Senior Operations Officer

AI summary

WHO Nigeria is hiring a Senior Operations Officer (P5) based in Abuja on a two-year fixed-term appointment. The role leads operational services including finance, HR, procurement, ICT, security and administration for the country office, and provides strategic advice to the head of office. Candidates should be ready to support both routine operations and emergency response settings.

• P5 fixed-term role based in Abuja, Nigeria
• Two-year contract with possible renewal
• Leads finance, HR, procurement, ICT, security and administration
• Provides strategic advice to the WHO country office head
• Supports operations in both routine and emergency settings

Original source description

Job Title: Senior Operations Officer Location: Abuja Grade: P5 Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): Two (2) years Purpose of the Position The incumbent will provide guidance to the head of the WHO country office in Nigeria and oversee the delivery of efficient, effective and timely operational services for the WHO country office in Nigeria. This includes financial and human resources management, procurement, information and communications technology (ICT), security and general administration, in compliance with organizational policies, regulations and procedures. The role holder proposes methods and adjustments to processes that respond to changes in the operating environment, in particular in emergency settings. Objectives of the Programme Country Management Support Units (CSUs) have been established in the organizational structure to provide support for Managers and staff to fully assume their responsibilities: in the GSM and BMS environments and to ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, rules and regulations on all administrative and financial matters. Description of Duties The incumbent will perform all or part of the following, and other related responsibilities: as required by the needs of the office: Provide authoritative advice to the head of the WHO country office and other staff at the country office, field offices and projects on all aspects of country office operations, interpreting policies, systems and procedures and ensuring compliance. Lead, empower, and manage staff and operations teams in delivering the full range of services in budget and finance, human resources, procurement, information and communication technologies, security and staff safety, and general administration, in compliance with organizational policies, regulations and procedures. Provide appropriate solutions grounded in sound policy compliance and creative responsiveness to business needs. As a key member of the management team, provide strategic advice on the overall direction of the WHO country office. Ensure effective and accurate financial resources management including proper planning and monitoring of income and expenditures; reconciliation and reporting of accounts, budget preparation and management, and optimal award and cash management. Guide in the formulation, negotiation, and consultation of project proposals funded by external agencies; ensuring their adherence to the Organization’s administrative and financial rules and regulations. Advise the head of the country office on and oversee the formulation and implementation of the country office Human Resources (HR) plans, ensuring the timely availability through recruitment and contract management, engagement, retention, performance management, development, career management, gender balance and diversity of a suitable human resource capability. Guide in the planning process with focus on administrative/budgetary related policies and procedures and be responsible for management and implementation of WHO country office workplans, including reporting as required. Lead on the procurement of goods and services required for management of country office and support to technical programs, ensuring best value for money in procurement practices. Ensure the provision of office and staff security and safety services in coordination with designated security officials under UN Common services’ agreements. In emergency settings, plan, recommend and implement systems, norms and procedures, in compliance with existing policies and standard operating procedures, for the administration monitoring, control and evaluation of human, financial and material resources processes within the incident management system. Advise the WHO country office on internal operational and administrative risks to the country office and propose risk mitigation measures. Introduce innovations for improved efficiencies and effectiveness in WHO country office performance in operations, responsive to emergency situations and changes in the operating environment. Coordinate with the Business Operations network to harmonize business processes, workflows, standards, business continuity planning and technical requirements. Represent the WHO country office and participate actively in the UN operations management team and other Inter-Agency coordinating Mechanisms, sharing relevant information with colleagues and ensuring implementation of decisions taken by the heads of the agencies. Recruitment Profile Education: Essential: Advanced University Degree (Master’s) in Finance, Management, Accountancy, Economics, or Business Administration or equivalent areas. Desirable: A University Degree (Bachelor’s) or training or certification in human resources, accounting, finance, monitoring and evaluation. Experience: Essential: A minimum of ten years of work experience: relevant for the position (delivering administrative and managerial services, ensuring compliance with complex rules and procedures in both national and international settings). A minimum of four years of experience: in managing and leading staff / teams. Desirable: Relevant experience: with WHO, United Nations funds and programmes, or equivalent organizations. Experience: delivering operational services in a developing country. Experience: managing operations and large teams in an emergency context. Good knowledge of programme management and end-to-end business processes. Good knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems. Knowledge and Skills: Thorough knowledge of administrative, financial and management principles, procedures, and policies of large international public-sector organizations. Expertise in the principles and practices of administration, programme and project management. High-level managerial and analytical skills. Demonstrated ability to analyse financial data and develop related business strategies and policies, and provide recommendations on key administrative issues. Ability to lead, direct and manage an interdisciplinary team. Ability to represent the organization, build alliances, and negotiate with government, UN agencies and other development partners. Ability to cultivate partnerships and maintain excellent interpersonal working relations. Ability to work with competing priorities under pressure. Information Technology and Other Skills Proficiency in computers and office software packages. Handling of web-based management systems. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Cloud Management Enterprise System such as Workday. WHO Global Competencies: Teamwork Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Communication Producing results Ensuring the effective use of resources Creating an empowering and motivating environment. Languages: Essential: Expert level of English (ability to read, write and speak). Application Closing Date 4th September, 2026, 10:59:00 PM. 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