Operations - Senior Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF) is a hosted partnership with UNOPS, dedicated to achieving universal access to sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health through market-based approaches. SHF collaborates with Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to catalyze investment into robust, climate-resilient sanitation economies and menstrual health markets. The organization focuses on building thriving sanitation economies and menstrual health markets, increasing access to essential products and services, and ensuring that the needs of women, girls, and vulnerable populations are prioritized. SHF operates under the broader UNOPS framework, which supports sustainable development initiatives globally, leveraging expertise and resources to deliver impactful results across more than 130 countries.

Job Overview:
The Operations Senior Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the operations of the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund (SHF). This position is responsible for ensuring efficient administration and operational processes, which directly impact SHF's ability to deliver on its mission. The incumbent will work closely with the SHF Head of Strategy and Performance, providing high-quality, client-focused support in areas such as operations, quality assurance, procurement, and grants management. The role requires a proactive approach to developing and implementing operational strategies, ensuring compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations, and optimizing resource utilization. The Operations Senior Officer will also be involved in training SHF personnel on administrative procedures and operational workflows, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operations Support: Assist in developing and implementing the Secretariat’s workplan, advising personnel on operational rules and procedures, and managing contracts for technical advisory personnel. Support in-country operations and events, and strengthen support services through the development of manuals and training materials.
• Quality Assurance: Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance with audit requirements, coordinate quality reviews of program management documents, and maintain a repository of program documents. Lead health, safety, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and environmental matters to manage related risks effectively.
• Contracts Management: Support drafting Terms of Reference for subcontractors, assist in evaluating proposals, and manage contracts filing systems. Monitor compliance and risks related to contracts management.
• Grant Support: Prepare and review grant award requests, draft agreements, and ensure adherence to UNOPS legal and financial rules. Review budgets and financial reports, verify reporting requirements, and resolve operational issues related to grant management.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Contribute to the coordination of operational and financial closure of grants and projects, ensuring compliance with grant management protocols.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess an advanced university degree (Master’s) in business administration, social science management, procurement, public administration, economics, international relations, or a related field. A Bachelor's degree with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in operations support, grants management, or program administration within an international organization or development project. Knowledge of procurement processes and experience in contract administration are essential. Familiarity with UN/UNOPS rules and frameworks is desirable, as is experience in multicultural environments or the sanitation and menstrual health sectors.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master’s) in relevant fields such as business administration, social science management, procurement, public administration, economics, or international relations. A Bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered equivalent to a Master's degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in operations support, grants management, or program administration is required. Candidates should have experience in reviewing award requests, drafting agreements, conducting financial monitoring, and processing disbursements. Experience in quality assurance of project deliverables and managing document repositories is also necessary. Familiarity with procurement processes and contract administration is essential, along with the ability to manage competing operational priorities and meet strict deadlines.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while a basic knowledge of French is desirable. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with diverse populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the mid-level (ICS 09) and is a full-time staff position under a Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) contract. The initial contract duration is one year, with the possibility of renewal based on program needs, funding availability, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Background checks are conducted for all final candidates, and UNOPS maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.