Operations Manager, NO-3, Fixed Term Position, Colombo, Sri Lanka, #00113920

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed to our mission, offering staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal growth in a passionate and inclusive culture, with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager is a strategic Business Partner responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient use of UNICEF resources, aligning with office priorities and organizational goals to achieve results for children and maximize value for money. As a member of the senior management team, this role leads and integrates core operations functions including finance, supply/procurement, IT, and administrative services to facilitate program delivery. The position demands strong leadership across diverse teams and locations, emphasizing responsiveness, quality, and service excellence. The incumbent will drive practical, cost-effective solutions to operational challenges, utilizing risk-informed judgment and confident negotiation and influencing skills to collaborate with UN agencies, government counterparts, and partners to overcome constraints and secure coordinated operational support.

Responsibilities

Lead and integrate UNICEF’s core operations functions, including finance, supply/procurement, information technology, and administrative services, to enable effective programme delivery. Provide strategic leadership and management to operations teams across multiple locations, ensuring responsiveness, high quality, and excellent service delivery. Drive the development and implementation of practical, cost-effective solutions to operational challenges, applying risk-informed judgment to support program objectives. Engage in confident negotiation and influencing with UN agencies, government counterparts, and partners to resolve operational constraints and secure coordinated support. Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the operations function, focusing on efficiency, value for money, and streamlined processes. Ensure robust financial management, procurement integrity, and efficient IT and administrative support systems. Oversee the management of operational risks and follow up on audit recommendations, maintaining a strong focus on delivery while ensuring compliance. Support organizational change initiatives, including restructuring or establishing common services, and operate effectively in evolving environments. Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate operational excellence and program impact.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in operations management, including oversight of finance, supply/procurement, ICT, and administration. Demonstrated experience leading teams, managing integrated operations, supporting organizational change, improving efficiency, and working with diverse partners is essential.

Skills

Leadership and performance management, Change management and agility, Operational integration (finance, supply, ICT, admin), Efficiency and value for money, Problem-solving and judgement, Negotiation and influencing, Partnership and service orientation, Risk management, Team leadership, Cross-functional collaboration

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