Background Information - Job-specific

Africa Region (AFR) Region

The AFR Regional Office is responsible for contributing towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and broader 2030 Agenda by operationalizing UNOPS Strategic Plan 2022-2025 in the Africa Region.

AFR Regional Office supports partners and countries to reach sustainable economic, social and environmental development, and improve the lives of millions of people in Africa, by offering integrated solutions in infrastructure, project management and procurement with special focus in the health sector and climate action.

The Region has over 940 regular personnel who work in diverse and complex environments, with projects delivered in more than 20 countries and managed out of Multi-Country Offices (MCOs) in Senegal, Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Ethiopia, and a Country Office (CO) in Somalia.   

About the Role

The Regional Director, Africa Region plays a vital role in building and maintaining relationships with key regional partners to facilitate effective representation of UNOPS capabilities and deepen regional partnerships through in-depth understanding of partner needs.

They provide overall supervisory guidance to UNOPS Country Offices and Multi-Country Offices to support their delivery results and targets.

Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director (Delivery & Partnerships) who provides broad supervision and guidance, the Regional Director also serves as an advisor to the Deputy Executive Director and Senior Managers on corporate strategic planning, organizational development and management and regional business development strategic priorities, engagement and representation. 

*** This recruitment process is being facilitated by SRI Executive. If you are considered for the role, you may be contacted by them in the near future.***

 Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

1. Corporate function and services

2. Regional leadership 

3. Representation and inter-agency partnership

4. Knowledge management and innovation

Corporate function and services 

• Contribute to the formulation of UNOPS overall strategies and policies through advisory services to the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director and participation in senior management deliberation on current and future business operations and strategy development and planning. 

• Keep abreast of organizational changes to align regional strategy and approaches to business development and management of regional project portfolio and delivery of sustainable results.

• Assess the performance and efficacy of the regional operations and take decisions and/or recommend to the Deputy Executive Director appropriate changes in operations to enhance/maximize results for regional portfolio delivery and regional business development.

• Collaborate with senior UNOPS colleagues and stakeholders, other Groups, especially Communications Group and the Partnership and Liaison Group to exchange ideas on strategies for communications and public relations to optimise strategic outreach and results for business development in the region.

• Represent UNOPS, at key global/regional events (including media and public relations events) and meetings to speak on regional or organizations goals, interests and competencies, build and maintain alliances and to promote/advocate UNOPS position as a partner of choice in sustainable development in the region.

Regional leadership

• Develop the regional strategy, establish priorities, and supervise the implementation of the annual business plan for the regional portfolio including business development initiatives/activities.

• Decide and/or recommend to the DED-Delivery & Partnerships, and in consultation with PCG, on the establishment of new management structures, such as country-based Operations Centres.

• Regularly review organizational structures in the region to ensure optimal structural set up for delivery of current business objectives. Make recommendations (to the DED and in consultation with PCG) for establishment of new/revised organizational structure, such as Country Office.

• Establish the Regional Office annual work priorities in collaboration with the team and partners, set objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.

• Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives and take decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned and according to partners’ expectation.

• Evaluate overall regional activities/initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational strategic plans, framework and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity and to ensure that portfolio delivery and business development are mutually reinforcing.

• Plan and allocate resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals and ensure the cost effective and appropriate use of resources in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework.

• Promote teamwork and collaboration by providing the team with clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

• Plan, recruit and develop a diverse and flexible regional workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.

• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

• Provide oversight on safety and security within the region of operation for UNOPS personnel.  

• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harasement, sexual harasement 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

• Provide oversight on safety and security within the region of operation for UNOPS personnel [and their eligible dependents]. 

• In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.

Representation and inter-agency partnership

• Represent UNOPS in senior inter-agency and external meetings/bodies in the region to promote the organization, influence policy discussion and to identify potential areas for UNOPS partnership and engagement.

• Contribute to the regional assessment exercise for UN Resident Coordinators.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners, colleagues and stakeholders to keep abreast of evolving trends, advocate UNOPS services and build partnerships/alliances to maintain/enhance UNOPS visibility in project services in development cooperation.

• Build and maintain (regional) public/media relations to actively engage their interest/support in promoting and communicating UNOPS achievements, competencies and interest in global development.

Knowledge management and innovation

• Oversee the successful implementation of regional policies, standards and tools to effectively manage business development within the regional portfolio to enhance/maintain UNOPS competitive edge as a provider of effective project services for sustainable results.

• Drive knowledge sharing and strategic communication across the region and with corporate functions, ensuring collaboration and continuous feedback through the regional communications network and other channels, as appropriate.

• Lead the ongoing research, development and implementation of best practice and innovative approaches to maximize performance and sustain achievements.

• Lead the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders for strategic business development and engagement.

 Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• A Bachelor degree (or equivalent) combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience can be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree (total of 17 years of experience).

Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in public affairs, management, business development planning and operations in a large international and/or corporate organization.  
• Proven ability to manage, supervise and lead a team.
• Experience establishing partnerships with UN agencies, international development organizations, governments, foundations, international NGOs or private sector organizations is desirable.
• Experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is essential.
• Proficiency in French and/ or Portuguese is an asset.

 Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: staff

Contract level: D2

Contract duration: Two years initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability



For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx


 Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.