Support Services Manager

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Position Title: Support Services Manager
Location: Antananarivo
Country: Madagascar
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS Madagascar was established in 2022 and is currently expanding its operations. The organization provides services through its main office located in Antananarivo and has opened branch offices in several regions across Madagascar. UNOPS Madagascar responds to the support needs of the Government of Madagascar, receiving funding from both multilateral and bilateral donors. The organization offers a wide range of services, including infrastructure, procurement, and project management, with a focus on economic and social infrastructure, financial management, and various sectors such as agriculture, transport, renewable energy, health, and climate change.

Job Overview:
The Support Services Manager is a pivotal role within UNOPS Madagascar, reporting directly to the Country Manager. This position is responsible for leading and guiding the Support Services Team in the Madagascar Office, fostering collaboration and a client-oriented approach. The Support Services Manager works closely with local internal stakeholders, relevant partners, and colleagues at headquarters to ensure the successful delivery of operational services. The primary objective of this role is to ensure that adequate support is in place for both current and upcoming projects, balancing operational and project priorities while providing effective, efficient, and consistent support services across the project portfolio and internally. The role encompasses strategic financial and human resources management, procurement, logistical services, ICT, transportation, vehicle management, administration, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, all in accordance with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operations Management: Oversee the Operations/Support Services of the Office, including HR Management, Finance, Procurement, Logistical, Administrative, and ICT Services. Facilitate effective and efficient support service provision to projects and activities under the Office. Collaborate with colleagues to identify needs, determine costs, and proactively plan all Office support services. Monitor compliance with corporate strategies and UNOPS regulations. Ensure proper implementation of standards and operating procedures. Drive improvements in operations based on client feedback. Act as the focal point for internal/external audits and supervise security matters. Implement the Business Continuity Plan.
• Project Planning and Coordination Support: Assist in project budget preparation and revisions. Provide input during early project engagement stages. Advise on goal setting, performance standards, and recommend monitoring tools. Liaise with the Head of Support Services for the Multi Country Office to optimize service delivery.
• Procurement and Logistics: Supervise procurement processes, ensuring compliance with UNOPS procedures. Establish a shortlist of contractors/suppliers and manage local tenders. Review and administer contracts and provide guidance on logistics and asset management. Oversee the logistics of goods and equipment on project sites and manage a vehicle pool for transportation services.
• Financial Management: Support the Country Manager in financial planning and budget preparation. Ensure compliance with UNOPS financial regulations and monitor expenditure. Provide financial reports and investigate anomalies. Supervise financial services to ensure compliance and timely processing.
• Human Resources Management: Oversee the HR Unit and ensure compliance with corporate HR policies. Support personnel planning and oversee recruitment, salary administration, and performance reviews. Promote a learning culture and foster a positive work environment.
• Administration and ICT: Manage administrative services, ensuring compliance with UNOPS regulations. Maintain a secure ICT infrastructure and manage asset inventory. Identify opportunities for leveraging IT to enhance operations.
• Knowledge Management: Build and share knowledge regarding management and operations, contributing to UNOPS knowledge management initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, HR, or a related field. Alternatively, a combination of a Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the educational requirements. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in operations management within a large international organization, with some experience in the UN system being desirable.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or Human Resources is required. A Bachelor’s degree combined with additional relevant work experience may be accepted as an alternative to the Master’s degree requirement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in operations management, ideally within a large international organization. Experience within the UN system, particularly in a developing country context, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and oral English and French is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is IICA, at level I-ICA 2 (ICS 10), with an open-ended duration subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes, and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process, which includes various assessments. UNOPS is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from qualified women and underrepresented groups. All personnel are expected to perform their duties in accordance with UNOPS policies and the UN Charter.