Support Services Senior Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) is part of the UNOPS Europe and Central Asia Region (ECR). Established to support the achievement of Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement, AUMCO focuses on global programs and tailored interventions in the Balkans, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The organization specializes in areas such as Infrastructure, Procurement, Project Management, HR and Transactional Services, Grants Management, and Technical and Advisory Services. The UNOPS Uzbekistan Office, which operates under AUMCO, was established in Tashkent in October 2022, and it aims to support the Government of Uzbekistan in its development efforts by providing effective project management, infrastructure, and procurement services. Currently, the office is involved in three significant projects that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing).

Job Overview:
The Support Services Senior Associate will manage a team and oversee a range of specialized, technical, and general administrative support services. This role is crucial for ensuring efficient, client-oriented service delivery within the organization. The incumbent will be responsible for promoting a results-oriented approach, ensuring that office resources are utilized in a cost-effective manner. The position requires a proactive individual who can implement initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative support services, including the development of cost-saving strategies. The role also involves executing transactional roles in the OneUNOPS system and managing various administrative functions such as travel management, logistics, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management. The incumbent will work closely with the Senior Operations Manager and will be expected to contribute to the overall success of the office's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administrative Support Services: Ensure compliance with UNOPS Financial Regulations and Rules, provide inputs for business process mapping, draft and implement internal SOPs, and propose initiatives for efficiency improvements. Manage premises and assets, oversee vehicle fleet management, and guide travel management services. Handle protocol matters and logistics for shipments.
• Security Management: Support the management of security operations, act as a focal point for security matters, and ensure timely registration of personnel with UNDSS.
• Procurement and Contract Management: Provide procurement services for goods and services, prepare solicitation documents, and process procurement transactions in OneUNOPS.
• Team Management: Manage the administrative support services team, facilitate high-quality results, and ensure compliance with policies.
• Information and Knowledge Management: Oversee documentation systems, update the Intranet, and deliver training on administrative topics.

Required Qualifications:
Completion of secondary school is required. A First University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent disciplines is desirable but not mandatory. A Bachelor's Degree may substitute for 4 years of relevant experience, while a Master's Degree may substitute for 6 years of relevant experience. Administrative certification is considered an asset in the absence of a degree.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a completion of secondary school as a minimum. A First University Degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration or Public Administration is preferred but not essential. Candidates with a Bachelor's Degree may have their educational background considered equivalent to 4 years of relevant experience, while those with a Master's Degree may have their education considered equivalent to 6 years of relevant experience. In cases where candidates do not possess a degree, having administrative certification can be beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in general administrative, logistics, or operations support services, preferably within national or international public or corporate organizations. Experience in UN system organizations is desirable. Proficiency in computer applications and office software packages, such as MS Office and Google Suite, is required. Familiarity with web-based management systems and Enterprise systems, including OneUNOPS, is also desirable.

Languages:
Working knowledge of English is required for this position. Fluency in either Uzbek or Russian is mandatory, while fluency in both languages is considered an asset. This linguistic requirement is essential for effective communication within the organization and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is ICA, with a contract level of L-ICA-7 (ICS-7). The contract duration is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. The organization also conducts background checks on all potential personnel, and recruitment is contingent on the results of these checks. Candidates should be aware that applications received after the closing date will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.