Operations Manager [Open for Tier 0&1&2 applicants]

Position Purpose

Under the overall guidance of BMS Director and direct supervision of the Deputy Director, the Operations Manager supports all aspects of BMS management and operations in Bonn. This includes strategic management of financial and human resources of the Ops Team, efficient procurement, logistical services and common services consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Operations Manager’s main role is to lead, constantly evaluate, and adjust the operations of the Directorate in Bonn to ensure consistent services delivery and smooth functioning of the unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a member of the Directorate operations team, the Operations Manager ensures the strategic direction of operations.

• Ensure full compliance of operations with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and Internal Control Framework.
• Implement corporate operational strategies, establish management targets and monitor office performance indicators. Take timely corrective actions.
• Establish collaborative arrangements with potential partners and a client management system for appropriate management of partnerships and service provision.
• Map the Directorate business processes and establish internal Standard Operating Procedures for Finance, Human Resources Management, Procurement, ICT, Logistics, Protocol, Travel and Transportation Management Services required for UNDP Bonn presence.
• Support senior management in identifying and overseeing risks, ensuring dynamic and effective risk management. Monitor and analyze the operating environment; undertake risk analysis related to operations, as appropriate; and make timely readjustments of operations services.
• Ensure systematic adherence to UNDP policies, procedures, and corporate guidance on enterprise risk management.
• Ensure knowledge building and sharing about management and operations in the Directorate, coordination of staff learning needs, and consolidation of lessons learned/best practices.
• Provide sound contributions to UNDP knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Ensure effective, risk‑informed, and accurate financial resources management.

• Plan unit financial resources, track and record expenditures in compliance with IPSAS, and audit financial resources, including extra‑budgetary income in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities and investigate anomalies. Report to appropriate CO and UNDP HQ staff when satisfactory answers are not obtained.
• Ensure all financial transactions are identified, recorded, and verified in compliance with IPSAS as outlined in corporate policies and procedures.

Ensure provision of efficient procurement, logistical and administrative services in coordination with corporate Procurement team.

• Ensure unit compliance with corporate rules and regulations related to procurement and logistics.
• Develop procurement plan and ensure proper contract management, anticipating potential litigations.
• Oversee procurement processes and logistical services in compliance with procurement principles and guidelines.
• Ensure proper management of UNDP assets, facilities and logistical services, and administrative services, including full compliance with IPSAS during purchasing, utilization and disposal of unit assets.

Ensure proper common services management and establish strong collaboration with other UN Agencies present in Bonn.

• Elaborate strategic approach for implementation of common services in line with the latest developments and best practices.
• Ensure proper planning and tracking of common services budget and of Agencies’ contributions to the common services account.
• Contribute to Operations Management Team activities including the area of risk management.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervise and manage BMS Directorate operations staff and personnel in Bonn.

Competencies

• Achieve Results: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
• Think Innovatively: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
• Learn Continuously: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Adapt with Agility: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Act with Determination: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
• Engage and Partner: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter‑agency collaboration.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciate benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related fields is required.
• A first‑level university degree (bachelor’s) in the same fields, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years (with master’s) or 7 years (with bachelor’s) of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and/or managing operational systems and establishing relationships with international organizations and national governments.
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and web‑based management systems such as ERP‑Quantum related activities.
• Experience and good knowledge of accrual accounting, IPSAS or IFRS.
• Knowledge and experience working within the UN/UNDP system, preferably in a country office context.
• Experience in procurement management.
• Experience in logistics and administrative services.
• Experience in providing services comprising financial management, HR, procurement, common services.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual Harassment, Exploitation, and Abuse of Authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.