Job Highlight
Drive organizational impact by leading multi-country operations, building partnerships, and representing UNOPS at the highest level.
About the Region
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.
About the Country/Multi-Country Office
Based in Dakar, Senegal, the West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) delivers high-quality project management, infrastructure, and procurement services across 16 countries in West Africa and the Sahel, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Togo. Aligned with UNOPS’ mission, WAMCO supports partners in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. WAMCO’s portfolio spans key sectors such as health, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, environment, infrastructure, justice, and peace and security. Notable projects include the construction of pre-preschools for early childhood development in Senegal (in partnership with KOICA and UNICEF), capacity-building for national agencies on disaster risk reduction and resource management, and the development of rural mini-grid electrification systems in Sierra Leone. Through these initiatives, WAMCO contributes to inclusive growth and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the region.
Job Specific Context
The Multi Country Office Director for West Africa Multi Country Office (WAMCO) reports to the Regional Director (RD) who provides broad supervision and guidance. The role is responsible for delivery and operations under the MCO’s scope - including liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders. The MCO Director also represents UNOPS on behalf of the Regional Director in countries covered by the MCO.
The candidate should have significant experience engaging and collaborating with International Financial Institutions (IFIs).
Role Purpose
Reporting to and under the general guidance and oversight of the Regional Director, the Multi-Country Office (MCO) Director directs and manages all delivery and operations under the MCO’s scope - including liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders. The MCO Director also represents UNOPS on behalf of the Regional Director in countries covered by the MCO.
Functions / Key Results Expected
People Leadership
- Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability across the Multi Country Office (MCO) locations.
- 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.
Multi-Country Office Portfolio Management
- Develop the strategy for the entire Multi Country Office, establish priorities and oversee the implementation of the portfolio, managing the operational risks associated with the Multi Country Office portfolio of engagements.
- Lead the delivery of the UNOPS strategic plan through the MCO annual plan.
- In collaboration with the MCO team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner-oriented services.
- Guide, endorse and oversee the proposals and project document agreements in connection with identified opportunities across the Multi Country Office.
- Set and endorse the objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner-oriented services across the Multi Country Office
- Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives and make decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned.
- Plan, propose to the Regional Director and allocate resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals and ensure financial sustainability in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework.
- Operate within the defined limits of authority on matters of Finance, Procurement and Human Resources and subject to any limits or conditions that may be imposed as per delegated authority.
- Manage overall HSSE performance across the entire MCO while holding accountability for the implementation of all HSSE requirements.
- Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS personnel and their eligible dependents, assets, property and information within the respective area of responsibility.
- Consult - as the most senior UNOPS person in-country - with the UNOPS Chief of Security to act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation, including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and performing duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy Manual.
Alliance Building, Networking and Advocacy for Business Development
- Keep abreast and assess the needs of national governments and other UNOPS partners operating in the geographical coverage area, to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships in the geographical coverage area through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management to develop opportunities and engagements with new and existing partners.
- Keep Regional Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for portfolio management and business development in the geographical area.
Service Delivery and Quality Assurance
- With the support from the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, ensure appropriate arrangements for building excellence of business processes and quality standards.
- Build capability and ensure direct operational support for the units within the MCO.
- Monitor and supervise the overall timely and cost-effective delivery of the Multi Country Office portfolio(s) according to partner expectations, approved budgets and full cost recovery.
- Take overall responsibility for financial decisions, and exercise financial control, to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Multi Country Office portfolio
- Provide advice to the Regional Director, peers and Country Managers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS’ contribution to the achievement of partners' results in the geographical area.
- ensure internal performance and quality management for the Multi Country Office, including tracking, monitoring and reporting on project delivery and financials.
- Evaluate performance to measure efficacy and alignment of the Multi Country Office with organizational/regional strategy and compliance with UNOPS standards of accuracy, transparency and accountability, and ensure that service delivery reinforces business development objectives.
Representation and Inter-Agency Coordination
- Represent UNOPS in relevant inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to promote the organization, influence policy discussion and identify potential areas for UNOPS partnership and engagement.
- Represent UNOPS in the UN Country Team (UNCT), and support the UNCT programming and advocacy activities.
- Participate actively and effectively in UNCT meetings, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, Integrated Strategic Framework, and Delivering as One within the country of the main office for the Multi Country Office.
- Is accountable to the Resident Coordinator for actions as part of the UNCT, makes substantial contributions to the UNCT’s work, and assumes a leadership role as relates to UNOPS’ mandate.
- Participate in UNCT initiatives to strengthen UN coherence, inclusiveness, and aid effectiveness, including ensuring UNOPS' active role in the Operations Management Teams (OMTs) and other senior management groups of the country team.
- Keep the UN Resident Coordinator abreast of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication, including a formal regular reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF.
Risk Management
- Drive high-quality, well-informed decisions that align with organizational goals for effective and measurable outcomes to the regional assessment exercise for UN Resident Coordinators.
- Ensure corporate reporting, information flow and appropriate escalation of awareness of emerging risks and topics.
- Champion risk management through a 'tone at the top' leadership approach, promoting alignment with applicable standards and policies.
Knowledge Management and Innovation
- Lead the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices and approaches in the delivery of project services.
- Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.
- Lead the planning, implementation and organization of capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.
- Establish priorities, in consultation with the Regional Director, for targeted investments in growth and innovation and as a member of the UNOPS global management team, contribute to the identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance.
- Share knowledge with peers in other regional/country teams and corporate practice groups to ensure a coordinated corporate delivery of services and synergies.
Skills
Innovation Management, Organizational Leadership, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Alliances, Strategic Partnerships, Strategic Thinking
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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 Requirements
Required
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 12 years of relevant experience
- OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 10 years of relevant experience is required
Experience Requirements
Required
- Relevant experience is work in strategic and managerial leadership in public affairs, management, business development planning and operations in a large corporate or international organization.
Desired
- Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
- Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
Language Requirements
LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredFrenchFluentRequired
Additional Information
- UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
- Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
- UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
- We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
- UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- For more details about the contract types, please click 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.
