International Operations Manager, Bujumbura, Burundi, P-3 at The International Operations Manager (IOM)

• Job Identification28045
• Posting Date07/24/2025, 11:44 AM
• Apply Before08/09/2025, 06:59 AM
• Job ScheduleFull time
• Locations Bujumbura, Burundi
• GradeP3
• Vacancy TypeFixed Term
• Rotational/Non RotationalRotational
• Contract Duration1 Year with Possibility for extension
• Education & Work ExperienceMaster's Degree - 5 year(s) experience
• Required LanguagesFrench, English
• Desired LanguagesPortuguese, Spanish
• Vacancy Timeline2 Weeks

The Position

The International Operations Manager (IOM) is located in the Burundi Country Office and works with both the operations and programmes teams in achieving the overall strategy of the CO. Under the direct supervision of the Representative, the IOM provides leadership and advice to the Country Office (CO) on all aspects of office management and operations. The IOM supervises operations/administrative staff at the CO. In addition, the IOM actively participates in the local inter-agency coordination group (Operations Management Team) to ensure UNFPA’s needs in common systems and service issues are met and provides support to the operations-related UN-wide initiatives. 

How you can make a difference

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s new strategic plan (2018-2021), focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. Through alliances and partnerships with governments, UN and bilateral agencies, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector, the programme aims to realize the 2030 Agenda in order to make a positive difference in the lives of millions of people; especially those furthest behind.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results. UNFPA and the Government of Burundi have started  the 9th country programme (2024-2027) aligned with the UNSDCF and the Vision 2040-Emerging Burundi and 2060-Developed Burundi. Despite the complex macroeconomic situation, the country, supported by development actors, is managing day-to-day business. Climate change effects remain an issue to mainstream into the programming. 

Burundi is currently implementing its fourth Population, Housing, Agriculture and Livestock Census with UNFPA playing the role of coordinator for the assistance.  Through engagement with national counterparts, development and humanitarian partners, you serve the organization as a member of the Country Office Senior Management Team. Your ultimate accountability is to the people that you serve; the most vulnerable, excluded, or marginalized and for the causes that you serve; human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian relief.

Job Purpose

The IOM ensures a smooth functioning, well-managed and results-oriented CO and facilitates programme implementation and delivery by providing for the operational needs of programmes and projects managed at the CO. The IOM will ensure the CO is strengthened and supported in its operations, needs and queries by ensuring administrative management policies, regulations, rules and procedures are compatible with CO needs.

Ensuring a smooth functioning, well-managed and results-oriented country office:

• Serve as a member of the Country Senior Management Team, and provide operational support to the Representative and the programme team in close collaboration with Assistant Representative; 
• Oversee operational and staffing requirements for the country office and its component projects by participating in review meetings and assessing the managerial and operational capacities of implementing partners in collaboration with the programme and technical team;
• Analyse operational aspects of project inputs under both UNFPA and partners’ execution in terms of personnel, equipment, subcontracts, procurement, training, etc.;
• Supervise and monitor implementation of corporate, financial, procurement, and HR policies and systems, and ensure adequate training of staff and project personnel on these issues. Ensure a continuous and up-to-date flow of information between the CO and the RO/SRO and HQ;
• Ensure strategic and efficient management of office and programme financial resources while exercising proper financial controls and adherence to corporate financial policies, rules and regulations. Report both locally and to Headquarters (HQ) in a timely manner on established structures. Seeking advice from HQ when deviation from rules and regulations may be necessary and propose alternative solutions to meet programme and office objectives;
• Maintain optimal staffing of the office and projects through timely provision and training of human resources (HR) applying HR tools and mechanisms and advising on appropriate contractual modalities. Monitoring implementation by service providers of entitlements (salaries and benefits);
• Maintain oversight of the timely provision of goods and services for the CO and projects following established corporate procedures regarding sub-contract review and awarding of contracts, evaluating cost effectiveness and managing the negotiations in connection with eventual agreements;
• Manage CO assets and liabilities and ensuring proper inventory control;
• Participate actively in UN inter-agency meetings and working groups to ensure UNFPA interests are reflected in common system activities related to common services and premises, cost recovery and cost sharing arrangements, privileges and immunities, entitlements and salary surveys, security etc.;
• Supervise administrative staff in the operations team at the CO and ensuring established procedures are being followed;
• Maintain a close relationship with the programme and implementing partners to ensure a proper programme delivery and minimize the risks;
• Contribute as member of the Senior management team in the efforts of advocacy, policy dialogue, building strategic partnership, resource mobilization and communication for impact; 
• Ensure representation function whenever needed and enhance UNFPA mandate on behalf of the Representative; 
• Review and taking corrective action as appropriate on audit findings; and
• Establish and maintaining a harmonious working environment; strengthen the performance-based culture through promoting collaborations between operations and programmes, and encouraging knowledge sharing/ learning in the office, especially between operations and programmes; seeking to strengthen team-building by encouraging active participation and interaction at all levels; fostering staff development and empowerment.

Perform other job related duties as assigned by the UNFPA Representative to ensure the success of the country programme.

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