN regulations, rules, policies and practice in order to ensure proper budget, accounting, procurement, financial, assets and human resources management and control and certifies mission expenditures. Under the authority of the SRSG and HoM, and in line with decisions of the senior leadership of the Mission, ensures that the Mission”s budget, staff, and assets are optimally allocated to support mandate implementation across all mission components and guides any reprioritization of resources during the budget period in line with priorities that support effective mandate implementation. • Undertakes or oversees reporting methodology for budget and performance in accordance with results-based budgeting guidelines. • Initiates the development and implementation of the mission support work plan and ensures coordination and monitoring of overall strategies and programmes for the support activities of the mission and takes the lead in securing the required human and financial resources for the mission. Develops and implements a service optimization programme to promote continuous improvement in the quality and delivery of services to mission clients. This will include the establishment of relevant strategic mission performance indicators which provide data and analysis for the review of legislative bodies. Ensures that all processes and systems in place are relevant and cost effective. • Ensures, through collaboration with all stakeholders, the implementation of the Global Field Support Strategy including, among others, a commitment to supply chain management and integrated/shared service delivery that is client-oriented, responsive and allows for efficiencies wherever possible. Maintains active communication with UN headquarters and the global/regional service centres supporting the mission. • Actively engages with the Office of the SRSG, the Office of the DSRSG, the Office of the DSRSG RC/HC, the Chief of Staff, and the police and military components within the mission to ensure coordinated and cohesive support in accordance with their operational requirements. • Establishes a set of support related policies with integration approach, procedures, practices, standards and tools that are consistent with UN regulations, rules, policies and practice in order to ensure proper budget, accounting, procurement, financial, assets and human resources management and control and certifies mission expenditures. stressing the importance of doing business in a cost-effective manner and being proactive in identifying cost-efficiencies. • Liaises, negotiates and coordinates with national authorities with respect to administrative and logistical matters. • Provides guidance, support and supervision to senior support staff as well as audit and evaluation services, as appropriate. • Actively engages in management performance duties and ensures the provision of management, guidance, development, training, constructive feedback and performance evaluation and appraisal, and administrative support and other management functions to staff in the areas of his/her responsibility. • In consultation with the HoM, the DSRSG, the DSRSG RC/HC, the Chief of Staff and the heads of the police and military components, develops strategies and initiatives in support of the mission”s transition in the DRC as outlined in relevant Security Council resolutions and agreements with the host country. • Ensures effective, orderly and responsible transfer of bases, assets and equipment”s to the host authorities as may be deemed necessary and in line with the organizations policy provisions. Manages, and guides staff under his/her supervision; fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Mission Support Division and across the various organizational pillars. • Develops initiatives to promote the welfare and well-being of mission staff. • Under the authority of the SRSG and HoM, represents the mission before legislative bodies, providing information and clarification in support of budget proposals. • Under the authority of the SRSG and HoM, represents the mission support component at meetings, protocol and ceremonial occasions, military parades, etc. • Performs related duties as may be required by the HoM or DFS, e.g., provides briefings to visiting senior officials on mission, administrative and technical support activities, etc • Performs other related duties as required by the SRSG and HoM.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to provide guidance and strategic oversight in the area of global support operations. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of principles, techniques and practices related to specialized advice in a broad range of human resources, financial, supply chain, information and communication technology, management and, and administrative areas to Head of Office/Mission, and to Headquarters and senior mission staff; ability to ensure adequate preparation of reports or rationale with respect to key supply chain, information and communication technology, managerial and administrative decisions; proven abilities to represent the Organization before governmental counterparts and UN legislative committees; strong negotiation skills, and ability to influence others to reach agreement on difficult issues; demonstrated skills and ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, draw conclusions and recommend solution; shows competence, integrity and reliability in managerial performance and in maintaining positive working relations in a highly demanding environment. Demonstrated outstanding verbal and written communication skills and proven problem-solving skills including innovation, flexibility and creativity are required. Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to build productive teams and motivate individuals at all levels of an organization in the pursuit of common objectives is required. Proven track record of personal effectiveness in complex environments and demonstrated ability to build relationships with multiple stakeholders. Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing, strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. • Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Accountability Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Managerial Competencies: • Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement, does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands; Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. • Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; Gathers relevant information before making a decision; Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; Checks assumptions against facts; Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; Makes tough decisions when necessary

Education

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in management, business or public administration, supply chain management, human resources management, finance, accounting, or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience in the areas of administration, finance, supply chain management, information and communication technology, or related fields is required. A minimum of eight (8) years management experience with responsibilities in human, procurement and financial resources management is required. Experience ensuring compliance with support-related regulations in a decentralized operational environment is required. Experience leading change management or complex innovation initiatives is required. Experience supporting complex and multidimensional field operations in conflict and post conflict environments is desirable. Experience supporting field operations with police, military or security forces is desirable. A minimum of five (5) years of experience and demonstrated performance in managing cross functional support teams is required. Experience in developing strategic and proactive solutions based on client needs, using data for decision making and proposing recommendations is required. Experience in addressing global operational disruptions through the management of innovative operations initiatives is desirable. Experience in transition and drawdown of missions is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level IIIUN Level III

Desirable Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingFrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Please note that pursuant to the Staff selection system policy (ST/AI/2025/2): (1) Applicants for positions in the Field Service category cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located, and (2) Applicants for positions in the Professional and higher categories in a mission, field operation, or resident coordinator’s office cannot be of the nationality of the country where the position is located. For currently serving staff of a United Nations Common System organization, only the UN-recognized nationality will be considered for the purposes of these restrictions.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.