Operations Manager (open To Internal And External Applicants)

Organizational Context

The UNDP South Africa Country Office is implementing its 2026-2030 Country Program through two portfolios: inclusive economy and governance, and climate action, natural wealth, and resilience. This requires a modern, efficient, and business-oriented operations platform functioning as a high-performing service unit. The Operations Manager role is integral to this platform, ensuring robust operational intelligence, efficiency identification, and quality service delivery to support the Country Office's financial sustainability and resilience.

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager leads and manages the Country Office operations platform under the guidance of the Resident Representative and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative. The primary purpose is to ensure efficient service delivery, financial sustainability, and client satisfaction by overseeing operational performance, service quality, cost management, revenue generation, and people leadership. This role functions as a net-positive, business-minded unit, providing crucial business intelligence, analytics, and operational insights to senior management and program teams for evidence-based decision-making. The Operations Manager also represents the Country Office in inter-agency bodies, driving service offers and business development across the UN system and with external partners, without direct program delivery responsibilities.

Responsibilities

The Operations Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive operational advisory services to Country Office management, ensuring full compliance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations. This includes leveraging business intelligence, dashboards, and analytics to identify trends, bottlenecks, and efficiency gains, and applying digital solutions for enhanced decision support. Key duties encompass leading procurement services for efficiency and value, overseeing asset management, and managing finance to ensure sustainability, strong cost control, and net-positive performance. The role also involves managing information and communication systems, including ERP functionality and ICT infrastructure, and leading human resources functions to ensure compliance, optimal staffing, and staff development. Additionally, the Operations Manager oversees administration and logistics, drives common services and inter-agency collaboration, and supports revenue generation and sustainability initiatives.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience (with a Master's degree) or 7 years (with a Bachelor's degree) is required at the national or international level in management advisory services or managing institutional operational systems. Solid experience in leading diverse teams and managing cross-functional operational units (Finance, Procurement, HR, Administration) is essential. Experience with accrual accounting, IPSAS, or IFRS is also required. Proven ability to design and implement operational systems, including SOPs and process improvements, is highly desired, as is demonstrated experience with digital tools, analytics, and automation for service delivery enhancement.

Skills

Key competencies include Systems Thinking, Strategic Thinking, Resource Management, Portfolio Management, Customer Satisfaction/Client Management, and Risk Management. Proficiency in Procurement Management and Accounting (General) is also essential. The role requires strong abilities in achieving results, innovative thinking, continuous learning, agility, determination, engagement, partnership, and enabling diversity and inclusion.

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