Support Services Manager

Job Highlight

This is a unique opportunity to lead and innovate in financial management specifically and support services in general within a critical development context. The role offers the chance to significantly impact healthcare initiatives in Uzbekistan, working with diverse stakeholders and contributing to the strategic implementation of UNOPS projects. It provides a platform for a seasoned professional to apply their expertise in a challenging yet rewarding environment, driving efficiency and compliance.

Role Purpose The Support Services Manager (ICS10) acts as a seasoned professional who independently runs projects and programs related to support services, with a main focus on financial management. S/he adapts existing policies and procedures to meet emerging operational needs in Uzbekistan, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of financial processes, procurement, logistics, asset management, ICT, HR and administrative functions. The Support Services Manager provides authoritative advice on policy application, supervises a team, and solves complex problems to ensure seamless project delivery and compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Financial Management, Controls and Oversight
• Provide authoritative advice to project teams and stakeholders (in coordination with the Project Managers and Project Management Support Advisor (PMSA) on UNOPS financial policies, including operational directives and instructions, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Manage advance payments to projects and vendors, ensuring strict oversight, timely reconciliation, and compliance with UNOPS financial guidelines.
• Oversee financial contract management processes, ensuring that financial terms, payment milestones, and contractual obligations are effectively monitored and fulfilled.
• Monitor and mitigate financial risks, specifically assessing and managing risk exposure associated with payments for civil works, infrastructure projects, and high-value procurement.
• Oversee financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to internal and external audit standards.
• Implement and adapt existing financial control mechanisms to safeguard assets and ensure proper utilization of funds.
• Solve complex financial problems and discrepancies by navigating and applying UNOPS regulatory frameworks, operational guidelines, and existing rules and precedents.
• Manage audit activities, including planning, preparation and coordination during the audit engagements and follow up on audit observations/recommendations; Implement necessary changes to strengthen financial controls.
• Operational Support and Process Optimization
• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of support service processes, including procurement, logistics, asset management and administration, in line with UNOPS standard operating procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Adapt operational policies to address local constraints and project needs in Uzbekistan, ensuring full compliance with UNOPS governance standards.
• Supervise the delivery of comprehensive support services across the office portfolio, ensuring quality, timeliness, and client satisfaction.
• Manage a specific portfolio of support services activities, ensuring seamless integration with UNOPS project delivery mechanisms.
• Liaise with vendors, as required, to maintain strong relationships and ensure reliable service delivery and compliance.
• Represent the support services function in internal and external meetings, including the UN Operational Management Team and working groups, providing expert input and recommendations.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination with the AUMCO support services team, headquarters units, and regional offices to enable other business units to facilitate/enable integrated project support.
• Team Leadership and Capacity Building
• Supervise a team of support staff and/or junior professional personnel, fostering an accountable and high-performance culture and promoting professional development.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members on best practices in financial management and other support services.
• Lead initiatives for knowledge sharing and capacity building within the support services team.
• Knowledge Management & Innovation
• Contribute to the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practice approaches in the Office 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 Head of Office and in collaboration with the team, plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of project personnel, clients and stakeholders.

Education Requirements

Required

• PhD OR Master's degree (or equivalent) with 5 years of relevant experience is required OR
• Technical/Professional license with 6 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience

Desired

• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in financial management (e.g. ACCA, CPA, CIMA) is desired.

Required Experience Requirements

• Relevant experience is work in financial management, accounting, administrative support services or related areas.
• Experience in managing projects or programs independently within existing frameworks.
• Experience in supervising a team of support staff and/or junior professional personnel.

Desired

• Experience working in an international organization or a complex multi-country environment.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle).