Background:
UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.
Ukraine UN Women Country Office started its operations in 2015. The main office is based in Kyiv, with the sub-office in Dnipro (eastern Ukraine). The UN Women program is focusing on supporting national, regional, and local partners, including women’s civil society organizations in advancing gender equality. UN Women has been producing evidence and gender analysis, and technical support to mainstream gender in the national and regional strategies, policies, programs, plans and budgets, supporting institutional capacities for gender equality, supporting women’s CSOs capacity development and targeted activities, etc.
The Russian invasion in Ukraine, humanitarian crises and political instability continue to pose substantial risks and challenges to the CO operations. Fifth Rapid damage And Needs Assessment (RDNA5)1 underlines both the scale of recovery needs and the gendered nature of the human impacts. It estimates US$587.7 billion in recovery and reconstruction needs over 10 years (as of December 31, 2025), reflecting the mounting pressure on public systems to prioritize, coordinate, and deliver effectively. At the same time, RDNA5 documents widening gender disparities. In 2025 women represented over 82% of registered unemployed persons, and caregiving responsibilities continue to constrain women’s labor market participation and income opportunities. Care responsibilities constrain job-seeking IDPs, specifically affecting 35% of women, reinforcing the practical link between recovery delivery capacity and policies that address care burdens, safe workplaces, and inclusive services. Compared with 2024, according to the UN Human Rights Mission in Ukraine women’s civilian casualties increased by 27% in 2025. At the same time financing and funding for gender equality and women’s empowerment continued to decline after the share of bilateral allocable official development assistance (ODA) to Ukraine that included gender equality objectives decreased to 16% in 2024 according to the OECD, and budget cuts led by the United States reduced funds for women led and women’s rights organizations.[1]
Since 2025, Ukraine CO has been implementing its Strategic Note 2025-2029 which contributes to the achievement of two UNDSDCF 2025-2029 priorities related to peace, justice and strong institutions (CF Outcome 4) and inclusive economic recovery (CF Outcome 2) and is aligned with UN Women’s Strategic Plan 2025-2029. A needs-based and adaptive programming approach will be applied across the humanitarian–development–peace (HDP) nexus in response to evolving context, in response to evolving context, rapidly changing needs at the ground, pollical and humanitarian scenarios. The CO implements its programming under three SN Outcomes: 1) Leadership, governance and WPS; 2) Women’s Economic Empowerment; 3) Humanitarian response and coordination.
The Operations Manager is a member of the Country Office Senior Management team, together with the Deputy Representative, Head of Humanitarian and Head of Security. The Operations Manager provides leadership and advice on all aspects of office management and operations. This includes strategic financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, ICT and common services, consistent with UN and UN Women rules and regulations and supports the Head of Security on all issues related to staff well-being.
Reporting to the CO Representative, the Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth functioning and results oriented management of operations in the CO and to facilitate programme implementation and delivery by providing for the operational needs of Strategic Note implementation and programmes/projects managed by the CO. The Operations Manager will also ensure that the Dnipro sub-office (and a possible sub office in southern Ukraine) is strengthened and supported in its operations. The Operations Manager will provide feedback to the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office Operations Manager as a first step, and to the Division of Management and Administration on operational aspects, when necessary, to improve corporate operational procedures so they become compatible with country-level needs. The Operations Manager will also ensure compliance with IPSAS accounting standards by reviewing business processes and systems.
III. Key Functions and Accountabilities
- Manage and oversee the operations within the Ukraine CO
- Serve as a member of the Senior Management team and provide advice and support to the Representative and Deputy Representative on operational issues;
- Oversee the work of Operation Team in the CO;
- Develop the annual workplan for the Operations Team and oversee its implementation and monitoring;
- Participate in review meetings to assess the managerial and operational capacities of implementing partners;
- Determine optimal techniques and business processes; lead business process mapping and establish internal standard operating procedures in all areas of the Operations Team’s functions in collaboration with the RO;
- Oversee and monitor implementation of corporate, budget, financial, procurement, and HR policies and systems and ensure adequate training of staff and project personnel on these issues in the CO;
- Ensure a continuous and up-to-date flow of information between the CO and RO on operations matters;
- Oversee all operations activities, including finance, human resources, procurement, transport, administration and ensure they follow UN Women rules, regulations, policies and procedures;
- Manage staff in Operations Team: Finalize performance plans and evaluation standards; conduct performance assessments, provide feedback and coaching.
- Provide Strategic Risk Management Oversight and Coordination in coordination with the Country Representatives who retain ultimate accountability for country office risk management:
- Lead strategic coordination of UN Women's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework implementation in the CO, providing technical guidance to the CO SMT, program and operations teams, and ensuring consistent application of risk management standards and practices through the annual regional operations planning cycle;
- Serve as technical advisor to CO Representative on risk management matters, analyzing consolidated risk information from the CO to identify trends, risks, and systemic issues, and providing strategic risk recommendations for CO decision-making;
- Maintain an integrated CO risk register, providing quality assurance oversight, and consolidated risk analysis to the CO Representative and the RO as part of quarterly regional operations reports and annual strategic planning processes;
- As issues arise, escalate significant concerns to CO Representative and to the RO OM;
- Build CO risk management capacity by disseminating corporate guidance materials and tools, organizing training and facilitating knowledge sharing to strengthen CO risk practices;
- Ensure effective CO risk management for Regional Office operations by implementing appropriate internal controls and fraud prevention measures, and monitoring key operational, financial, compliance, and security risks;
- Coordinate partner risk assessment and audit processes, ensuring the CO applies appropriate due diligence frameworks and respond effectively to audit findings, and supporting HQ engagement on regional risk and audit matters;
- Coordinate with RO and HQ Division of Management and Administration on ERM framework updates and regional implementation, ensuring alignment between regional risk practices and corporate risk management policies and standards.
- Manage planning, expenditure tracking and auditing of financial resources
- Ensure strategic and efficient management of office and programme financial resources;
- Exercise proper financial controls, including implementation of preventive and detective controls to safeguard assets and ensure accuracy of financial reporting;
- Report to the regional level and to HQ on established structures; seek advice from RO/HQ when deviations may be necessary;
- Work closely with RO/HQ on audit processes, including risk-based audit planning, preparation and follow up and take corrective action as appropriate on audit findings and recommendations, tracking implementation of corrective actions and ensuring systemic improvements to internal controls;
- Monitor and manage core and extra-budgetary resource allocations with the Deputy Representative;
- Perform Manager Level 3 Committing Officer role in Quantum for voucher and PO approvals;
- Ensure CO compliance with Internal Control Framework, Delegation of Authority, and segregation of duties and responsibilities, conducting periodic reviews of internal controls effectiveness.
- Oversee procurement processes
- Manage the provision of goods and services as needed for SN implementation and projects following established corporate procedures regarding sub-contract review and awarding of contracts, evaluate for cost effectiveness and manage the negotiations in connection with eventual agreements; oversee procurement in the CO;
- Oversee the preparation of the CO procurement plans; participate/chair in Procurement Review Committees, ensuring appropriate due diligence and vendor risk assessment are conducted;
- Oversee CO assets and liabilities and ensure proper inventory control.
- Oversee information and communications management
- Oversee the implementation of ICT systems, including cybersecurity controls and data protection measures;
- Ensure staff have access to Quantum functionality for improved business results and improved client services;
- Oversee maintenance of a secure, reliable infrastructure environment for ICT and adequate planning for disasters and recoveries, including regular testing of backup and recovery procedures.
- Serve as the focal point for staff well being and support the work of the security team
- Ensure that personnel and dependents lists are updated;
- Ensure staff well being and safety compliance with the UN and UN Women regulations and processes working closely with the Country Office Security Specialist;
- Develop and maintain Business Continuity Plan for the CO with the Security Specialist, conduct regular testing and updates to ensure operational resilience.
- Ensure that all staff are provided with all necessary equipment, services and support to ensure well being under challenging security situations, such as for the effective implementation of the UNCT winterization plan
- Participate in inter-agency activities
- Represent UN Women in inter-agency meetings and working groups on operations issues to ensure UN Women’s interests are reflected in common system activities related to common services and premises, cost recovery and cost sharing arrangements, privileges and immunities, entitlements and salary surveys, security etc;
- Liaise with UNDP and other UN agencies on operational issues, activities, and collaboration.
- The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
The incumbent leads a team of 11 personnel which includes 11 direct reports (9 GS staff, 2 NO staff).
Competencies :
Core Values:
- Integrity;
- Professionalism;
- Respect for Diversity.
Core Competencies:
- Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
- Accountability;
- Creative Problem Solving;
- Effective Communication;
- Inclusive Collaboration;
- Stakeholder Engagement;
- Leading by Example.
Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Values and Competencies Framework:
Functional Competencies:
- Excellent knowledge of operation, finance, procurement, human resources, ICT, and security systems and processes, particularly in the UN system;
- Strong knowledge of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks with ability to provide strategic oversight and coordination across multiple offices;
- Ability to integrate risk considerations into operations management and strategic decision-making;
- Strong analytical skills to identify risk trends across multiple operations and provide strategic recommendations to senior management;
- Experience in providing technical guidance and quality assurance oversight to operations teams;
- Excellent communication and coordination skills to facilitate risk management activities across Country Offices without direct line authority;
- Ability to provide advice and support;
- Ability to lead formulation and monitoring of management projects;
- Ability to lead business processes re-engineering, implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change;
- Ability to handle confidential information;
- Strong negotiation skills;
- Excellent IT skills, including understanding of cybersecurity risks and data protection requirements.
V. Recruitment Qualifications
Education and Certification:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, HR, or related field is required.
- A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level, in office management, operations or finance;
- Experience in leading a team is required;
- Experience working in an international emergency/humanitarian context is required;
- Experience coordinating with partners and stakeholders is required;
- Experience in working in a computer environment using multiple office software packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems and ERP systems, preferably PeopleSoft is required;
- Experience implementing risk management frameworks or conducting risk assessments is highly desirable;
- Experience with fraud prevention, internal controls, or audit processes is highly desirable;
- Experience conducting partner due diligence or vendor risk assessments is desirable;
- Experience of accrual accounting, IPSAS or IFRS is highly desirable;
- Professional background in programming/ projects management is desirable;
- Experience in the UN system is desirable.
Languages
- Fluency in English is required.
- Knowledge of another official UN language is desirable (French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish).
Statements :
In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment.
Diversity and inclusion:
At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need.
If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.
UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)
Note: Applicants must ensure that all sections of the application form, including the sections on education and employment history, are completed. If all sections are not completed the application may be disqualified from the recruitment and selection process.
