Management Services Officer

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

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ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity, for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

At WFP, people are at the heart of everything we do and the vision of the future WFP workforce is one of diverse, committed, skilled, and high performing teams, selected on merit, operating in a healthy and inclusive work environment, living WFP's values (Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion) and working with partners to save and change the lives of those WFP serves.

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WHY JOIN WFP? 

• WFP is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

• WFP offers a highly inclusive, diverse, and multicultural working environment.

• WFP invests in the personal & professional development of its employees through a range of training, accreditation, coaching, mentorship, and other programs as well as through internal mobility opportunities.

• A career path in WFP provides an exciting opportunity to work across the various country, regional and global offices around the world, and with passionate colleagues who work tirelessly to ensure that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe.

• We offer an attractive compensation package (please refer to the Terms and Conditions section of this vacancy announcement).

JOB TITLE: Management Services Officer (Automotive Product Specialist)

TYPE OF CONTRACT: CST Level I

UNIT/DIVISION: UN Global Fleet Service, MSDU

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Dubai, UAE

DURATION: 11-months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

ABOUT WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetime. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

To support this mission, WFP Fleet Centre (FC) in Dubai is mandated to centrally set the global standards for and manage the light and Armoured vehicle leasing operations to enable effective, safe and efficient fleets in all WFP offices. The vehicle leasing & insurance service is complemented by world-class expertise and technical assistance in fleet management, fleet systems support, disposal, and driver and fleet management training. In addition, having one of the largest humanitarian light vehicle fleets, WFP is also spearheading collaboration efforts within the wider UN System to facilitate UN agency access to more effective and safer vehicles and to realize efficiency gains.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

With the overall responsibility for the Fleet Centre Workshop Operations, i.e., supporting the Fleet Centre Vehicle Preparation Centre, including workshop and Armoured Vehicle (AV) quality assurance and lifecycle management support, Research & Development and technical support to WFP & UN agencies, the incumbent plays a critical role in ensuring Fleet Centre product quality and establishing and maintaining a best-in-class reputation. As a recognized top performer in the UN system, Fleet Centre aims to continually improve and strengthen its position as the Global Centre of Excellence in the provision of fit-for-purpose vehicles and related services.

Under the direct supervision of Management Services Officer (Head of Unit), the incumbent has the below accountabilities:

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Work with FC Workshop team to ensure excellent product delivery. Oversee the performance of Workshop establishing SOPs to ensure quality control mechanisms are in place, are of high standard and updated as needed; ensure availability of adequate facilities keeping in mind staff wellness and occupational health and safety considerations as well as due protection of WFP assets.
2. Set up and maintain procedures for full and accurate records of spare parts/accessories, reception, and quality control are in place in accordance with the policies and procedures.
3. Present professional and reliable knowledge on product range, market trends, prices, vehicles and spare parts supply chain strategies, recommend and implement improvements, identify opportunities, and the latest technology options such as hybrid models, green fuel options and navigations.
4. Evaluate adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency of the Workshop operations on short-to-long term and make recommendations to improve as needed, considering potential for service provision to the broader UN System under the UN reform agenda.
5. Provide leadership and expertise on AV matters related to AV lifecycle management.
6. Liaise with AV suppliers / modifiers, incl. site visits to inspect production facilities and processes, and carry out Quality Assurance (QA) inspections, both during modification process and prior to delivery. Ensure that the QA processes for AVs are continuously improved and compliance monitored.
7. In coordination with HQ procurement, provide leadership on procurement strategy for AVs and related services, incl. for mandatory AV Inspections of armoring integrity and ballistic protection, also in preparation for possible centralization of such Inspections.
8. Lead R&D programme and product testing to ensure the vehicle model range and accessories / equipment are fit-for-purpose, especially for environmentally friendly vehicles.
9. In coordination with the Road Safety manger, continuously improve with road safety and environmental / sustainability aspects in mind; innovate pilot projects (e.g., electric vehicles; off-road buses)
10. Lead market intelligence gathering and supplier liaison for latest innovations and technological advances and analyze their potential application to benefit Fleet Centre product offerings.
11. Ensure qualified resources are in place to provide professional Workshop product support to clients; coach and upskill staff in Workshop matters to build internal capacity.
12. Formulate / provide substantive inputs to guidance documents related to Workshop Operations.
13. Provide recommendations to WFP field offices on technical requirements and work methods in conjunction with the workshop services to ensure the competitive service provides are selected for regular mechanical maintenance and repairs.
14. Other duties including travel, as may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• First University degree in mechanical or automotive engineering or relevant field. Extensive work experience of at least 7 additional years in management position in automotive industry may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in overseeing or managing automotive business or technical operations / workshops / maintenance services of light vehicles.

• Professional experience must include working within a large, multi-national organization/company.

• Proven expertise in auto-technical matters; thorough understanding of the prevalent practices in the automotive industry, including in research & development, vehicle distribution, industry quality assurance systems, aftersales etc.

• Experience in the use of computerized Fleet Management Systems.

Knowledge & Skills:
Desirable:

• Advanced strategic leadership skills with a focus on motivation, training, development, and coaching of diverse teams to achieve results.

• Very good familiarity with vehicle specifications, industry standards and best practices, vehicle sourcing / manufacturing, vehicle / lease / fleet financing, and maintenance.

• Superior customer focus and solutions-oriented approach; resourcefulness to find practical solutions under imperfect conditions.

• Strong planning, implementation. and organizational skills; ability to set and meet KPIs and deadlines, and proven ability to handle a variety of responsibilities with minimal supervision.

• Attention to detail; data analysis skills and quality assurance certification skills.

• Willingness to travel as and if requested/required.

• Industry network; work experience including of the armoring industry.

• Experience in the production or up-armoring of civilian passenger vehicles, quality assurance, or maintenance of Armoured vehicles (AV); AV basic industry knowledge

Languages:

• Verbal and written fluency in English (proficiency/level C) is required. Second UN Language (French, Arabic or Spanish is desirable).

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK

WFP Leadership Framework guides to the common standards of behavior that guide HOW we work together to accomplish our mission.

Click here to access WFP Leadership Framework

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

WFP is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please contact: 

NO FEE DISCLAIMER

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

REMINDERS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

• All applications must be submitted exclusively through our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs or spontaneous applications by email.

• If you experience challenges while submitting your online application, please contact us at for technical support only.

• Please note that applications sent to this email address cannot be considered.

• We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete, and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, language skills and UN Grade (if applicable).

• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application.

• Kindly note the only documents you will need to submit at this time are your CV and Cover Letter

• Additional documents such as passport, recommendation letters, academic certificates, etc. may potentially be requested at a future time

• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified

All employment decisions are made on the basis of organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment free of sexual exploitation and abuse, all forms of discrimination, any kind of harassment, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. Therefore, all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.