Programme Support and Operations Manager Santiago network

The Programme Support and Operations Manager manages the overall operations and administration of the Santiago network secretariat and its activities. Reporting to the Santiago network Director, the duties of the incumbent encompass contributing to strategy development and implementation from an operational perspective, operations management, donor relations and partnerships building, and grant management. Additionally, The Programme Support and Operations Manager maintains daily working relations with UNOPS, ensuring co-hosting terms and standard operating procedures are upheld, and collaborate closely with the relevant UNOPS teams on the management of the Santiago network operations.

Functional Responsibilities:

Summary of key results:

• Programme and Financial Management Support
• Operational leadership and advisory

Programme and Financial Management Support:

• Design, set up and manage effective mechanisms for the disbursement of funds provided to the Santiago network secretariat in line with the policies, procedures and guidelines approved by the Advisory Board as well as UNOPS legal framework;
• Operationalize the lifecycle of the Santiago network’s technical assistance processes and manage the administration of funds provided for technical assistance under the Santiago network in a cost-effective and transparent manner;
• Manage the provision of grant support to diverse implementing partners of Santiago network, ensuring compliance with UNOPS policies and adherence to best practices;
• Coordinate the development and monitoring of budgets and allocations relating to technical assistance as well as the operation of the Santiago network secretariat, and advise the Director and other appropriate staff of progress and issues for which action is required;
• Manage transaction records relating to funds received and disbursed for technical assistance under the Santiago network, and the operation of the Santiago network secretariat;
• Monitor secretariat’s financial projections, take necessary action(s) and/or refer critical issues to the Director and/or other stakeholders for action;
• Ensure the availability of required financial reports including investigating anomalies to resolve problems, reporting or recommending any action required to relevant stakeholders;
• Provide input into the design and development of a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the timeliness, appropriateness and outcomes of assistance provided under the Santiago network;
• Provide operational support and facilitate the work of the Advisory Board, including the organization of Advisory Board meetings;
• Assist the Director with guidance and oversight of the Santiago network secretariat, ensuring that the relevant HR and other policies are applied and adhered to;
• Provide administrative oversight of the Santiago network secretariat;
• Facilitate the procurement of goods and services relating to technical assistance to be provided under the Santiago network as well as the operation of the Santiago network secretariat;
• Manage and/or facilitate the resolution of issues relating to contracts of the Santiago network secretariat, including for the provision of technical assistance and of the administration of the office of the Santiago network secretariat;
• Reinforce Santiago network secretariat’s efforts in being compliant with respect to established policies, plans, guidelines and procedures;
• Keep abreast of best practices that can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of Santiago network’s operations;
• Ensure and/or facilitate that audits are conducted, as required;
• Perform other functions as necessary for the effective operation of the Santiago network.

Operational leadership and advisory:

• Advise and assist the Director, from an operational perspective, in developing strategies, policies, processes and opportunities for ensuring coherence amongst the various work streams and priorities of the Santiago network;
• Support the Director with the development and implementation of the Secretariat’s work plan and collaborate with colleagues, to identify the needs, determine cost and plan all support services, including human resources, procurement, finance, travels, human resources and administrative services;
• Support the Director in managing stakeholder relations from an operational perspective;
• Ensure effective operations are defined and maintained between the Santiago network Operations Team, UNOPS Geneva Office, WEC, and UNOPS headquarters;
• Ensure client service and satisfaction with operations, liaising with UNOPS Geneva Office, WEC, and UNOPS headquarters for required support as required;
• Lead on health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) matters to ensure they are integrated into all aspects of the operations and that related risks are managed effectively; and
• Monitor and supervise all aspects of operations to ensure compliance with corporate strategies, UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity and achievement of results.

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a relevant field preferably in finance, business management, project management, public administration or other relevant related field is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree with a combination of two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional management experience is required.
• From overall seven (7) years of experience, a minimum of five (5) years of experience in project/programme management support and/or project/programme operations management is required.
• From overall seven (7) years of experience, a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in financial management and/or grant support is required.
• From overall seven (7) years of experience, a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in working with developing countries is required.
• Experience of working effectively within UN/UNOPS regulations, rules and policies is highly desired.
• Experience in the areas of climate change adaptation and/or disaster risk reduction is desired.

Language:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Source: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=28480#3