​UNOPS AMMMCO – Operational Hub in Amman is recruiting for this position: Country Manager based in Baghdad, Iraq.

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.

As part of the Multi Country Office set up, a Project Office is responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements and cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievements of UNOPS management results. Project Office also manages the operational risks associated with the Project Office’s portfolio of engagements.

UNOPS has been active in Iraq since 2004, delivering 104 projects worth over USD 360 million. UNOPS has a strong relationship with its key counterparts at both central and regional government levels in Iraq. UNOPS supports its country office in Baghdad and its sub-office in Erbil from its Hub in Amman, where support services are centralized.

UNOPS current portfolio in Iraq currently comprises 16 ongoing projects and amounts to USD 54 million. As the operational arm of the UN, UNOPS implements projects in infrastructure, procurement, and project management, and has focused its intervention in Iraq on contributing to the following sectors:

• Health, across all governorates

• Rehabilitation/Reconstruction of infrastructure, including municipal services (WASH, roads, street lighting, WASH and waste management) and war-damaged shelters, in Anbar and Ninewa governorates

• Sustainable energy solutions, in Anbar and Ninewa governorates

• Protection and humanitarian response, through the management and operationalization of the Iraq Information Center, on behalf of the Humanitarian Country Team, across all Iraq

• Electoral support to UNAMI, across all Iraq, and operational support (HR/procurement) to other UN agencies

As an active member of the UN Country Team, UNOPS contributes to Strategic Priorities of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2020-2024.

In terms of national partners and counterparts, UNOPS has a longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Health and Environment (MoHE), while also strengthening its cooperation with local governorates, primarily in Anbar and Ninewa governorates.

Ongoing UNOPS projects in Iraq are funded by the World Bank, KfW, the US (USAID and Department of State), AICS, Japan, UNHCR, WHO, WFP, UN Habitat and UNFPA.

The Project Office operates as an integral part of the Multi Country Office management structure. The Country Manager reports to the Multi Country Office Director who provides strategic direction, oversight and guidance. He/she will also works in close collaboration with the MCO Head of Support Services and the Head of Programme. The Country Manager role is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring and supervising the delivery of engagements and operations in a given country – that includes 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:

1. People leadership

2. Project Office portfolio management

3. Alliance building, networking and advocacy for business development

4. Service delivery and quality assurance

5. Representation and inter-agency partnership

6. Knowledge management and innovation

• An Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree or higher) preferably in Development studies, Business Administration, International Develpment, Project/Programme Management, Internatinal Relations or related fields combined with seven (7) years of relevant experience OR

• A First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) preferably in Development studies, Business Administration, International Develpment, Project/Programme Management, Internatinal Relations or related fields combined with nine (9) years of relevant experience is required.

• A minimum of seven (7) years (for advanced university degree holders) or nine (9) 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.

• A minimum of three (3) years of leadership experience, including a proven track record managing personnel, is required.

• 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.

• Fluency in written, speaking and reading English language is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic 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.

• Baghdad is classified as a hardship duty station and a non-family duty station.

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. 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.