International Operations Manager, Antananarivo, Madagascar, P-4

The Position:

The International Operations Manager (IOM) operates under delegated authority from the UNFPA Representative. The functions of the International Operations Manager covers a broad range of issues ranging from financial and human resources management; procurement; IT; general administration; travel and logistics; common services; to security of UNFPA premises and staff. Under the overall guidance of the Representative, the IOM leads strategic planning for UNFPA operations and setting of management targets, and outsourced services provided by UNDP. The IOM advises the Representative on course correction; cost effectiveness; and creative responses to emerging complex challenges.

The IOM is responsible for supervision and guidance of the UNFPA’s operations staff and ensuring cross-unit cooperation and coordination. The IOM ensures a client-oriented approach and consistency with UNFPA rules and regulations and good management practice. The IOM represents UNFPA in Operations Management team (OMT), and liaises with other UN Agencies, UNFPA HQs staff and Government officials to successfully deliver operational services

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The key results have an impact on the overall economy, efficiency and effectiveness of CO operations, and the functioning of the UNFPA in line with commonly adopted practices as it relates to the use of corporate resources in the following areas:

• Financial Services;
• Human Resources;
• Procurement and Logistical Services;
• ICT;
• Common Services and the implementation of the UN agenda on common services and joint procurement.

You would be responsible for:

1. Under delegated authority from the Representative, the International Operations Manager

provides strategic direction of the UNFPA operations with the following expected results:

• Contribute to the delivery of the country programme, and overall operations are carried out, effectively, efficiently, on time and in a transparent manner;
• Ensure annual and longer-term management targets, at the UNFPA corporate and Country Office level are met;
• Determine optimal techniques/processes for improving effectiveness and efficiency of business operations;
• Knowledge is shared and applied within the Country Office, and the CO participates actively in the management practice;
• Build capacity of operations staff through coaching and mentoring on staff on all aspect of operations management;
• Create a learning environment; establish and institutionalise learning opportunities within the Country Office.

2. Under delegated authority, the IOM is responsible for the day-to-day management of UNFPA’s

operations:

• Financial Management: has senior manager rights in Atlas and ensures the integrity of financial systems, review of budget requirements and the consistent application of rules and regulations;
• Human Resources Management: in consultation with the Representative, the IOM is responsible for the overall recruitment, performance and career management in the office. Supervises operations staff and aims to motivate and promote organizational excellence. Ensures that the goals of gender equality and overall diversity are met while simultaneously ensuring regulations and procedures are applied consistently;
• General Administration: manages CO travel, logistics and premises; establishment of work plans, and monitors the achievement of results;
• Service Provision: is responsible for high quality provision of procurement and other project support services. Monitors quality and timeliness of services provided by Service Providers;
• Teamwork: promotes cross-unit team work;
• Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and alert HQ to any unusual or suspicious transactions.

3. The IOM is UNFPA’s support to, and coordination of, common services:

• Provides policy support, guidance and advocacy on development, establishment and management of common services with other participating UN organizations/agencies at the country level;
• Ensures that common services and joint arrangements benefit UNFPA in its objective to provide efficient and economical support services to the implementation of the country programme.

4. The International Operations Manager ensures the safety and security of UNFPA staff and premises, in particular:

• Supports the implementation of UN/UNDP MOSS compliance;
• Together with the Deputy Representative, represents UNFPA in the Security Management Team and is responsible for efficient implementation in UNFPA of security measures agreed in the SMT and for compliance with security policy.

5. Under the overall guidance and leadership of the Representative, the IOM supports partnership building on operational issues:

• Represents UNFPA in inter-agency administrative meetings, and ensures smooth cooperation between agencies on joint undertakings like hardship questionnaires and salary surveys;
• Identifies new approaches and measures to further enhance UNFPA delivery capacities, professional management and cost effectiveness;
• Promotes a client-oriented approach among all operations staff.

6. The IOM performs any other duties as may be directed by the Representative or by the management of the Regional Office or Headquarters.

• The IOM actively participates in the local inter-agency coordination to ensure that UNFPA’s needs in common systems and service issues are met. S/He must foster a collaborative, client-oriented approach towards the programme team in the Regional Office and the UN community, and support effective communication and co-operation between HQ and the field.
• Internal partners include the International Operations Manager team, the Regional Director, the Deputy Regional Director, the Special Assistant to the Director, the RO’s programme/technical team, DMS and other Divisions/Branches at Headquarters, SROs and COs.
• External partners include other UN agencies, UNCT, Vendors and other non-UN partners that are essential to the work of the office of the International Operations Manager.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

• Advanced degree in finance and public /business administration, public policy or other relevant social sciences.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in development in a governmental, multilateral or civil society organization in a multi-cultural setting, including 3 or more years of senior-level management responsibilities in a challenging and complex organizational setting.
• Excellent management and leadership skills with the ability to build strong relationships with clients, focus on impact and result, and respond positively to feedback.
• Solid knowledge in financial and human resources management, contract, asset and procurement, information and communication technology, and general administration.
• Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, to implement new systems, and to positively affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal changes.
• Demonstrates knowledge sharing orientation, and ability to mentor and coach staff.
• Demonstrates effective team building and leadership, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting, formulation and monitoring of projects/programmes.

Other Desirable Skills:

• Initiative; strong conceptual abilities; sound judgement; strong interest in development work, especially the mission of the United Nations Population Fund; and dedication to the principles of the United Nations

Languages:

• Fluent in English (both written and verbal); Fluent in French (both written and verbal)

Required Competencies:

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity,
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies:

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

• Organizational Leadership and direction;
• Strategically position UNFPA programmes in the country;
• Providing conceptual innovation to support programme effectiveness;
• Strengthening the programme and technical capacity of country offices;
• Facilitating quality programmatic results;
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for resource mobilization.

Managerial Competencies (if applicable):

• Providing strategic focus;
• Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders;
• Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance;
• Making decisions and exercising judgement.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.