Head of Support Services

1. Operational Leadership, advisory and technical support

• As a key leadership role for the Palestine Programme, the Head of Support Services monitors and supervises teams as well as all aspects of operations (Finance, HR, Procurement, Health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE), Information Technology(ICT) and Administration) to ensure achievement of results, whilst driving compliance with corporate strategies, UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity.
• Monitor support services to ensure continuously improving client service and satisfaction, including liaising with appropriate Head Quarters Practice Groups and IPAS for required support.
• Contribute to the formulation of Palestine Programme strategies and policies through advisory services to the Palestine Programme Director.
• Provide technical advice and operational guidance on innovative approaches to project financing, risk assessment/mitigation and use of financing structures, mechanisms instruments and guarantees.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify the need, determine cost and plan all Palestine Programme support services, including procurement, finance, human resources and administrative services.  
• Assist the Palestine Programme Head of Project Unit in setting goals, targets and performance standards for projects, and recommend tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing.
• At the request of the Palestine Programme Head of Project Unit, participate in any UN forum discussions and planning to ensure UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered. 
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harrasement, sexual harrasement and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

2. Project planning and coordination support 

• Provide assistance and support to programme and project budget preparation, revisions and work planning, in close collaboration with the Project & Budget Officer and the Programme Unit.
• Provide input into project engagement and acceptance documents including assisting with contract negotiations.
• Provide advice on goal setting, targets and performance standards for projects and recommend tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing. 
• Monitor project financial projections, take decisions and/or refer critical issues to the Palestine Programme Head of Project Unit and/or other stakeholders for action.
• Provide advice on programme and project cost sharing, deployment of funds and closure.
• Constantly monitor and analyze the operating environment to identify potential risks and take action/refer critical issues for intervention to ensure delivery of results. 
• Closely liaise with the other programme Offices (within the Palestine Programme) in order to troubleshoot any issues that might cause interruption in the support services management.

3. Procurement & Grant Management

• Oversee and supervise Palestine Programme procurement and Grant Issuance processes, providing advice to Support Services team members as needed and serving as Chair of processes to ensure results contribute to programme objectives.
• Evaluate contractual arrangements and legal commitments/risks for appropriate action.
• As needed, advise the Support Unit on theirreview, adminstration  and issuance of contracts, agreements/amendments with institutions and UN agencies. 

4. Financial and compliance management

• Oversee all finance activities and ensure compliance with the UNOPS/Financial Rules & Regulations and Finance procedures.
• Review the financial tracking mechanisms of the programme, including payment trackers, expenditure report planning, and advise, help the team to improve its monitoring tools.
• Oversee the cash management and financial management practices of the team.
• Support the development of GLJEs as needed for financial reconciliation of budget and expenditures. 
• Act as a focal point for any internal/external audit exercise.

5. Human resource management

• Plan the recruitment plan for the Palestine Programme.
• Oversee all human resource services/processes including recruitment, salary administration and compensation, performance review, training and development, ensuring compliance with human resource rules, regulations, procedures and standards of performance and ensuring that hiring managers actively seek to create diverse teams in terms of gender and geography.
• Develop the capacity of the existing Support Unit personnel to effectively and effiicnetly run recruitments for the programme team.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Exercise control of all staffing issues within the Palestine Programme  as required by the projects’ demands including recruitment, training, staff performance review.

6. Knowledge management and innovation 

• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches in Palestine Programme Support Services.
• Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building.
• At the request of the Palestine Programme Head of Project Unit and in collaboration with the team, plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of project personnel, clients and stakeholders.

• Advance degree (Master degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant work experience is required

OR

• First-level University degree (Bachelor degree or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant work experience is required.

Experience

• Relevant experience is defined as progressively responsible experience covering at least two of the following operations functions: Procurement, Finance, Logistics/ Asset Management and Human Resources. Knowledge of the other functions is desired.
• A minimum of 3 years of leadership experience, including a proven track record managing staff and operational systems is required.
• Some experience in UN system organizations, preferably in a developing country, is desired.
• Experience dealing with UN regulations, rules and policies in the areas of contracting, procurement and human resources is desired.

Language

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
• Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is desired.