Country Manager (Internal Candidates Only)

Background Information - Job-specific

South East Asia and the Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine EAPMCOs: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Mekong, and EAPMCO Philippines.

In 2024, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

UNOPS in Papua New Guinea

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea was formed in early 2020 to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea. As an established office since 2022, EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time. Working with an increasing number of development partners, in 2023 EAPMCO PNG is quickly being recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, health infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people.

The EAPMCO PNG operates as an integral part of the EAPMCO management structure.

As part of the EAPMCO, the EAPMCO PNG is responsible for developing, delivering and managing a mid-to-large-sized portfolio of engagements and cost effective services contributing to partners' sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results.

At UNOPS, Project Office portfolio size is determined by a mix of internal and external drivers, including value of engagements and prevailing humanitarian and geo-political contexts.

The EAPMCO PNG also manages the operational risks associated with the office’s portfolio of engagements.

The Role

The Country Manager reports to the Multi Country Office Director who provides strategic direction, oversight and guidance.

The Country Manager also works in close collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the Head of Programme.

The Country Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and supervising the delivery of engagements and operations in the country - including liaison and engagement development activities as well as delivering timely and cost effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders.

Summary of key results:

People leadership

Project Office portfolio management

Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development

Service delivery and quality assurance

Representation and inter-agency partnership

Knowledge management and innovation

Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability within the Project Office.

Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment 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.

Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity, by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team, to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.

Under the guidance and oversight from the MCO Director and the Head of Programme, develop proposals and prepare project agreements in connection with identified opportunities.

Plan and propose to the Multi Country Office Director required resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals set for the Project Office.

Establish the strategies and implementation plans for the Project Office.

In collaboration with the partners, develop the objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.

Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS, assets, property, information and personnel and their eligible dependents within the respective area of responsibility.

Under the guidance from the MCO Director and with the support of the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, the Country Manager manages the overall HSSE performance in the Project Office while overseeing the implementation of all HSSE requirements

In consultation with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation, including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and perform duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy manual.

Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development

Keep abreast of and assess the needs of the relevant national government and other UNOPS partners operating in the country, to identify and plan with them (and under the guidance from the Multi Country Office Director) areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.

Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management, to develop opportunities and engagements with new partners.

Keep the Multi Country Office Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges to strengthen UNOPS capacity for programme/project management and business development.

Service delivery and quality assurance

In close collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the MCO Head of Programme, establish and maintain appropriate arrangements for ensuring excellence of business processes and quality standards as well as ensure direct operational support for delivery of the Project Office programmes/projects, including leveraging regional or corporate support facilities whenever available.

Monitor and oversee programme/project implementation, review progress, assess constraints and take corrective action, ensuring early warning of risks to the Multi Country Office, for action and/or intervention.

Take responsibility for financial decisions/exercise financial control to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Project Office, including submitting financial reports to the Multi Country Office Director.

Representation and inter-agency partnership

Participate, as delegated by the Multi Country Office Director, in inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to contribute to the harmonisation of policies, practices and approaches within the UN System, such as the implementation of the UNSDCF, integrated Strategic Framework and ‘Delivering as One’.

On behalf of the MCO Director, participate in any UN country team meetings or interagency management groups to contribute to discussions and initiatives to strengthen coherence, inclusiveness, aid effectiveness and security measures.

In alignment with the MCO Director, keep the UN Resident Coordinator informed of UNOPS activities within [country name] through regular communication and formal reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF or equivalent.

Knowledge management and innovation

Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches.

Contribute to the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.

Plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Country Manager directly impacts on the development and performance of the Project Office, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in International Development, International Relations, Business Administration, or relevant fields combined with ten (10) years of relevant experience OR

A First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) combined with twelve (12) years of relevant experience is required.

Experience:

A minimum of ten (10) years (for advanced university degree holders) or twelve (12) years (for first level university degree holders) of progressively responsible experience in international development, business development, operations and/or project/programme management in a large international and/or corporate organization.

Experience in a leadership position or at a senior managerial level is required.

Experience working in fragile contexts or environments is considered an asset.

Experience managing medium to large teams, including management of senior professional staff is a distinct advantage.

Experience partnering with the public sector on developing, implementing and/or evaluating projects and programs of high national relevance is a distinct advantage.

Some experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge of English is essential.

Knowledge of another official UNOPS language is an asset

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.

Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.