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:
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
The UNDP South Africa Country Office will implement its Country Program for the period 2026–2030 through two complementary program portfolios, designed as the main pathways for transformative change. The first portfolio focuses on inclusive economy and governance transformation, integrating wealth creation, economic transformation and economic governance as mutually reinforcing drivers of inclusive development, with economic governance positioned as a core enabling function across the portfolio.
The second portfolio focuses on climate action, natural wealth and resilience, leveraging South Africa’s biodiversity, minerals and energy assets to advance sustainable growth through climate finance, nature‑based solutions, ecological infrastructure and just‑transition measures.
The program architecture applies a systems approach to ensure strategic coherence, adaptive management and the mobilization of blended finance across interconnected interventions. Implementation across both portfolios relies on partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, digital solutions and adaptive management, placing strong demands on a modern, efficient and business‑oriented operations platform.
Operation unit is therefore expected to function as a high‑performing service and business unit, informed by robust operational intelligence and analystics, capable of identifying effeciencies and opportunities, delivering quality services at scale, enabling common and shared services, supporting inter‑agency collaboration, and contributing to the financial sustainability and resilience of the Country Office over the CPD period.
Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative (RR) and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), the Operations Manager leads and manages the Country Office operations platform to ensure efficient service delivery, financial sustainability and client satisfaction. The role is responsible for operational performance, service quality, cost management, revenue generation and people leadership, ensuring that operations function as a net‑positive, business‑minded unit. The Operations Manager provides business intelligence, analytics and operational insights to senior management and Programme team, to support evidence‑based decision‑making, without assuming programme delivery, CPD ownership or compliance governance responsibilities. The Operations Manager further represents the Country Office in the UN inter agency bodies leading the service offer and business development across the UN system and with external partners.
Ensure full compliance of operations with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and Internal Control Framework (ICF);
Provide data‑driven operational advice and insights to senior management;
Develop and use business intelligence, dashboards and analytics to identify trends, bottlenecks and efficiency gains;
Analyze cost structures, service utilization and turnaround times;
Apply digital solutions, automation and AI‑enabled tools to enhance decision support;
Identify operational and business opportunities to optimize service delivery.
Lead procurement services ensuring efficiency and value for money;
Apply procurement analytics and supplier performance data;
Oversee lifecycle‑based asset planning, utilization and disposal;
Guide procurement unit in providing procurement solutions aligned with clients’ needs.
Manage finance as a business enabler supporting sustainability;
Ensure strong cost control, forecasting and budget discipline;
Drive net‑positive performance, cost recovery and reserve building;
Use financial modelling to inform pricing and service offers;
Conduct financial oversight and compliance over the Finance unit, ensuring financial data integrity for UNDP and external clients.
Ensure ERP functionality is used for improved business results and improved client services;
- Identify opportunities and ways of converting business processes into web-based systems to address the issues of efficiency and full accountability;
- Maintain a secure, reliable infrastructure environment for ICT and adequate planning for disasters and recoveries. Update the ICT Disaster Recovery Plan on a regular basis;
- Identify and promote different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge sharing, information provision and learning including e-registry and web-based office management system, etc.
Ensure CO compliance with corporate human resources policies and strategies;
Advise on optimal staffing of the office and projects;
Lead, manage and develop operations staff;
Use HR analytics to improve workforce productivity;
Strengthen team connectivity and end‑to‑end service delivery;
Promote accountability, teamwork, client orientation, learning and innovation.
Oversee facilities, logistics, travel and administrative services;
Improve efficiency through process optimization and digitalization;
Ensure business continuity and operational readiness.
Ensure ERP functionality is used for improved business results and improved client services;
- Identify opportunities and ways of converting business processes into web-based systems to address the issues of efficiency and full accountability;
- Maintain a secure, reliable infrastructure environment for ICT and adequate planning for disasters and recoveries. Update the ICT Disaster Recovery Plan regularly;
- Identify and promote different systems and applications for optimal content management, knowledge sharing, information provision and learning including e-registry and web-based office management system, etc.
Develop and manage common and shared services;
Position the CO as a service provider for UN agencies and partners;
Design costing models, service standards and performance monitoring;
Support revenue generation and sustainability.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Systems Thinking
Strategic Thinking
Resource Management
Portfolio Management
Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
Risk Management
Procurement Management
Accounting (General)
- Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Finance, Management, Economics or a related field is required. or;
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and/or managing institutional operational systems;
Solid experience in leading/supervising diverse teams and managing cross-functional operational units including Finance, Procurement, administration, and Human Resources teams is required;
Experience and proven knowledge of accrual accounting, IPSAS or IFRS is required;
- Proven ability to design and implement operational systems, including SOPs, process improvement initiatives, internal control mechanisms and client-oriented service delivery systems is highly desired;
- Demonstrated experience in applying digital tools, analytics and automation to improve service delivery and performance is highly desired;
Experience in developing and generating business intelligence, carrying out data analytics to inform senior-level decision making and performance improvement;
- Track record of managing operations in complex institutional environments, including coordination with internal and external stakeholders;
Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
Fluency in English required;
Fluency in the national language of the duty station is required for local staff (i.e. Zulu, Xhosa etc.).
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.
For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
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.
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.