UNOPS: Business Analyst At UNOPS

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

UNOPS has operated as a self-financing entity within the UN system since 1994. Throughout this time, UNOPS has successfully delivered services to other UN entities as well as a variety of partners. UNOPS has, over the years, undertaken the delivery of increasingly complex engagements such as project implementation services for large physical infrastructure projects, multifaceted public health projects, and highly complex procurement assignments.

Recent years have seen a transformational shift within UNOPS in all areas. Together with the steadily increasing size of UNOPS portfolio, UNOPS leadership structures, management practices, oversight mechanisms, as well as UNOPS ability to collaborate and manage knowledge have all made giant strides forward.

Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
Business Transformation and Digitalization Programme (BTD)
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is embarking on a digital transformation journey to enhance its operational efficiency, effectiveness, and agility. The Digital Transformation Program aims to overhaul processes, systems, and capacity of personnel so the organization can leverage innovative digital technologies and solutions. To support the BTD Program Director with the implementation of this ambitious program, UNOPS is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Business Analyst.
A programme team is being established to provide business driven leadership for and support to UNOPS digital/business transformation. This requires a deep understanding of the organisation, it’s tools and processes, both at the strategic as well as the operational levels; as well as a consultative and facilitative approach, to process re-engineering, development of digital systems and reporting.
The Business Transformation and Digitalization Programme is expected to last four (4) years.

Role of the Digital Transformation Business Analyst
The Digital Transformation Business Analyst will be responsible for supporting the program’s objectives by providing analytical expertise and driving process improvements across various business functions.
The Digital Transformation Business Analyst reports to the Business Process Re-design Advisor, who provides broad supervision and guidance.

This recruitment aims to fill an ongoing, full-time position based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Depending on actual needs, BTD Programme may decide to recruit endorsed qualified professionals for contracts with different working arrangements (short/long term, part/full-time, retainer, regular or ongoing positions).

Functional Responsibilities

1. Process Analysis and Improvement:

Conduct in-depth analysis of existing business processes across different functions, including procurement, HR, finance, project management, and partnerships.
Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for optimization within the processes.
Propose and support the implementation of process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Collaborate closely with the Business Process Re-design Advisor and Business Process and Change Manager to design and execute process improvement initiatives.
Assist in the coordination and monitoring of transformation projects.
Provide regular updates on progress and challenges related to process improvement efforts.

2. Data Collection and Analysis:

Collect, clean, and preprocess large volumes of data to ensure data quality and integrity.
Analyze and interpret complex datasets, uncovering patterns, trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement.
Derive meaningful insights to assist in decision-making processes by identifying correlations and relationships in the data
Present analysis findings in a clear and concise manner to support decision-making.

3. Drafting Business Requirements for Digital Systems:

Collaborate with stakeholders to understand their functional requirements for digital systems.
Translate business needs into detailed and well-defined business requirements documents.
Liaise with IT teams and vendors to ensure business requirements are accurately communicated and aligned with technical specifications.

3. Change Management and Stakeholder Engagement:

Support change management initiatives to ensure successful adoption of process improvements across the organization.
Engage and collaborate with stakeholders at various levels to obtain feedback on proposed changes.
Assist in developing communication materials to promote understanding and acceptance of transformation initiatives, and training materials to drive adoption of digital transformation initiatives.
Advocate for new processes and systems adoption by offices and support implementation.
Liaise with the change management and communication team to ensure that the appropriate messaging (content, format and frequency) is sent out to the right audiences to support smooth roll out of projects and change initiatives. E.g., Newsletters, online articles, broadcasts, webinars, among others

4. Documentation and Reporting:

Prepare comprehensive documentation of process analysis, improvement recommendations, and outcomes.
Maintain accurate records of project activities, decisions, and progress.
Contribute to the preparation of progress reports and presentations for program stakeholders.
Track, monitor and report on the implementation of digital transformation initiatives to ensure that they progress according to plan, and escalate any risks and issues in a timely manner.
Undertake benefits realization analysis for implemented initiatives to assess the impact on the change in relation to the intended outcomes or KPIs.
Maintain a set of best practice for all processes where the Digital Transformation Program is involved.

5. Knowledge Management:

Stay updated with the latest advancements in the field of data analysis and process improvement, and recommend innovative approaches to drive data-driven decision-making.
Document methodologies, approaches and data sources.
Identify and record lessons learned
Participate in knowledge-sharing sessions to disseminate best practices and lessons learned

Impact of Results
The effective and successful performance by the Digital Transformation Business Analyst would lead to the following impacts:

Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The successful implementation of optimized processes would lead to improved efficiency and productivity across the organization. This would result in cost savings, reduced manual workloads, and faster project delivery, ultimately increasing operational effectiveness.
Improved Service Delivery: By optimizing its processes, UNOPS would be able to enhance its service offerings to its partners and stakeholders. The Business Analyst’s efforts would lead to enabling UNOPS to provide high-quality services and meet evolving stakeholder expectations.
Increased Organizational Performance: The successful adoption of optimized processes would enable UNOPS to achieve higher levels of organizational performance. By automating manual processes, reducing errors, and optimizing resource allocation, the Business Analyst would contribute to improved project outcomes, better financial management, and increased client satisfaction, positioning UNOPS as a leading global project services organization.
Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: The Business Analyst’s focus on process optimization in relation to the digital transformation would foster a culture of collaboration and effective communication within UNOPS. Through the dissemination of best practices in process redesign and optimization, the Business Analyst would facilitate seamless information sharing, cross-functional collaboration, and knowledge management, promoting innovation, synergy, and teamwork among personel.
Strategic Alignment and Future Readiness: The Business Analyst’s successful fulfillment of objectives would align UNOPS with emerging trends and future demands from partners. By helping develop a robust business transformation strategy and roadmap, the Business Analyst would ensure that UNOPS remains agile, and adaptable, positioning the organization as a leader within the UN system for project services.
Positive External Perception: Achieving the objectives of the Digital Trasnformation Program (including process redesign) would enhance UNOPS’s reputation and image among external stakeholders, including partner organizations, donors, and the wider development community. UNOPS would be recognized as an innovative, technology-driven organization committed to leveraging digital solutions for sustainable development, attracting new partnerships, funding opportunities, and talent.

Overall, the impact of a successful Digital Transformation Business Analyst/ Advisor would be transformative for UNOPS, driving efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation throughout the organization and positioning it for long-term success in the digital era.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

A masters’s degree in business administration, management, engineering, or a related field.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or Business Process Management (BPM) Professional certification or Business Process Reengineering (BPR) certification is highly desirable.

Experience:

A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in management consulting, or related fields (in process analysis, improvement, or business transformation projects) is required.
Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PRINCE2, PMP) is desirable.
Knowledge of business process modeling techniques, process mapping tools, and process improvement methodologies is required.
Familiarity with digital technologies and their application in process optimization and automation is desirable.
Experience working in a multicultural and international environment is required.

Language Requirements:

Full working knowledge of English is essential.
Knowledge of another official UNOPS language (French, Spanish) is an asset.

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.