Director, Multi Country Office

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), which was established to provide project management, infrastructure, and procurement services to help partners achieve sustainable development goals. UNOPS operates in over 80 countries and employs more than 1,000 personnel across various regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The organization focuses on delivering high-quality services in fragile and conflict-affected settings, ensuring that projects align with national priorities and contribute to sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Multi Country Office (MCO) is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the operations and delivery of services across multiple countries in West Africa. This role involves strategic planning, partnership building, and representing UNOPS at high-level engagements. The MCO Director will lead a diverse team, ensuring that the office meets its objectives in project management, infrastructure, and procurement services. The position requires a strong focus on sustainable results, collaboration with stakeholders, and the ability to navigate complex environments. The Director will also be responsible for aligning the MCO's activities with UNOPS' mission and strategic goals, ensuring that the office contributes effectively to peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development initiatives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the MCO Director include:

• People Leadership: Foster a culture of trust, empowerment, and accountability within the MCO. Promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring a respectful work environment.
• Multi-Country Office Portfolio Management: Develop and implement strategies for the MCO, establish priorities, and oversee the delivery of services. Monitor progress towards objectives and allocate resources effectively.
• Alliance Building: Build and strengthen partnerships with national governments and UNOPS partners. Identify opportunities for collaboration and leverage UNOPS competencies in project delivery.
• Service Delivery and Quality Assurance: Ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of services according to partner expectations. Monitor financial performance and ensure compliance with UNOPS standards.
• Representation: Represent UNOPS in inter-agency meetings and support UN programming activities. Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and ensure UNOPS' active role in country initiatives.
• Risk Management: Drive informed decision-making and promote a culture of risk management within the MCO.
• Knowledge Management: Lead innovation and best practices in project service delivery, ensuring continuous improvement and capacity building for personnel and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with 12 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) with 10 years of relevant experience. The role requires significant experience in strategic and managerial leadership, particularly in public affairs, management, and business development within large organizations. Familiarity with the UN system and experience in multicultural environments or developing countries is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership skills, the ability to manage diverse teams, and a commitment to UNOPS' values and mission.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree. The educational background should be complemented by extensive experience in relevant fields, particularly in leadership roles within international organizations or corporate settings.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 to 12 years of relevant experience, depending on the educational qualifications. Candidates should have a proven track record in strategic leadership, project management, and operations within large organizations, particularly in international or multicultural contexts. Experience in development or humanitarian sectors is also desired, as well as familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in the West African region.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in both languages, as they will be engaging with diverse stakeholders across multiple countries. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the Executive Level (D-1) and is a full-time staff position under the UNOPS framework. The contract type is Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA), and the role is based in Dakar, Senegal. The application deadline is set for midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on August 31, 202

• UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks will be conducted for all final candidates, and UNOPS maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse.