DIRECTOR OF MISSION SUPPORT

Organizational Context

This position is within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Kinshasa. The Director of Mission Support (DMS) reports directly to the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Head of Mission (HoM). Kinshasa is designated as a family duty station, allowing staff to relocate their families.

Job Purpose

The Director of Mission Support (DMS) serves as the principal advisor to the Head of Mission (HoM) on all administrative, financial, contractual, and technical/operational support matters. The role is accountable for the effective management of human, financial, and physical resources allocated to the mission. The DMS contributes to mandate implementation by providing essential operational support, including administration, budget, finance, human resources, supply chain management, and communications. As a key member of the Mission Senior Management Team, the DMS participates in strategic planning, ensuring integrated approaches and consistency in mandate execution, particularly during transition phases. The position also involves managing resource allocation, developing support work plans, optimizing service delivery, and ensuring compliance with UN regulations and policies.

Responsibilities

The Director of Mission Support (DMS) acts as the principal advisor to the Head of Mission (HoM) on administrative, financial, contractual, and operational support, managing mission resources effectively. The role contributes to mandate implementation through comprehensive operational support, including administration, budget, finance, HR, supply chain, and communications. As part of the Senior Management Team, the DMS participates in mission planning, especially for transition phases, and ensures integrated mandate implementation. Key responsibilities include overseeing the Delegation of Authority Framework, establishing robust policies for resource management, and certifying expenditures. The DMS is accountable for optimal resource allocation to support mandate implementation and guides reprioritization. The role involves developing and implementing support work plans, securing resources, and driving service optimization through performance indicators and cost-effectiveness. Collaboration with stakeholders, UN headquarters, and regional centers is crucial, as is engagement with mission components for cohesive support. The DMS also liaises with national authorities, supervises senior support staff, manages performance, and develops strategies for mission transition, including asset transfer. Fostering teamwork and staff well-being are also key duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years of experience in administration, finance, supply chain, or ICT is required. This includes at least eight years of management experience in human resources, procurement, and financial resources. Experience ensuring compliance with support regulations in decentralized environments, leading change initiatives, and managing cross-functional teams is also required. Experience supporting complex field operations in conflict/post-conflict settings, managing mission transitions, and developing strategic client-focused solutions is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, strategic oversight, mastery of support operations principles, negotiation, problem-solving, leadership, team building, communication (verbal and written), accountability, judgement, decision-making, conflict resolution, gender balance commitment, and experience in managing complex environments and diverse stakeholders.

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