Support Services Manager

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York.

General Background:

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information - UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster:

For over 20 years, UNOPS Peace and Security Cluster (PSC) has provided portfolio and project management services in the area of mine action and explosive hazards, that are reinforced by comprehensive management and oversight controls.

Under this umbrella, the Cluster is responsible for the implementation of projects that, through the engagement of inputs such as personnel, third parties, assets and other resources, deliver activities that produce substantive mine action outputs.

Project management is conducted in line with UNOPS Project Management Manual (PMM), which incorporates best practices in the field, as well with a view to quality and cross-cutting initiatives such as workforce and talent management; knowledge and information management; health, safety, social and environmental management; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); gender equality and social inclusion (GESI); and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH).

This comprehensive delivery platform is implemented in accordance with partner requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations through the leadership of the Cluster Director, who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of PSC on behalf of its clients.

PSC operates within UNOPS’ broader commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH). Within the mine action context, these commitments are operationalised through the PSC GEDSI Strategy 2026-2029, which sets expectations for inclusive recruitment, workforce representation, and the integration of GESI and PSEAH into programme delivery and implementing partner oversight.

All PSC roles, including this position, are expected to contribute actively to these commitments.

Background Information - UNMAS

Established in 1997, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) works to eliminate the threat of landmines, explosive remnants of war (ERW), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). UNMAS leads operational responses, coordinates mine action across the UN system, and contributes to global standards and policy development.

UNMAS supports the UN's vision of "a world free of the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development, and where mine survivors are fully integrated into their societies."

Operating under mandates from both the UN General Assembly and Security Council, UNMAS functions as a specialized service within the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).

UNMAS operates under UN legislative mandates of both the General Assembly and the Security Council, or at the request of the UN Secretary-General or his designated official. When instructed by the Security Council or called upon by Member States, UNMAS deploys under humanitarian, peace and security mandates.

UNMAS main headquarters is in the UN Secretariat, New York with a sub-office in Geneva.

UNMAS provides direct support and assistance in the areas of explosive hazard threat mitigation to 18 countries/territories/missions, has a standby rapid response capacity and global technical advisors in the field of IEDs and Weapons and Ammunition Management.

As an office within DPO, UNMAS supports peacekeeping and special political missions in accordance with Security Council mandates.

UNMAS chairs the Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA) and leads the Mine Action Area of Responsibility under the Global Protection Cluster. It also chairs the IMAS Review Board and leads the UN Coordinating Task Force on IEDs, supporting the Secretary-General’s Disarmament Agenda.

Background – PSC Sudan

The PSC Sudan Programme, based in Khartoum and team in Port Sudan, works in close coordination with the National Mine Action Authority (NMAA), the UN Country Team and humanitarian partners. The project aims to protect civilians from the threat of explosive ordnance (EO) and strengthen the resilience of conflict-affected communities through a comprehensive, gender-mainstreamed and conflict-sensitive mine action response. It also supports broader humanitarian, early recovery and stabilization efforts by enabling safe access to areas contaminated by EO.

UNMAS Sudan’s key activities include land release operations, including urban EOD activities and building clearance, with the operational focus expected to shift toward the clearance of AT mines, including minimum-metal variants; delivery of both direct and indirect Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), tailored to different gender and age groups; and provision of technical advice to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) actors to help them safely operate in EO-affected environments. The project also leads the coordination of the Mine Action Area of Responsibility (MA AoR) in Sudan, co-chairing the sector under the Global Protection Cluster framework. Through this role, UNMAS ensures that mine action is effectively integrated into humanitarian coordination mechanisms and that EO threats are adequately understood and addressed at all levels.

While the Programme’s current operational footprint is primarily focused on areas under the control of the Sudan Government - especially urban areas in Khartoum and Al Jazirah - UNMAS Sudan aspires to expand its outreach to all EO-affected regions, addressing both legacy contamination and new threats emerging from the ongoing conflict.

The Support Services Manager (SSM) is a critical role in the Sudan Programme, reporting to the Head of Project Unit, who provides general guidance and vision.

The SSM is responsible for providing an efficient and integrated support service for the Programme, dealing on a daily basis with a diverse team of national and international professionals.

Functions / Key Results Expected:

1. Operational leadership, advisory and technical support

2. Project planning and coordination support

3. Procurement & grant management

4. Financial and compliance management

5. Human resource management

6. Administration and Information Technology

7. Knowledge management and innovation

Operational Leadership, advisory and technical support:

• Monitor and supervise teams as well as all aspects of operations (Finance, HR, Procurement, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE), Information Technology (ICT) and Administration) to ensure achievement of results, in compliance UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity.

• Monitor support services to ensure continuously improving client service and satisfaction, including escalating unresolved issues to the appropriate Headquarters Practice Groups

• Under the Head of Project Unit guidance, provide inputs and operational advice on innovative approaches to project financing, including risk assessment and mitigation.

• Collaborate with colleagues to identify the need, determine cost and plan Programme support services, including procurement, finance, human resources and administrative services.

• Assist the Programme Head of Project Unit in setting goals, targets and performance standards for projects, and facilitate the implementation of tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing

• At the request of the Programme Head of Project Unit, participate in UN forum discussions to support UNOPS position, interests and priorities are fully considered, including on DEI, GESI and PSEAH matters where relevant.

• Ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and PSEAH commitments are integrated into Programme strategies, quarterly business reviews, and operational planning, in line with the UNOPS corporate strategies, accountability/action plans and PSC GEDSI Strategy 2026-2029.

• Foster a respectful workplace culture and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Demonstrate visible and accountable leadership on PSEAH, ensuring prevention and response mechanisms are embedded in programme management and implementing partner oversight structures. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.

Project planning and coordination support:

• Provide assistance and support to programme and project budget preparation, revisions and work planning, in close collaboration with the Head of Project Unit, Finance Officer and the Programme Unit

• Provide input into project engagement and acceptance documents including assisting with contract negotiations.

• Assist in setting performance standards for projects and recommend tools for monitoring, evaluation and auditing.

• Monitor project financial projections, escalate critical issues to the Programme Head of Project Unit and/or other stakeholders for action.

• Provide inputs on programme and project cost sharing, deployment of funds and closure.

• Support the Head of Project Unit in monitoring and analyzing the operating environment to identify potential risks and take action/refer critical issues for intervention to ensure delivery of results.

• Closely liaise with the other programme Offices (within the Programme) in order to troubleshoot any issues that might cause interruption in the support services management.

Procurement & Grant Management:

• Manage Sudan Programme procurement and Grant Issuance processes, providing advice to Support Services team members as needed and serving as Chair of procurement processes as assigned to ensure results contribute to programme objectives

• Review contractual arrangements and legal commitments/risks for appropriate action.

• Assist the Support Unit on their review, administration and issuance of contracts, agreements/amendments with institutions and UN agencies.

• Ensure that Programme procurement processes promote equitable access for diverse suppliers, including women-owned and locally-rooted businesses, in line with UNOPS corporate commitments. Ensure that RFPs and procurement documents use inclusive language and that UNOPS DEI, GESI and PSEAH standards are communicated to suppliers and implementing partners.

Financial and compliance management:

• Manage finance activities and ensure compliance with the UNOPS/Financial Rules & Regulations and Finance procedures

• Manage cash, review financial management practices, advise, and help the team to improve its monitoring tools.

• Support the development of GLJEs as needed for financial reconciliation of budget and expenditures

• Act as a focal point for any internal/external audit exercise

Human resource management:

• Support the development and implementation of the recruitment plan of the Programme, ensuring DEI considerations (gender parity, Global South representation etc) are embedded from the outset of each recruitment process and documented in quarterly reporting.

• Manage human resource services/processes including recruitment, salary administration and compensation, performance review, training and development, ensuring compliance with UNOPS human resource rules, regulations, procedures and standards of performance. Ensure that: all vacancy announcements include an equal opportunities statement and use inclusive, gender-neutral language; recruitment panels are diverse; shortlists and selection decisions comply with UNOPS DEI Strategy, Accountability Plan and Standard Measures for Equitable Representation; hiring managers actively seek to create diverse teams in terms of gender, geography, and other dimensions of diversity; and DEI recruitment metrics are tracked and reported to programme leadership on a quarterly basis.

• Support capacity building of the existing Support Unit personnel to effectively and efficiently run recruitments for the programme team, ensuring that capacity building plans include inclusive leadership training and that DEI objectives are embedded in PER/PRAs for all personnel within the Support Unit.

• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and enabling work environment that upholds dignity and respect for all personnel regardless of gender identity, nationality, background, ability, or age. Uphold the highest standards of conduct and take decisive action to address behaviors that undermine inclusion, equity, or psychological safety. Ensure that all personnel are aware of and have equitable access to reporting channels and support mechanisms.

• Manage staff issues within the Programme as required by the project’s demands, including recruitment, training, staff performance review, ensuring that performance review processes are applied equitably across all personnel regardless of gender, nationality, or background, and that barriers to full participation for underrepresented team members are proactively identified and addressed.

Administration and Information Technology (ICT):

• Manage the timely and efficient delivery of all administrative services, (e.g. centralized project admin, premises and asset management, organizational and personnel security, travel and IT).

• Full compliance of operations of the Country with UNOPS rules, regulations and policies, on administrative matters and supervision of the administrative team.

• Maintenance of a secure, reliable infrastructure environment for ICT and adequate planning for disasters and recoveries, supervision of the ICT Associate.

• In close collaboration with HQ and UNOPS Multi Country Office, support the maintenance of a secure and reliable ICT environment, including adequate plans for disaster recovery.

• Manage the acquisition, maintenance, inventory, recording, verification and protection of project and administrative facilities/assets, including IT infrastructure, equipment and servers.

• Identify opportunities for leveraging the use of IT to enhance business operations and efficiency and to facilitate knowledge management, and information sharing.

Knowledge management and innovation:

• Contribute to introducing best practice approaches in the Programme Support Services.

• Share of best practices and lessons learned for corporate development planning and knowledge building including lessons related to PSEAH, DEI, GESI, and personnel wellbeing in hardship duty station contexts.

• At the request of the Head of Project Unit and in collaboration with the team, assist in planning, implementing and organizing strategic capacity building of project personnel, clients and stakeholders.

Required:

• Master’s degree with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with 7 years of relevant experience.

Required:

• Relevant experience is experience in leading and managing personnel and operational systems across at least 2 of the following functions: procurement, finance, logistics/asset management, HR, or related areas.
• Recent 3 years of experience in managing staff and operational systems are required.
• Willingness to work in hardship duty stations and/or travel to post-crisis locations is required

Desired:

• Experience in the UNOPS system preferably in a country/ field office context in the Global South is desirable.
• Experience dealing with UN regulations, rules and policies in the areas of contracting, procurement and human resources is desirable.
• Experience integrating DEI, GESI, and PSEAH/safeguarding standards into human resource management, procurement, or implementing partner oversight is desirable.

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• 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.
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.