Senior Operations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. With a workforce of over 2,000 employees, UNESCO operates in more than 190 countries, focusing on building peace in the minds of men and women. The organization emphasizes the importance of education, science, culture, and communication in fostering sustainable development and mutual understanding among nations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Operations Officer plays a crucial role in managing operations within the UNESCO Regional Office in Yaoundé, overseeing the National Offices and Antennas under its jurisdiction. This position requires a strategic approach to operations management, ensuring compliance with UNESCO's regulations and policies. The officer will report directly to the Director of the Regional Office and will be responsible for providing operational support, financial oversight, and human resources management. The role involves advising on budget preparation, managing financial resources, and ensuring effective operational support for program delivery. The incumbent will also contribute to the implementation of the human resources strategy and support the Organizational Resilience Management System, ensuring that risks are identified and managed effectively. This position is integral to fostering cooperation among operations teams and promoting harmonization within the UN System.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement corporate operational strategies and policies, ensuring compliance with UNESCO's rules and regulations. Provide operational management advice to the Regional Director and oversee operations teams. Conduct compliance checks and implement training plans. Foster cooperation among operations teams and propose development initiatives. Participate in UN joint initiatives to promote operational alignment.
• Plan, manage, and monitor the execution of financial resources. Advise on budget preparation and ensure efficient management of financial resources. Draft and manage the operational budget, monitor execution, and ensure compliance with financial rules. Provide guidance on donor reporting and liaise with headquarters for timely report preparation.
• Manage and oversee operational support for program delivery, including finance, procurement, human resources, and logistics. Supervise procurement strategies and ensure the maintenance of premises and facilities. Monitor the operating environment and provide operational security support.
• Contribute to the implementation of the human resources strategy, advising on staffing plans and overseeing HR issues. Develop a regional plan for staff learning and development, focusing on training relevant to operations.
• Support the Organizational Resilience Management System by assisting in risk management processes and ensuring effective internal control systems are in place. Promote risk management awareness across operations units.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in finance, business administration, management, or related disciplines. A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in management, finance, administration, or operations is required, with at least three years at the international level. Candidates should have experience in leading teams, developing innovative operational initiatives, and contributing to UN working groups. Strong knowledge of UNESCO's institutional mandates and excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills are essential. Candidates must demonstrate decision-making and problem-solving abilities, as well as the capacity to build networks and influence decision-making processes.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in finance, business administration, management, or related fields is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage operations and financial resources within the UNESCO framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in management, finance, administration, or operations. Candidates should have at least three years of experience at the international level, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex operational environments. Experience in leading and managing teams, as well as developing and implementing innovative initiatives to improve operations, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UN working groups and participation in the Business Operation Strategy (UN BOS) will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Candidates must have excellent knowledge of French (spoken and written) and good knowledge of English. Proficiency in another official language of UNESCO, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered a desirable qualification that can enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. It is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is 117,863 USD, and benefits may include 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities. The organization applies a zero-tolerance policy against harassment and is committed to achieving gender parity and equitable geographical distribution among its staff.