International Operations Manager (IOM), Bujumbura, Burundi

The Position:
The International Operations Manager (IOM) is located in the Burundi Country Office and works with both the operations and programmes teams in achieving the overall strategy of the CO. Under the direct supervision of the Representative, the IOM provides leadership and advice to the Country Office (CO) on all aspects of office management and operations. The IOM supervises operations/administrative staff at the CO. In addition, the IOM actively participates in the local inter-agency coordination group (Operations Management Team) to ensure UNFPA’s needs in common systems and service issues are met and provides support to the operations-related UN-wide initiatives.

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.
Burundi is currently implementing its fourth Population, Housing, Agriculture and Livestock Census with UNFPA playing the role of coordinator for the assistance. Through engagement with national counterparts, development and humanitarian partners, you serve the organization as a member of the Country Office Senior Management Team. Your ultimate accountability is to the people that you serve; the most vulnerable, excluded, or marginalized and for the causes that you serve; human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian relief.
Job Purpose:
The IOM ensures a smooth functioning, well-managed and results-oriented CO and facilitates programme implementation and delivery by providing for the operational needs of programmes and projects managed at the CO. The IOM will ensure the CO is strengthened and supported in its operations, needs and queries by ensuring administrative management policies, regulations, rules and procedures are compatible with CO needs.

You would be responsible for:
Ensuring a smooth functioning, well-managed and results-oriented country office:
● Serve as a member of the Country Senior Management Team, and provide operational support to the Representative and the programme team in close collaboration with Assistant Representative;
● Oversee operational and staffing requirements for the country office and its component projects by participating in review meetings and assessing the managerial and operational capacities of implementing partners in collaboration with the programme and technical team;
● Analyse operational aspects of project inputs under both UNFPA and partners’ execution in terms of personnel, equipment, subcontracts, procurement, training, etc.;
● Supervise and monitor implementation of corporate, financial, procurement, and HR policies and systems, and ensure adequate training of staff and project personnel on these issues. Ensure a continuous and up-to-date flow of information between the CO and the RO/SRO and HQ;
● Ensure strategic and efficient management of office and programme financial resources while exercising proper financial controls and adherence to corporate financial policies, rules and regulations. Report both locally and to Headquarters (HQ) in a timely manner on established structures. Seeking advice from HQ when deviation from rules and regulations may be necessary and propose alternative solutions to meet programme and office objectives;
● Maintain optimal staffing of the office and projects through timely provision and training of human resources (HR) applying HR tools and mechanisms and advising on appropriate contractual modalities. Monitoring implementation by service providers of entitlements (salaries and benefits);
● Maintain oversight of the timely provision of goods and services for the CO and projects following established corporate procedures regarding sub-contract review and awarding of contracts, evaluating cost effectiveness and managing the negotiations in connection with eventual agreements;
● Manage CO assets and liabilities and ensuring proper inventory control;
● Participate actively in UN inter-agency meetings and working groups to ensure UNFPA interests are in common system activities related to common services and premises, cost recovery and cost sharing arrangements, privileges and immunities, entitlements and salary surveys reflected, security etc.;
● Supervise administrative staff in the operations team at the CO and ensuring established procedures are being followed;
● Maintain a close relationship with the programme and implementing partners to ensure a proper programme delivery and minimize the risks;
● Contribute as member of the Senior management team in the efforts of advocacy, policy dialogue, building strategic partnership, resource mobilization and communication for impact;
● Ensure representation function whenever needed and enhance UNFPA mandate on behalf of the Representative;
● Review and taking corrective action as appropriate on audit findings; and
● Establish and maintaining a harmonious working environment; strengthen the performance-based culture through promoting collaborations between operations and programmes, and encouraging knowledge sharing/ learning in the office, especially between operations and programmes; seeking to strengthen team-building by encouraging active participation and interaction at all levels; fostering staff development and empowerment.

Perform other job related duties as assigned by the UNFPA Representative to ensure the success of the country programme.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:
Advanced degree (Master’s) in business administration, public administration, finance, human resources, information technology or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience:
● Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in administration, finance or office management.
● Thorough knowledge of the UN Staff Rules and Regulations, HR management policies, financial rules and regulations and procurement.
● Strong analytical and leadership skills.
● Enhanced flexibility and adaptation skills with client and solution-oriented approach.
● Strong verbal and written communication skills.
● Proficiency in current office software applications and corporate IT systems.

Languages:
Fluency in French and working knowledge in English is required. Knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably Portuguese and/or Spanish, is desirable.

Required Competencies
Values:
• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
• Embracing cultural diversity
• Embracing change Functional Competencies:
• Facilitating quality programmatic results;
• Managing the organisation’s financial resources;
• Ensuring compliance with ICT standards and applications;
• Ensuring compliance with Organisation’s Policies and procedures;
• Provide procurement services;
• Ensure facilities and assets management;
• Align human resources management with the organisation's strategic direction;
• Attract and develop the regional/country workforce.
Core Competencies:
• Achieving results;
• Being accountable;
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen;
• Thinking analytically/managing ourselves and our relationships;
• Communicating for impact
Managerial Competencies:
• Providing strategic focus;
• Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders;
• Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance;
• Making decisions and exercising judgment.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary, 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. 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. To learn more, click here: https://www.unfpa.org/diversity-equity-inclusion.

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.