Chief of Operations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Partnerships (UN Partnerships) serves as the global gateway to the United Nations, facilitating multi-stakeholder engagement to drive impactful global change. Established to enhance collaboration among various organizations worldwide, UN Partnerships oversees significant initiatives such as the SDG Advocates programme, the UN Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP), and the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF). The office aims to foster partnerships that align with the United Nations' mission and objectives, ensuring that diverse stakeholders can contribute to sustainable development and global governance.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Operations will play a pivotal role in supporting the initiatives of UN Partnerships, overseeing the operations of the office, and reporting directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Executive Director. This position requires a strategic thinker who can provide policy guidance, manage complex projects, and ensure that the office's work aligns with the broader goals of the United Nations. The incumbent will be responsible for conceptual strategy development, managing intra and inter-divisional policies, and ensuring that all activities are executed in a timely and efficient manner. The role also involves leading negotiations for legal and financial documents, managing grant activities, and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, including high-level women leaders and academia. The Chief of Operations will be expected to contribute to the preparation of reports for intergovernmental bodies and ensure that all outputs meet high-quality standards, reflecting the organization's commitment to excellence and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Operations will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: providing policy guidance to the Executive Director; leading the development and negotiation of legal and financial documents; planning and overseeing the management of activities within the Unit; managing and supervising the work programme; coordinating diverse projects; providing substantive input for position papers and reports; ensuring high-quality outputs; preparing inputs for the work programme; managing programmatic and administrative tasks; leading grant management and resource mobilization activities; developing partnerships focused on sustainable lifestyles; recruiting staff while considering geographical and gender balance; managing and training staff; fostering teamwork and communication; representing the organization at inter-agency meetings; and participating in international discussions to provide expertise on relevant issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields, combined with two additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The role demands a strong understanding of the UN's operational framework and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as business or public administration, finance, accounting, law, or related disciplines. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant work experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability to fulfill the role's responsibilities effectively.

Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in administration, budget, finance, human resources, and programme management or related fields is required. Candidates should have at least seven years of experience in leading the drafting and negotiation of complex legal instruments and contribution agreements with governments and private sector partners. Experience in conceptualizing and leading global networks, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goals, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in managing high-level women's leadership networks and overseeing complex procurement processes, as well as securing multi-year funding from various sources.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset, although not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of the post or funds, and is financed by extra-budgetary funds. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions as needed. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and organizational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.