Chief of Mission Support

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Chief of Mission Support
Location: Pristina
Country: Kosovo
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which is a mission established by the United Nations to help maintain peace and stability in Kosovo. The UNMIK operates under the guidance of the United Nations and aims to support the development of democratic institutions and the rule of law in the region. The organization is committed to promoting human rights and fostering a peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities in Kosovo. UNMIK has been operational since 1999 and continues to play a crucial role in the region's post-conflict recovery and development. The mission employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with various stakeholders, including local authorities and international organizations, to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Mission Support (CMS) plays a pivotal role in the UNMIK by providing essential managerial, logistical, technical, and administrative support necessary for the fulfillment of the mission's mandate. This position requires a strategic thinker who can effectively manage resources and ensure that the mission operates efficiently. The CMS will be responsible for certifying mission expenditures, advising the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on administrative matters, and overseeing all support operations. The role demands a proactive approach to developing and implementing work plans, strategies, and programs that align with the mission's objectives. The CMS will also be tasked with establishing sound policies and procedures to ensure compliance with UN regulations and promoting continuous improvement in service delivery to mission clients. This position requires strong leadership skills to guide and mentor staff, maintain discipline, and represent the mission in various forums.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Mission Support will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to the implementation of the mission mandate by providing necessary support in budget, finance, human resources, logistics, and communications.
• Certifying mission expenditures and advising the SRSG on administrative and logistical matters.
• Planning, organizing, and overseeing all administrative and logistical support operations.
• Managing human, financial, and material resources effectively.
• Developing strategies for the mission support work program and securing necessary resources.
• Establishing policies and procedures consistent with UN regulations for budget and resource management.
• Implementing service optimization programs to enhance service quality and efficiency.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to implement organizational support strategies.
• Liaising with local authorities on administrative matters. 1
• Providing guidance and supervision to senior staff and ensuring good order and discipline among staff. 1
• Representing the mission at meetings and providing briefings to senior officials. 1
• Performing other related duties as required by the Head of Mission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and competence in various areas, including human resources, finance, logistics, and administration. The ideal candidate should possess strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, as well as the ability to represent the organization effectively. The CMS must be conscientious, efficient, and motivated by professional concerns, showing persistence in overcoming challenges. A commitment to gender equality and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is essential. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required, along with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences. Leadership qualities, including the ability to empower others and drive change, are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business or public administration, human resources management, finance, accounting, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of managing a mission's support operations effectively.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years of experience in administration, finance, logistics, information technology, communications, or a related field. At least two years of experience managing large complex operations is required, along with a minimum of five years of management experience with responsibilities in human, procurement, and financial resources management. Experience in logistics is desirable, and prior experience serving as CMS in a UN peacekeeping or political mission is highly regarded.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of a second UN language is highly desirable, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the international context of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the position. Eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination. Staff members who are approaching the mandatory age of separation are not eligible to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates must provide complete and accurate information in their applications.