Senior Operations Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, protect people from health emergencies, and promote healthier populations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Operations Officer will provide essential guidance to the head of the WHO country office in Nigeria, ensuring the delivery of efficient, effective, and timely operational services. This role encompasses various operational aspects, including financial and human resources management, procurement, information and communications technology (ICT), security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and general administration. The incumbent will be responsible for proposing methods and adjustments to processes that respond to changes in the operating environment, particularly in emergency settings. The position requires a strategic approach to managing operations and ensuring compliance with organizational policies, regulations, and procedures. The Senior Operations Officer will also play a key role in advising on the overall direction of the WHO country office and ensuring that all operational services align with the organization's goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: providing authoritative advice to the head of the WHO country office and staff on all aspects of country office operations; leading and managing staff and operations teams to deliver services in budget and finance, human resources, procurement, ICT, security, and general administration; ensuring effective financial resource management, including planning, monitoring, and reporting; guiding the formulation and negotiation of project proposals funded by external agencies; overseeing the implementation of Human Resources plans; leading procurement processes to ensure best value for money; ensuring staff security and safety services; advising on operational and administrative risks; introducing innovations for improved efficiencies; coordinating with the Business Operations network; and representing the WHO country office in UN operations management teams and other inter-agency mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's) in finance, management, accountancy, economics, or business administration. A university degree (Bachelor's) or training in human resources, accounting, finance, or monitoring and evaluation is desirable. Essential qualifications include a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience in delivering administrative and managerial services, ensuring compliance with complex rules and procedures, and at least four years of experience in managing and leading teams. Desirable qualifications include relevant experience with WHO or other UN organizations, operational services in developing countries, and managing operations in emergency contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's) in relevant fields such as finance, management, accountancy, economics, or business administration. A Bachelor's degree or relevant training in human resources, accounting, or finance is considered an asset. Candidates must have their qualifications recognized by the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of work experience relevant to the role, particularly in delivering administrative and managerial services in both national and international settings. Candidates should have at least four years of experience in managing and leading staff or teams. Experience with WHO, UN funds, and programs, as well as operational services in developing countries and emergency contexts, is highly desirable.

Languages:
The essential language requirement for this position is expert-level proficiency in English, including the ability to read, write, and speak fluently. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve a range of additional notes, including the possibility of contract duration, seniority level, and whether the role is full-time or part-time. WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates may be required to provide proof of vaccination as per WHO's health regulations. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including parental leave and flexible work arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance.