Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women, established in July 2010, is dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men. The organization focuses on various areas including development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The UN Women Country Office in Ukraine began its operations in 2015, with its main office located in Kyiv and a sub-office in Dnipro. UN Women collaborates with national, regional, and local partners, particularly women's civil society organizations, to advance gender equality and has been actively involved in producing evidence and gender analysis to support gender mainstreaming in policies and programs.

Job Overview:
The Operations Manager plays a crucial role within the UN Women Country Office in Ukraine, serving as a member of the Senior Management team alongside the Deputy Representative and Heads of Humanitarian and Security. This position is responsible for providing leadership and strategic advice on all aspects of office management and operations, ensuring that the office functions smoothly and effectively. The Operations Manager will oversee financial and human resources management, procurement, logistical services, and information and communication technology (ICT) systems, all while adhering to UN and UN Women regulations. The role also involves supporting the Head of Security on staff well-being issues and ensuring compliance with IPSAS accounting standards. The Operations Manager will facilitate program implementation and delivery by addressing the operational needs of the Strategic Note implementation and the various programs managed by the Country Office. Additionally, the Operations Manager will work to strengthen the operations of the Dnipro sub-office and potentially a new sub-office in southern Ukraine, ensuring that operational procedures align with country-level needs and corporate standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Manager will manage and oversee all operations within the Ukraine Country Office, providing advice and support to the Representative and Deputy Representative on operational issues. Key responsibilities include overseeing the Operations Team, developing and monitoring the annual workplan, participating in review meetings to assess the capacities of implementing partners, and leading business process mapping to establish internal standard operating procedures. The Operations Manager will ensure compliance with corporate policies and systems, oversee financial resources management, and manage procurement processes. Additionally, the role involves overseeing ICT systems, ensuring staff well-being and safety, representing UN Women in inter-agency meetings, and performing other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office. The incumbent will also lead a team of 11 personnel, including direct reports, and will be responsible for performance management and capacity building within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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. At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in office management, operations, or finance at the national or international level is required, along with experience in leading a team and working in an international emergency/humanitarian context. Candidates should have experience coordinating with partners and stakeholders, proficiency in multiple office software packages, and familiarity with web-based management systems and ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft. Experience in implementing risk management frameworks, fraud prevention, internal controls, and audit processes is highly desirable, as is experience in accrual accounting, IPSAS, or IFRS. A professional background in programming or project management is also desirable, as well as experience within the UN system.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, HR, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage operations effectively within the UN Women framework.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in office management, operations, or finance. This experience should include leading a team and working in an international emergency or humanitarian context. Additionally, candidates should have experience coordinating with partners and stakeholders, which is crucial for the collaborative nature of the role. Familiarity with multiple office software packages and web-based management systems is essential, as is experience in implementing risk management frameworks or conducting risk assessments. Experience with fraud prevention, internal controls, and audit processes is highly desirable, as well as knowledge of accrual accounting, IPSAS, or IFRS. A professional background in programming or project management is also beneficial, particularly within the UN system.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary working language of UN Women. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered desirable and would enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities within the UN Women Country Office in Ukraine. The Operations Manager will be expected to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and represent UN Women in inter-agency meetings. The role may involve travel to the Dnipro sub-office and potentially a new sub-office in southern Ukraine. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges posed by the ongoing humanitarian crises and political instability in the region, which may impact operations and require adaptive programming approaches. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment.