Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The organization was created as part of the UN reform agenda to consolidate resources and mandates for greater impact on gender equality and women's empowerment. UN Women merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system that focused on gender equality: DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW, and UNIFEM. The organization operates globally, with a mission to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, empower women, and achieve equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. UN Women is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect, employing individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. The organization emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity in its operations and workforce.

Job Overview:
The Operations Manager position at UN Women is a senior management role within the Tunisia and Libya Cluster Office (CCO). The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the CCO operations, which includes strategic financial and human resources management, procurement and logistical services, security management, ICT, and common services in accordance with UN Women rules and regulations. This role requires the Operations Manager to act as a key advisor to the Country Representative, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and regulations, supporting program delivery and growth, and fostering an enabling workplace environment that maximizes staff potential. The Operations Manager leads the CCO Operations Team, collaborates with program staff, and engages with other UN Agencies to ensure effective operations services are delivered. The position demands a proactive approach to managing operations, ensuring that all activities align with UN Women’s mission and values, and that the team operates efficiently and effectively to support the organization’s goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Manager will manage the operations in the Cluster Country Office and serve as a member of the Senior Management team, providing advice and support to the Country Representative on operational issues. Key responsibilities include developing the annual workplan for the Operations Team, overseeing its implementation and monitoring, participating in review meetings to assess the managerial and operational capacities of implementing partners, managing business process mapping, and establishing internal standard operating procedures. The Operations Manager will also manage the implementation of corporate, budget, financial, procurement, and HR policies, ensuring adequate training for staff and project personnel. Additionally, the role involves overseeing all operations activities, including finance, human resources, procurement, transport, IT, and security, ensuring compliance with UN Women rules and regulations. The Operations Manager will manage staff in the Operations Team, finalize performance plans, conduct performance assessments, and provide feedback and coaching. Furthermore, the position requires overseeing planning, expenditure tracking, and auditing of financial resources, ensuring strategic and efficient management of office and program financial resources, and managing procurement processes for goods and services. The Operations Manager will also oversee ICT management, ensuring staff have access to necessary systems and maintaining a secure infrastructure environment. Participation in inter-agency activities and contributing to knowledge sharing between the Country Office and other COs/MCOs in the region is also expected.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, HR, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires a minimum of 5 years of extensive and progressively responsible experience in office management, operations, or finance within a large international and/or corporate organization. Experience in leading a team is essential, as is familiarity with IPSAS or IFRS. Proficiency in using computers and office software packages (such as MS Word and Excel) and experience with web-based management systems are required. Familiarity with modern web-based ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable, as is experience within the UN system.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in fields such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Human Resources, or related disciplines. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have two additional years of qualifying experience, demonstrating that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills for the role.

Experience:
The Operations Manager role requires a minimum of 5 years of extensive and progressively responsible experience in office management, operations, or finance, particularly in large international or corporate organizations. Candidates must have experience in leading teams and managing operational functions effectively. Familiarity with IPSAS or IFRS is required, along with experience in using computers and office software packages, including spreadsheet and database applications. Experience with web-based management systems and modern ERP systems, preferably Oracle Cloud, is desirable. Experience within the UN system is also considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, as these are the primary languages used in the organization. Additionally, fluency in Arabic is considered an asset, enhancing communication capabilities within the region and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a senior management role within UN Women, and it involves full-time engagement. The Operations Manager will lead a team of four personnel, including a Finance Associate, Procurement Associate, HR Associate, and Executive and Administrative Assistant. The role requires a commitment to UN Women’s values and competencies, including integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. Candidates must be prepared to undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.