Senior Operations Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Country Management Support Units (CSUs) have been established in the organizational structure to provide support for Managers and staff to fully assume their responsibilities to ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, rules and regulations on all administrative and financial matters.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Lead an integrated operations function through provision of oversight, guidance and expert advice on all aspects of operations and administration (finance, budget, procurement, human resources, ICT, assets and inventories, travel and meetings, logistics, work planning and programme management), Specifically:•Strategic and efficient management of financial resources, establishment of strong financial controls and implementation of financial policies, rules and regulations;•Implement a results-based budgeting approach using criteria such as value for money; •Oversee country office cash management processes and payments; timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site, in coordination with the GSSC;•Oversee country office compliance with rules and regulations in procurement and contract management strategies;•Manage WHO assets, facilities and logistical services;•Ensure compliance with human resources policies and strategies; support management in ensuring optimal staffing in line with approved human resources plans;•Take full lead in the administrative running of various conferences, workshops and meetings for the office;Advice the WR on operations cost effectiveness; propose creative recommendations to emerging complex challenges where no precedents exists; Improve programme delivery by developing and implementing risk informed operational strategies and plans; ensure coherence in operation planning and performance monitoring;Oversee internal and external audits; ensure implementation of audit recommendations; establish relevant internal controls; Set the strategic direction of the operations team by establishing annual work plan; objectives, performance indicators and expected results; build capacity through coaching and mentoring in all aspects of operations management;Ensure timely submission of financial reports to donors; liaise with technical staff in ensuring quality and accurate reporting by Ministry of Health and other Government partners, on funds advanced under the Direct Financial Cooperation mechanism. Coordinates with technical staff on reports on funds advanced to implement programme activities under the Direct Implementation mechanism; Lead operational support to emergency preparedness and emergencies including implementation of “Surge Capacity”. Inform and update all staff members in the country office on security related issues and emergency operations; Contribute to development and implementation of new internal policies & procedures on financial management and provide direction to Operations staff on building strategies and policies to develop best practices of financial resources within the Office;Efficient implementation of security measures mandated in the overall Security Plan; Network and build strong partnerships internally within the Organization and externally with vendors and other service providers to ensure efficient operations;Play a leadership role in the UN inter-agency Operations Management Team representing WHO and providing inputs to attain efficiencies and effectiveness towards One UN initiative and reforms;Represent the Organization in internal and external meetings including inter-agency networks of operation management. Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Financial Management or related field.
Desirable: Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, etc.). Master’s degree in Public Health.

Experience

Essential: At least 10 years of professional experience in finance, budgeting, accounting, administration, programme management, Human Resources Management, Procurement and/or Travel. Experience providing advice to senior management and managing diverse teams.
Desirable: Professional certifications in Finance, Procurement or HR. Good knowledge of WHO programme management and end-to-end business processes as designed in the Global Management System; Experience in project management, ideally in the UN System and/or a public health context; Good knowledge of GSM System or similar ERP Systems; Experience with staff training in the use of management information systems.

Skills

•Good knowledge of Results-Based Management framework and related business processes;•Strong expertise in accounting, budget and finance;• Knowledge of Oracle projects and Oracle Financials or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications and systems. •Sound knowledge of the Organization’s policies and practices, as well as project management principles and their application;•Strong managerial experience;•Ability to deliver during emergency and crisis situations;•Ability to act independently and exercise sound judgement;•High level of organizational and analytical ability, combined with good oral and written communication skills;•Proven ability to maintain and establish excellent interpersonal working relations, teamwork skills and ability to work with competing priorities under pressure.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Moving forward in a changing environment
Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable:

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 92,731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4837 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• 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. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

• The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with WHO and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

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