Work for the UN : Operations Analyst Position at UNFPA

April 15, 2025

4 minutes read

🌍 UNFPA Hiring: Operations Analyst (NOB, Colombo, Sri Lanka) | Apply by 16 April 2025

Looking for a strategic operations leadership role with the United Nations in South Asia? UNFPA is hiring a National Operations Analyst (NOB) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This national-level position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful development outcomes in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and human rights. Apply by 16 April 2025.

Work for the UN : Operations Analyst Position at UNFPA

Background & Job Description

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN agency dedicated to delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. With the 2022–2025 Strategic Plan in full force, UNFPA is accelerating progress toward its three transformative results:

Ending preventable maternal deaths
Ending the unmet need for family planning
Ending gender-based violence and harmful practices

In Sri Lanka, UNFPA is a critical partner in driving forward national progress on sexual and reproductive health, women’s rights, adolescent empowerment, and gender-responsive development.

About the Role

The Operations Analyst (NOB) plays a crucial role in ensuring effective, efficient, and transparent operations at the UNFPA Country Office in Colombo. This position reports directly to the UNFPA Country Representative and provides operational leadership and oversight across all support functions, including finance, human resources, procurement, ICT, administration, and logistics.

As part of both the Country Management Team (CMT) and the Programme Management Team (PMT), the Operations Analyst will drive strategic planning, problem-solving, and compliance monitoring across UNFPA’s operational landscape in Sri Lanka.

Tasks and Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic national position, you’ll be entrusted with delivering excellence across core operational areas. Your responsibilities will span across strategic oversight, team supervision, and inter-agency coordination:

🛠 Strategic Planning & Operations Support

Collaborate with the Country Representative and programme leads to plan, implement, and monitor operational components of country programmes and projects.
Ensure alignment of operations with corporate policies and local contexts to promote effective results-based management.

💼 Financial and Budget Management

Ensure strategic and efficient use of UNFPA financial resources.
Implement robust internal controls, budget oversight mechanisms, and financial reporting structures.
Monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with UNFPA financial rules and procedures.

📦 Procurement and Vendor Management

Lead the procurement lifecycle, from planning to tendering, contract management, and delivery of goods and services.
Oversee vendor relationships and performance to ensure quality and value-for-money.
Facilitate timely clearances and approvals in compliance with UNFPA and UN regulations.

💻 ICT and Logistics Oversight

Oversee ICT systems to ensure secure and efficient digital operations.
Manage logistics for travel, events, and office infrastructure.
Maintain UNFPA’s asset inventory and support sustainable facilities management.

👥 Human Resources and Team Leadership

Supervise the operations team (including outsourced service providers).
Lead recruitment and onboarding processes in collaboration with HQ.
Ensure staff training, development, and performance management are consistently applied.

🤝 Inter-agency Coordination

Represent UNFPA in inter-agency operational groups (e.g., UN Operations Management Team).
Contribute to UN system-wide initiatives such as common services, premises, security, and emergency preparedness.
Promote harmonized business practices in line with UN reforms.

🔍 Risk Management and Compliance

Identify operational bottlenecks and propose solutions to mitigate risks.
Facilitate assurance activities in line with the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).
Ensure ethical and transparent implementation of UNFPA operations.

Qualifications: Education & Certification

To succeed in this role, UNFPA requires a strong academic background and the ability to manage multi-functional teams and systems in a complex development setting.

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or related fields is required.
Candidates with a first-level degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may also be considered.

Experience & Language Requirements

📈 Professional Experience

A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in operations management, administration, procurement, finance, or human resources.
Experience managing teams and providing management advisory services is essential.
Familiarity with the UN system, international NGOs, or large development agencies is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural teams with high integrity, judgement, and strategic focus.

🌐 Language Requirements

Fluency in English and one local language (Sinhala or Tamil) is required.
Strong written and oral communication skills are critical.

Skills & Competencies

UNFPA seeks candidates who embody its core values and bring practical expertise in operations leadership.

✅ Core Values

Integrity
Commitment to UNFPA mandate
Cultural sensitivity
Openness to change

🔑 Core Competencies

Results-based management
Accountability and transparency
Professional and technical expertise
Strategic and analytical thinking
Teamwork and collaboration
Effective communication

⚙ Functional Competencies

Financial resource management
Procurement and contract management
Facilities and asset management
Recruitment and talent acquisition
ICT systems implementation

👤 Managerial Competencies

Strategic focus and vision
Stakeholder engagement
Leadership and people development
Sound judgment and decision-making

Additional Information: Why Join UNFPA?

Joining UNFPA means becoming part of a globally recognized organization committed to gender equality, reproductive rights, and youth empowerment. You’ll work in a supportive, diverse environment where your talents are recognized and your growth is nurtured.

Diversity and Inclusion

UNFPA embraces diversity across race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and other dimensions. Women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from marginalized communities (including LGBTQIA+ and indigenous groups) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Safe and Ethical Work Environment

UNFPA is committed to zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
Staff are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards in accordance with the UN Code of Conduct.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their application through the official UNFPA Careers Portal. Click the link below to view the full job posting and begin the application process:

👉 Apply Now – UNFPA Operations Analyst (NOB) – Colombo, Sri Lanka

Deadline to apply: 16 April 2025 at 5:00 PM (New York time)

Final Thoughts

If you’re a Sri Lankan national looking to elevate your career in international development with a focus on operational excellence, this role offers an exceptional platform. You’ll be at the core of UNFPA’s work in Sri Lanka—driving the systems that support life-changing programmes for women, youth, and vulnerable communities.

This is more than a job. It’s your chance to lead with impact.

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