Operations Support Team Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by the principles of equity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on leaving no one behind in health initiatives. The WHO Country Office in Bulgaria collaborates with national authorities to implement health programs and policies that align with the European Programme of Work 2020-2025, aiming to enhance health outcomes for all citizens.

Job Overview:
The Operations Support Team Lead will be responsible for overseeing a team of support staff and ensuring the efficient delivery of services in specialized operational areas such as finance, human resources, procurement, logistics, and information technology management. This role requires a proactive approach to managing operations, ensuring compliance with WHO procedures, and facilitating best practices within the team. The incumbent will work closely with various stakeholders to provide technical support and guidance, ensuring that the office meets its operational goals while maintaining high standards of service delivery. The position demands strong leadership skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative team environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will supervise the delivery of services in specialized operational areas, including human resources management, procurement, and information technology management. Key duties include managing a team of specialized support staff, ensuring compliance with procedures and guidelines, quality assurance of work products, and facilitating continuous learning within the team. The Operations Support Team Lead will also be responsible for conducting training sessions, managing administrative processes, and identifying opportunities for process improvements. Additionally, the role involves providing technical knowledge and support to clients and partners, ensuring consistency in approach and adherence to regulations, and managing logistics and travel administration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess functional knowledge and skills in WHO's rules and regulations, particularly in operational support disciplines such as finance, human resources, procurement, and information technology. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment are essential. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing finance-support services, human resources administration, procurement processes, and information technology support services. Proven knowledge of operational service areas and the ability to communicate administrative procedures effectively are also required.

Educational Background:
Essential qualifications include completion of secondary education and training in UN operational service areas. A university degree in business administration or a related field is desirable, as it provides a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of operational support within an international organization.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible work experience relevant to the position, particularly in administrative support services and transactions in operational support areas such as finance, human resources, procurement, and information technology management. Experience in administrative support roles within WHO or another UN agency is highly desirable, as is familiarity with Oracle-based systems or other enterprise resource planning systems.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and the local language is essential for this position. Intermediate knowledge of additional languages such as French, Russian, or German is considered desirable, as it enhances communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including an annual net base salary starting at BGN 41,962, subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. Employees are entitled to 30 days of annual leave. The vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test or video assessment may be part of the screening process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization adheres to a smoke-free environment and has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse.