Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly, with the mission to promote gender equality and empower women globally. It operates in over 14 countries and territories across the Pacific Region, including Fiji, and collaborates with more than 20 other UN agencies. The organization focuses on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving equality between genders in various sectors such as development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office (MCO) is dedicated to delivering on four interlinked program areas as outlined in its Strategic Note (SN) 2023 - 2027, which includes Governance and Participation in Public Life, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Ending Violence against Women and Girls, and Climate Action/Humanitarian Action and Resilience.

Job Overview:
The Operations Manager at UN Women Fiji MCO plays a crucial role in overseeing all operational aspects of the office, reporting directly to the Country Representative. This position is part of the senior management team and is responsible for strategic financial and human resources management, procurement, logistical services, security management, and ICT. The Operations Manager is expected to ensure compliance with UN Women policies and regulations, support program delivery and growth, and foster an enabling workplace environment. The role requires collaboration with program teams and other UN agencies, providing guidance on operational functions, and ensuring that staff are well-informed about financial rules and procedures. The Operations Manager will also lead the Operations Team, develop annual work plans, and manage the implementation of corporate policies and systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the operations in the Fiji Multi Country Office, serving as a senior management team member and advising the Country Representative on operational issues. Develop and oversee the annual workplan for the Operations Team, participate in review meetings, and assess the managerial capacities of implementing partners. Manage business process mapping and establish internal standard operating procedures. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and provide training to staff. Oversee all operations activities including finance, HR, procurement, transport, IT, and security. Manage staff performance and conduct evaluations.
• Oversee planning, expenditure tracking, and auditing of financial resources, ensuring strategic management of financial resources and compliance with internal controls. Report on financial structures and take corrective actions on audit findings.
• Oversee human resources services, including recruitment processes and contract management.
• Manage procurement processes, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with corporate procedures. Prepare procurement plans and manage assets and liabilities.
• Oversee ICT management, ensuring staff access to necessary systems and maintaining a secure infrastructure.
• Serve as the focal point for security issues, ensuring compliance with UN regulations and managing day-to-day security matters.
• Participate in inter-agency activities, representing UN Women in meetings and ensuring interests are reflected in common system activities.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing between the Country Office and Regional Office, ensuring effective application of knowledge across MCOs and RO.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, HR, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Candidates must have strong knowledge of operations, finance, procurement, human resources, ICT, and security systems, particularly within the UN system. The ability to provide advice and support, lead management projects, handle confidential information, and possess good negotiating skills is essential. Strong IT skills are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or Human Resources. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree if accompanied by additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of progressive experience at the national or international level in office management, operations, or finance within the United Nations system. Experience in leading and building capacities of Operations teams is required, along with proficiency in using multiple office software packages and web-based management systems, preferably Quantum and Oracle Cloud. Experience with accrual accounting, IPSAS, or IFRS is highly desirable, and a professional background in programming or project management would be advantageous. Experience working in complex settings within the UN system is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish is considered desirable.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working within the UN Women framework, which emphasizes diversity and inclusion. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and all selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks. Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form are completed to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.