Country Manager in Kingston upon Thames

Drive strategic delivery and sustainable impact by leading country‐level planning, execution, and monitoring of all engagements.

The Country Manager reports to the Multi‐Country Office (MCO) Director, who provides strategic direction, oversight and guidance. Working in close collaboration with the MCO's Head of Support Services (HoSS) and Head of Programme (HoP), the Country Manager is accountable for planning, executing and monitoring the delivery of all engagements. S/he actively pursues new business, building key relationships and ensuring the timely, cost‐effective and sustainable delivery of services to all partners and stakeholders.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• People Leadership
  • Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability within the Project Office.
  • Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
  • Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
  • Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity, by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team, to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
  • Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.
• Project Office Portfolio Management
  • Under the guidance and oversight of the MCO Director and HoP, develop proposals and prepare project agreements in connection with identified opportunities.
  • Plan and propose required resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Office.
  • Establish the strategies and implementation plans for the Project Office.
  • In collaboration with the partners, develop the objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner‐oriented services.
  • Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility.
  • Manage the overall HSSE performance in the Project Office while overseeing the implementation of all HSSE requirements.
  • Consult with the UNOPS Chief of Security and act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation, including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT).
• Alliance Building, Networking and Advocacy for Business Development
  • Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the country, to identify and plan areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies.
  • Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies.
  • Keep the MCO Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for portfolio management and business development.
• Service Delivery and Quality Assurance
  • In close collaboration with the MCO HoSS and HoP, establish and maintain arrangements for ensuring excellence of business processes and quality standards.
  • Monitor and oversee project/programme implementation, review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action.
  • Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Project Office.
• Representation and Inter‐Agency Coordination
  • Participate, as delegated by the MCO Director, in inter‐agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonization of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System.
  • On behalf of the MCO Director, participate in any UN country team meetings or interagency management groups.
  • Keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication and formal reporting.
• Risk Management
  • Drive high‐quality, well‐informed decisions that align with organizational goals for effective outcomes.
  • Ensure corporate reporting, information flow and appropriate escalation of awareness of emerging risks.
  • Champion risk management through a 'tone at the top' leadership approach.
• Knowledge Management and Innovation
  • Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.
  • Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
  • Plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 9 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 7 years of relevant experience is required.

Requirements – Experience

Required

• Relevant experience in strategic and managerial leadership in public affairs, management, business development planning and operations in a large corporate or international organization, or related area.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organisations in a developing country.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts.