Senior Operations Officer

AI summary

WHO Nigeria is hiring a Senior Operations Officer based in Abuja at grade P5 on a two-year fixed-term appointment. The role provides strategic operational leadership across finance, human resources, procurement, ICT, security and administration for the WHO country office, including in emergency settings. The position involves representing WHO in UN coordination mechanisms and advising the head of country office on compliance and operational matters.

• Grade P5 fixed-term appointment for two years based in Abuja
• Covers finance, HR, procurement, ICT, security and administration
• Includes emergency settings operational responsibilities
• Requires strategic advisory role to head of WHO country office
• Involves UN inter-agency coordination and representation

Original source description

Senior Operations Officer at World Health Organization (WHO) ⏲ Aug 18, 2026, 7:04 AM ⋕ View all NGO & Humanitarian / Nonprofit Organizations jobs World Health Organization (WHO) is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. We are recruiting to fill the position below: 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. The role holder proposes methods and adjustments to processes that respond to changes in the operating environment, in particular in emergency settings. 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. 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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Ensure the provision of office and staff security and safety services in coordination with designated security officials under UN Common services' agreements. 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. 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. Advise the WHO country office on internal operational and administrative risks to the country office and propose risk mitigation measures. Coordinate with the Business Operations network to harmonize business processes, workflows, standards, business continuity planning and technical requirements. Introduce innovations for improved efficiencies and effectiveness in WHO country office performance in operations, responsive to emergency situations and changes in the operating environment. 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. Recruitment Profile Education: Desirable: A University Degree (Bachelor's) or training or certification in human resources, accounting, finance, monitoring and evaluation. Essential: Advanced University Degree (Master's) in Finance, Management, Accountancy, Economics, or Business Administration or equivalent areas. Experience: Essential: A minimum of four years of experience: in managing and leading staff / teams. 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). Desirable: Experience: delivering operational services in a developing country. Experience: managing operations and large teams in an emergency context. Relevant experience: with WHO, United Nations funds and programmes, or equivalent organizations. Good knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems. Good knowledge of programme management and end-to-end business processes. Knowledge and Skills: High-level managerial and analytical skills. Ability to cultivate partnerships and maintain excellent interpersonal working relations. Information Technology and Other Skills Proficiency in computers and office software packages. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Cloud Management Enterprise System such as Workday. Demonstrated ability to analyse financial data and develop related business strategies and policies, and provide recommendations on key administrative issues. Thorough knowledge of administrative, financial and management principles, procedures, and policies of large international public-sector organizations. Ability to represent the organization, build alliances, and negotiate with government, UN agencies and other development partners. Ability to lead, direct and manage an interdisciplinary team. Handling of web-based management systems. Ability to work with competing priorities under pressure. Expertise in the principles and practices of administration, programme and project management. WHO Global Competencies: Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences Teamwork Communication Ensuring the effective use of resources Creating an empowering and motivating environment. Producing results Languages: Essential: Expert level of English (ability to read, write and speak). How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply online Application Deadline: 4th September, 2026, 10:59:00 PM. View all Jobs in Nigeria Abuja Senior Operations Officer job vacancies in Nigeria