Regional Management and Oversight Support Specialist at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

 Process and Operational Excellence:

• Ensure full compliance of Africa Regional Office with UNOPS rules, regulations and policies.
• Analyze HQ and regional business processes, and recommend improvements for efficiency and effectiveness of such processes.
• Assist in drafting and development of regional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines.
• Facilitate training and internal consulting on new corporate initiatives, policy updates, procedures and regional SOPs.
• Support implementation of updated corporate standards, tools and templates.
• Provide operational support for missions and audits and conduct necessary preparation work prior to such missions and audits.
• Monitor the operating environment for potential risks and intervene as needed.

Performance Oversight and Coordination:

• Set and propose regional performance targets for value, process excellence, people management and financial stewardship.
• Recommend structural arrangements for cross-functional integration and coordination.
• Develop and implement performance monitoring systems to drive a high-performance culture across the region.

​​​​​​​Research, Analysis and Reporting:

• Conduct substantive research, analysis, and reporting for regional management and oversight.
• Prepare briefing materials and regional performance summary reports with recommendations.
• Monitor and analyze regional KPIs performance and prepare regular and ad-hoc management reports.
• Ensure timely communication and follow-up on action plans.

​​​​​​​Finance and Budgeting:

• Organize the annual budgeting and target setting process for the region.
• Monitor the investment funding portfolio, analyze its performance and support revision of the same where necessary and necessary closures.
• Analyze and report on budget expenditures and assist in advising the Regional Management team on budget status, ensuring that funds allocated is not exceeded or that additional funds are allocated when required.
• Manage budget revisions, project financial reports, provisions, write-offs and closures.
• Respond to financial and administrative queries from Head Quarters (HQ) and AFR RO Offices.
• Assist in managing regional resources, ensuring cost recovery and accurate financial reporting.

​​​​​​​Coordination and Monitoring Support:

• Support quarterly assurance and monitoring of the regional program portfolio.
• Contribute to Quarterly Business Reviews and Quarterly Management Reviews for operational and process effectiveness.
• Assist in implementing and monitoring the regional strategic plan and corporate initiatives e.g. Gender Diversity and Inclusion, Ethics, and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment.
• Coordinate Multi-Country Office (MCO)/Country Office (CO) Teams and thematic task forces.

​​​​​​​Capacity Building and Knowledge Management:

• Establish a systematic approach for Learning and Development (L&D) and  knowledge-sharing needs assessment and best practices.
• Develop and improve onboarding programs for new AFR RO personnel.
• Support and oversee the planning, preparation and execution of regional workshops and retreats for AFR RO personnel, including developing schedules, presentations and briefing materials.
• Be a regional focal point for training, knowledge management and lessons learned activities and document the same.
• Collaborate with Communities of Practice to identify and share case studies and lessons learned.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

• Coordinate with UNOPS Headquarters and internal stakeholders to align initiatives.
• Participate in coordination meetings, working groups, and task forces as required.
• Maintain regular communication with multi-country offices to address needs and support requests.

Impact of Results:

• The Regional Management and Oversight Specialist directly impacts on the achievement of regional results, enhancing intra-regional collaboration. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

​​​​​​​Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, International Relations or other related field is required. 
• A Master's degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, International Relations or other related field is an advantage and will require 5 years experience in supporting programmes/projects implementation at the national and preferably international levels, in a multicultural setting.
• PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification is highly desirable.

Experience:

• A minimum 7 years of experience in supporting programmes/projects implementation, at the national and preferably international levels, in a multicultural setting is required. 
• Knowledge of budgeting, data analysis, financial reporting, human resources/procurement management is required.
• Knowledge of Google Workspace, particularly Google Sheets, or equivalent is required.
• Knowledge of UN/UNOPS’ rules, regulations, policies, tools, and systems is highly desirable.
• Experience working in the Africa region will be considered an advantage