Associate Operations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. UNOPS was established in 1973 and operates in over 80 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on project management, infrastructure, and procurement services, aiming to help partners implement peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects. UNOPS employs thousands of staff members and collaborates with various UN agencies, governments, and other stakeholders to achieve its mission of sustainable development and effective project delivery.

Job Overview:
The Associate Operations Officer position is based in SO Bassiknou, Mauritania, and is integral to the coordination of internal and external activities in close consultation with the Emergency Response (ER) team in Nouakchott. The role involves facilitating donor communication and visibility activities, which includes planning and organizing events and missions. The officer will also be responsible for consolidating inputs for donor project submissions and reporting, compiling information and situation reports from SO Bassiknou and FU Nema, and overseeing the secretariat of the Refugee Coordination Forum in Bassiknou. This position requires a proactive approach to support the production of donor reports and briefings, ensuring visibility in the field, and coordinating international and national media field missions. The officer will also assist in monitoring the impacts of targeting and provide insights on key outcomes in collaboration with WFP and UNHCR. The role demands a strong understanding of the operational context and the ability to engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Operations Officer include supporting UNHCR's activities within the area of responsibility (AoR), keeping abreast of events affecting forcibly displaced and stateless people, and providing regular reports on developments. The officer will analyze the operational context and protection situation, prepare analytic papers, and formulate recommendations for action. Compliance with UNHCR’s project implementation and reporting standards is essential, as is identifying gaps and recommending solutions for efficient program activities. The officer will maintain relations with UN agencies, NGOs, and other parties, liaise with operational partners, and provide administrative support across various program activities. This includes processing field requests related to financial transactions and ensuring compliance with procedures. The officer will also identify and manage risks, ensuring decision-making is informed by risk assessments, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, two years with a graduate degree, or one year with a doctorate. Essential fields of education include Public Administration, Economics, Social Science, Business Administration, Law, or other relevant fields. Candidates must have a strong understanding of UNHCR's mandate and operations, with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. Desirable qualifications include experience in field operations and a proven track record in emergency preparedness and management. Functional skills required for the position include field operations management and coordination.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Economics, Law, Public Administration, or Social Science. These educational qualifications are essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the operational environment in which UNHCR operates.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. This experience should ideally include field operations and working with UNHCR or other UN entities, particularly in refugee or humanitarian operations. A proven track record in emergency preparedness, response, and management is highly desirable.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station (if not English) is mandatory. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the hardship level E, indicating a high level of hardship in the location. It is a non-family position with residential requirements. The target start date for the role is April 1, 2026, and the application deadline is March 1, 202

• The position does not require a functional clearance and is not remote, indicating that the officer will be required to work on-site in Mauritania.