Job Description
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
<strong>Tier 0</strong>: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
<strong>Tier 1</strong>: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
<strong>Tier 2</strong>: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
<strong>Tier 3 or no tier indicated</strong>: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at UNDP.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain operates within the context of a high-income, net-contributing country, where UNDP engagement is fully funded through government cost-sharing and aligned with national development priorities. Bahrain is implementing an ambitious national reform agenda under Bahrain Vision 2030 and the Government Programme (2023–2026).
UNDP Bahrain’s programme is guided by the Country Programme Document (CPD) 2025–2029, approved by the UNDP Executive Board in January 2025, and is fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029.
The UN House in Bahrain represents the plot of land and 2 buildings allocated by the Government of Bahrain to the United Nations. It is currently hosting 6 resident entities (UNhabitat, RCO, UNIC, WMO, UNFPA, and UNDP). Following the UN Development System reform in 2019 UNDP has been formally requested by the Government of Bahrain to manage the UN House budget and the management and custodianship of the UN House in Bahrain. Following the Optimization Review of 2025, the function of Common Premises Manager was found necessary to lead on several responsibilities scattered among UNDP staff. Common Premises Manager serves as the designated UN House Custodian, responsible for governance, compliance, financial stewardship, renovation oversight, and coordination with Government and UN entities.
Under the guidance and direct supervision of UNDP Resident Representative, the Common Premises Associate will be support in managing all aspects of Common Premises and Common Service to ensure the smooth functioning of the UN House. The includes budget preparation, financial management, security coordination, office space allocation, maintenance and repairs, cleaning and janitorial services, utilities management as well as day to day management of common services to ensure efficient, responsive services to all resident agencies. The incumbent will also ensure proper cost-recovery mechanisms, maintain compliance with UNDP policies on common services, and coordinate with other UN agencies to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
The principal responsibilities of the Common Premises Associate are the following: supporting planning, implementation and managerial oversight of the functional areas ensuring consistent service delivery. The incumbent establishes methods to maximize performance and demonstrates capacity for innovative and effective performance, with a view to standardize the services and follow up on cost recovery policy. Major functions include:
<strong>Effective and efficient support to the management of UN premises and services ensuring all operational strategies focusing on the following results:</strong>
<strong>Ensure effective and efficient provision of administrative support services, focusing on achievement of the following results:</strong>
<strong>Support supply/inventory and assets management of common projects focusing on achievement of the following result:</strong>
<strong>Support effective administrative and financial control of UN House budget, focusing on achievement of the following results:</strong>
<strong>Ensures and support facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the following results:</strong>
<strong>The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.</strong>
The key results have an impact on the efficiency of the unit. Accurate analysis and presentation of Information strengthens the capacity of the office and promotes the image of UN/UNDP as an effective contributor to the development of the country, facilitates subsequent action by a supervisor. The incumbent’s own initiative is decisive in results of work and timely finalization.
The Common Premises Manager works under the overall guidance and supervision of the UNDP Resident Representative and in close daily coordination with the UNDP Operations Manager (Senior Finance & Operations Associate), the RCO, and the UN Operations Management Team, serving as the UN House Custodian and primary focal point for Government counterparts, renovation works, maintenance contractors and UN agencies.
Core Competencies
Achieve Results – Level 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
Think Innovatively – Level 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
Learn Continuously – Level 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
Adapt with Agility – Level 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
Act with Determination – Level 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
Engage and Partner – Level 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion – Level 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies Business Direction and Strategy
System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Negotiation and Influence: Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations.
Business Management
Customer Satisfaction & Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Risk Management: Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks.
Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Administration & Operations
Building, Facilities & Office Space Management: Knowledge and ability to facilitate the renovation and upgrade of offices including review of complex engineering/architectural drawings; negotiate technical agreements to ensure fully operational building infrastructure and services; design policy & procedure (POPP) for premises and facilities including space standards; manage premises and facilities; validate financial statement notes on leasehold data.
Please refer to the competency framework site for the entire list of competencies and further explanations
Required Skills and Experience
Secondary education is required; or
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Business or Public Administration will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Minimum 7 years’ experience (secondary education) or 4 years’ experience (with Bachelor’s degree) in providing administration or programme support services, delivery of services to multi-stakeholders and/or relevant experience at the national or international level.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
Experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Experience in managing and overseeing operational and logistical activities, including facilities management, asset management, and administrative support.
Experience working closely with stakeholders and suppliers to manage the financial and logistical aspects of shared services.
Experience working with multiple and diverse stakeholders.
Experience in managing shared services such as office space, utilities, renovation works, and related.
Prior experience working with UN agencies, international NGOs, or public sector entities.
Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
Bahraini Nationals and non-Bahrainis with valid work and resident permit can apply.
N.A.
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Applicants are invited to <a href="https://www.undp.org/careers/using-ai-responsibly-undp-recruitment-and-selection" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection</a>
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