Senior Operations Officer

Senior Operations Officer Vacancy at World Health Organization (WHO)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Country Management Support Units (CSUs) have been established in the organizational structure to provide support for Managers and staff to fully assume their responsibilities to ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, rules and regulations on all administrative and financial matters.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Lead an integrated operations function through the provision of oversight, guidance and expert advice on all aspects of operations and administration (finance, budget, procurement, human resources, ICT, assets and inventories, travel and meetings, logistics, work planning and programme management), Specifically:
• Strategic and efficient management of financial resources, establishment of strong financial controls and implementation of financial policies, rules and regulations;
• Implement a results-based budgeting approach using criteria such as value for money;
• Oversee country office cash management processes and payments; timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site, in coordination with the GSSC;
• Oversee country office compliance with rules and regulations in procurement and contract management strategies;
• Manage WHO assets, facilities and logistical services;
• Ensure compliance with human resources policies and strategies; support management in ensuring optimal staffing in line with approved human resources plans;
• Take full lead in the administrative running of various conferences, workshops and meetings for the office;
• Advice the WR on operations cost-effectiveness; propose creative recommendations to emerging complex challenges where no precedents exist;
• Improve programme delivery by developing and implementing risk-informed operational strategies and plans; ensure coherence in operation planning and performance monitoring
• Oversee internal and external audits; ensure implementation of audit recommendations; establish relevant internal controls;
• Set the strategic direction of the operations team by establishing an annual work plan; objectives, performance indicators and expected results; build capacity through coaching and mentoring in all aspects of operations management
• Ensure timely submission of financial reports to donors; liaise with technical staff in ensuring quality and accurate reporting by Ministry of Health and other Government partners, on funds advanced under the Direct Financial Cooperation mechanism. Coordinates with technical staff on reports on funds advanced to implement programme activities under the Direct Implementation mechanism;
• Lead operational support to emergency preparedness and emergencies including implementation of “Surge Capacity”. Inform and update all staff members in the country office on security-related issues and emergency operations;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new internal policies & procedures on financial management and provide direction to Operations staff on building strategies and policies to develop best practices of financial resources within the Office
• Efficient implementation of security measures mandated in the overall Security Plan;
• Network and build strong partnerships internally within the Organization and externally with vendors and other service providers to ensure efficient operations;
• Play a leadership role in the UN inter-agency Operations Management Team representing WHO and providing inputs to attain efficiencies and effectiveness towards One UN initiative and reforms;
• Represent the Organization in internal and external meetings including inter-agency networks of operation management.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Essential: Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Financial Management or related field.
• Desirable: Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, etc.). Master's degree in Public Health.

Experience

• Essential: At least 10 years of professional experience in finance, budgeting, accounting, administration, programme management, Human Resources Management, Procurement and/or Travel. Experience providing advice to senior management and managing diverse teams.
• Desirable: Professional certifications in Finance, Procurement or HR. Good knowledge of WHO programme management and end-to-end business processes as designed in the Global Management System; Experience in project management, ideally in the UN System and/or a public health context; Good knowledge of GSM System or similar ERP Systems; Experience with staff training in the use of management information systems.

Skills

• Good knowledge of Results-Based Management framework and related business processes;
• Strong expertise in accounting, budgeting and finance;
• Knowledge of Oracle projects and Oracle Financials or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications and systems.
• Sound knowledge of the Organization's policies and practices, as well as project management principles and their application;
• Strong managerial experience;
• Ability to deliver during emergencies and crises;
• Ability to act independently and exercise sound judgement;
• High level of organizational and analytical ability, combined with good oral and written communication skills;
• Proven ability to maintain and establish excellent interpersonal working relations, teamwork skills and ability to work with competing priorities under pressure.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

• Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 92,731 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 4837 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.