Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is an organization established in July 2010, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Its mission is to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The UN Women Country Office in the Kyrgyz Republic was established in 2012 and works to support the Government and other national stakeholders in implementing international and national commitments on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. The organization operates under various frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023–2027, and the National Gender Equality Strategy until 2030, leveraging its triple mandate of normative support, UN system coordination, and operational activities to deliver coherent and impactful results across multiple sectors.

Job Overview:
The Operations Manager in the Kyrgyzstan Country Office serves as a key member of the senior management team, reporting directly to the Country Representative. This position is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the Kyrgyzstan Country Office, as well as the Tajikistan Country Office and other program presences in the Central Asia region as needed. The Operations Manager is expected to provide strategic financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, security management, and ICT services in compliance with UN Women rules and regulations. The role also involves advising the Country Representative on organizational integrity, ensuring compliance with policies, and fostering an enabling workplace environment that maximizes staff potential. The Operations Manager leads the Operations Team, collaborates with program staff, and engages with other UN agencies to ensure effective delivery of operations services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the operations in the Kyrgyzstan Country Office, providing advice and support to the Country Representative and other COs in Central Asia. Develop and oversee the implementation of an annual workplan for the Operations Team. Review service quality and timeliness, manage business process mapping, and establish internal standard operating procedures. Ensure compliance with corporate policies and provide training to staff.
• Oversee financial resources management, ensuring strategic and efficient management of office and program finances. Lead budgetary planning and monitoring, manage audit follow-ups, and ensure compliance with internal control frameworks.
• Provide human resources services, ensuring compliance with corporate HR policies, overseeing recruitment processes, and managing contracts effectively.
• Oversee procurement processes, ensuring compliance with corporate rules, managing procurement strategies, and evaluating costs for cost-effectiveness.
• Manage ICT systems, ensuring staff access to necessary functionalities 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 integration of activities within the UN reform context.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing between the Country Office and Regional Office, ensuring effective application of knowledge across COs.

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

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or Human Resources. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in office management, operations, or finance is required. Experience in leading a team is essential, along with proficiency in using multiple office software packages and web-based management systems, preferably Oracle Cloud. Experience with accrual accounting, IPSAS, or IFRS is highly desirable, as is a professional background in programming or project management. Experience within the UN system is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Kyrgyz 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 seniority level responsibilities. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that recruitment, training, and promotion are based on qualifications and competence without discrimination. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.