Operations Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, aligning its strategic goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 aims to address critical issues such as maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization is committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Operations Analyst plays a crucial role in supporting the UNFPA Country Office (CO) operations by ensuring effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the country programme. This position involves leading the operations team to manage various functions, including financial and budget management, procurement, administration, asset management, ICT, travel logistics, and human resources. The Operations Analyst will work closely with the Representative and be an integral part of both the Country Management Team and the Programme Management Team. The role requires a proactive approach to address operational challenges and ensure compliance with financial policies while fostering a collaborative environment among UNFPA Implementing Partners and the UN community. The Operations Analyst will also contribute to strategic decision-making and support the overall mission of UNFPA to improve the lives of millions by facilitating effective delivery of the country programme aligned with the 2030 Development Agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Analyst will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: collaborating with the programme team and senior management to plan, implement, monitor, and report on country programme results; managing day-to-day office operations to ensure smooth functioning and high-quality service delivery; addressing operational bottlenecks proactively and advising on necessary deviations from regulations; overseeing financial, administrative, HR, ICT, logistics, and travel services; managing procurement and vendor processes to ensure timely provision of goods and services; supervising the operations team, including outsourced personnel; participating in inter-agency meetings and contributing to UN reform; and maintaining effective communication between the CO, Regional Office, and Headquarters. The Operations Analyst will also assess staffing requirements, support recruitment and training processes, and monitor the capacity of UNFPA Implementing Partners to ensure effective national execution of activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters) in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, social science, or a related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of two years of relevant experience in providing management advisory services and managing operations in either the public or private sector is required. Experience in operations with UN or International NGOs is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership abilities, effective communication skills, and the capacity to work in a multicultural environment. High integrity standards and sound judgment are essential, along with proficiency in current office software applications and corporate ICT systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree (Masters) in fields such as business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, social science, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of operations management within the context of UNFPA's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in management advisory services and operations management, including administration, finance, human resources, procurement, and ICT. Candidates with progressively responsible experience in operations within UN agencies or International NGOs will be preferred. The ability to supervise and lead teams effectively is essential, as is the capacity to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in one of the local languages, either Sinhala or Tamil. This bilingual capability is crucial for effective communication and collaboration within the diverse cultural context of Sri Lanka.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. UNFPA is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, encouraging applications from women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities. The organization emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and provides a supportive work environment that reflects its core values. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.