International Operations Manager (IOM), Kampala, Uganda, P-4

Overview

The International Operations Manager (IOM) plays a crucial leadership role in steering the UNFPA country programme to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Reporting to the Representative, the IOM directs all operational aspects including financial management, procurement, IT, travel, logistics, and common services. This role partners with regional safety experts and coordinates with other UN bodies to implement the Business Operations Strategy. The IOM offers strategic advice on compliance, cost efficiency, and innovative solutions for complex challenges.

Role Impact and Mandate

UNFPA aims for a world where every pregnancy is wanted, childbirth is safe, and youth reach their full potential. The Strategic Plan (2026-2029) guides resilience and renewal efforts, accelerating action on family planning, maternal health, gender-based violence, and demographic adaptation.

The IOM leads operations to enhance the Country Office’s efficiency and effectiveness, supporting programmes grounded in human rights, sustainable development, and humanitarian relief. Duties include ensuring integrity in finances, procurement, human resources administration, and workplace safety.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to UNFPA’s operational management ensuring transparency and policy compliance.
• Meet annual and long-term management targets aligned with corporate and country-level goals.
• Implement improvements to business processes fostering operational excellence and innovation.
• Advance knowledge management and staff development through coaching on operational best practices.
• Oversee financial management ensuring system integrity, budget reviews, and rule adherence.
• Manage operations staff with performance appraisal, encouraging growth culture and accountability.
• Supervise logistics, official travel, premises management, and coordinate work plans with programme teams.
• Ensure timely, efficient procurement and project support services while monitoring service provider performance.
• Review financial exceptions and alert headquarters to irregularities.
• Coordinate with Human Resources, managing staff attendance, benefits, payroll, and advising management on administrative processes.
• Serve as focal point for global service standards feedback and implementation at the country level.
• Manage IT systems, particularly ERP, for processing financial and HR transactions.
• Promote and implement common services and joint procurement agreements with other UN entities to improve resource efficiency.
• Drive compliance with UN security standards safeguarding staff and premises, actively participating in security and operations management teams.
• Represent UNFPA in inter-agency meetings, fostering collaboration and advancing joint initiatives.
• Innovate to enhance operational capacity, professional management, and cost-effectiveness, promoting client-focused services.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by country or regional leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

• Postgraduate degree in Public/Business Administration, Economics, Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years’ progressive experience in development within governmental, multilateral, or civil society settings, including at least 3 years managing teams in complex environments.
• Strong relationship building, results orientation, and receptiveness to feedback.
• Expertise in procurement, finance, human resources, contract management, asset management, and ICT.
• Experience leading business process re-engineering and change management.
• Proficient in strategic planning, results-based management, and project monitoring.
• International development experience with commitment to UN principles; humanitarian experience advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain partnerships and drive team accountability and direction.
• Fluent English language skills required.

Competencies

Values: Integrity, commitment to UNFPA and UN system, cultural diversity appreciation, adaptability to change.
Core Skills: Results achievement, accountability, professional expertise, strategic thinking, teamwork, effective communication.
Managerial Skills: Strategic focus, stakeholder engagement, leadership empowerment, decision-making and judgment.
Leadership Characteristics: Norm-based, principled, inclusive, accountable, multi-dimensional, transformational, collaborative, self-modeled behavior.

Compensation and Work Environment

This position offers a competitive net salary, health insurance, and additional benefits. The working environment values gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA encourages applications from all genders and underrepresented groups, including LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and indigenous peoples. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities upon request.

Additional Information

Applicants are advised that recruitment may involve background checks, medical clearance, and visa requirements. UNFPA does not charge fees for application or recruitment processes and cautions against fraudulent solicitations.