Operations - Senior Associate, Herat, Afghanistan

## Operations - Senior Associate, Herat, Afghanistan - Organization:UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services - Office:UNOPS in Herat, Afghanistan Position Title:Operations - Senior Associate Job Category:Operations Duty Station(s):Herat Seniority Level:Associate Contract Type:ICA - LICA - Support - Regular Contract Level:LICA 7 Posting Start Date:18-Aug-2026 Posting End Date:01-Sep-2026 This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to critical infrastructure development and humanitarian response in Afghanistan, directly impacting communities affected by natural disasters. The Operations Senior Associate will play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient administrative, logistics, and vehicle management, supporting the \"building back better\" philosophy and revitalizing livelihoods through the \"Cash for Work\" modality. The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region. About the Project Office Since 1995, UNOPS has maintained an active presence in Afghanistan, delivering efficient, agile services in support of both humanitarian response and development efforts. Prior to August 2021, the Afghanistan Country Office (AFCO) implemented projects across a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure, procurement, capacity building, and environmental protection. In response to evolving humanitarian needs, AFCO has shifted its focus to supporting life-saving initiatives and basic human needs. Current priorities include managing large-scale cash-for-work programmes, procuring emergency supplies, and providing inter-agency coordination, communication, and accountability support. The Infrastructure for Basic Human Needs in Afghanistan (IBN) Project is an initiative aimed at promoting social and economic development at the local level within Herat province, an area significantly affected by a series of earthquakes in October 2023. This project is committed to the construction and rehabilitation of critical community infrastructure, prioritizing aspects such as safety, earthquake resilience, and adherence to the "building back better" philosophy, all while maintaining respect for the local cultural context. Additionally, the project contemplates employing the "Cash for Work" implementation modality as a strategic measure to revitalize livelihoods and stimulate economic activity in the region. Under the guidance and supervision of the IBN Project Management Support Specialist, the Operations Senior Associate coordinates the project's administrative, logistics, and vehicle management operations, ensuring efficient and compliant service delivery in accordance with UNOPS rules, regulations, and policies. He/she promotes a quality and results-oriented approach, ensuring the utilization of office resources in the most cost-effective manner. Functions / Key Results Expected 1. Management Support - Support in recording and keeping up-to-date work plans and in providing guidance to IBN personnel in executing standard office transactions, processes, and work, ensuring full compliance with UNOPS rules, regulations, and policies. - Collaborate in the development of UBN support unit's annual work plan and ensure the activities are monitored and implemented. Proactively identify, mitigate, and resolve any operational deviations or issues with guidance from the supervisor.< - Support in ensuring the accuracy, regular updating, and analysis of the IBN Contracts Management Tracker to prevent contract lapses - Liaise with AFCO support services units on project-related administrative and operational matters, including budgeting, requisitions and requirements, vendor payments, contract management, procurement of goods and services, and inventory management. - Manage financial, administrative, and procurement workflows within the OneUNOPS/Enterprise system - Compile data and research information for planning financial resources/administrative budget for administrative services. - Support in monitoring all critical project operational financial indicators and alert the supervisor in case of deviations. 2. Logistics and Inventory Management Services - Ensure effective and efficient provision of logistics and inventory management (i.e. project assets, equipment, supplies, etc.) for the IBN Project in compliance with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and strategies. - Implement control measures for inventory management, ensuring timely preparation and submission of periodic inventory reports, investigating and reporting on any discrepancies - Prepare and raise requisitions for supplies and participate in the tender evaluation in procuring those materials. - Supervise proper issuance of inventory items and supplies and the disposal of damaged items - Liaise with the HMAC Cost Recovery unit to ensure that office facilities, maintenance, and other support services are effectively provided and maintained to support the IBN Project's day-to-day operations, and promptly raise and follow up on any issues or concerns requiring attention or resolution. - Manage and ensure the proper safekeeping of IBN Project assets and equipment. 3. Vehicle Coordination and Management - Coordinate and optimize the use of project assigned/contracted vehicles and driver schedules to meet IBN operational requirements, ensuring compliance with UNOPS/AFCO safety standards, security protocols, and applicable procedures. - Maintain and regularly update the IBN Vehicle Request Tracker and prepare transportation-related reports and updates, including information from field sites, as required by the supervisor - Oversee the preparation, and administrative execution of vehicle lease agreements; verify and authorize invoices for timely payment - Develop and maintain appropriate tools, trackers, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support the effective management and utilization of project vehicles. - Prepare and regularly update transportation work plans and budget requirements based on IBN operational needs, and coordinate the timely provision, maintenance, and availability of vehicles to support project activities. - Support in the coordination coordination with relevant IBN team members for work planning to ensure that activities are carried out in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and established best practices, and raise any issues requiring management attention. 5. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing - Ensure accuracy, consistency, filing, and record-keeping of all project documents in an efficient manner. - Organize, facilitate, and/or deliver learning initiatives for personnel on operations and administration-related topics. - Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing lessons learned and disseminating best practices in human resources. - Collect feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize them productively. - Contribute to knowledge management and information-sharing activities, ensuring that relevant project exper