UNOPS Hiring Director to Lead Operations Across 16 African Countries

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is inviting applications for the position of Director, Multi Country Office in Dakar, Senegal. This senior executive opportunity will lead UNOPS operations, project delivery, strategic partnerships and business development across its West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO), which covers 16 countries in West Africa and the Sahel.

The position is classified at Executive Level, ICS 13, with a D-1 contract level and an ongoing staff appointment. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

About the UNOPS Multi Country Office Director Job

Based in Dakar, the West Africa Multi-Country Office provides project management, infrastructure and procurement services across 16 countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Togo.

Its portfolio covers areas such as health, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, environment, infrastructure, justice, peace and security.

The Director will report to the Regional Director and take responsibility for delivery and operations within the Multi-Country Office. The role also involves representing UNOPS in countries covered by WAMCO and developing relationships with partners and stakeholders. Significant experience working with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) is specifically highlighted as a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Operations

The UNOPS Director will lead the development and implementation of the Multi-Country Office strategy and oversee its portfolio.

Responsibilities include:

Developing strategic priorities for the entire Multi-Country Office.
Leading implementation of the UNOPS strategic plan.
Establishing annual objectives, targets and performance standards.
Overseeing proposals and project agreements.
Monitoring portfolio implementation and results.
Allocating human, financial and administrative resources.
Managing operational and financial risks.
Overseeing health, safety, security and environmental performance.

People Management

The Director will establish a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability across the Multi-Country Office.

The role includes workforce planning, recruitment and development, while promoting teamwork, diversity, inclusion and high standards of professional conduct.

Partnerships and Business Development

The successful candidate will build strategic relationships with governments, UNOPS partners and other stakeholders across the region.

The Director will assess partner needs, identify opportunities for UNOPS services, strengthen strategic alliances and advise the Regional Director on business development opportunities and emerging risks.

Service Delivery and Financial Management

The Director will oversee the timely and cost-effective delivery of the WAMCO portfolio while ensuring projects meet partner expectations, approved budgets and UNOPS standards.

The position carries responsibility for financial decisions, portfolio performance, quality management, reporting and the overall financial sustainability of the Multi-Country Office.

Representation and UN Coordination

The Director will represent UNOPS at relevant inter-agency and external meetings and participate in the UN Country Team (UNCT).

The position will also contribute to UNCT programming, advocacy and cooperation frameworks and support UN coherence and aid effectiveness.

Skills and Competencies

UNOPS is seeking an experienced executive with strong capabilities in:

Organizational leadership
Portfolio management
Innovation management
Risk management
Stakeholder management
Strategic thinking
Strategic partnerships
Strategic alliances

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop sustainable business strategies, lead diverse teams, establish strong external relationships, make sound decisions and adapt effectively to changing environments.

UNOPS Director Job Requirements

Education

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 12 years of relevant experience, or
A Master’s degree or equivalent with 10 years of relevant experience.

Experience

Relevant professional experience must include strategic and managerial leadership in areas such as public affairs, management, business development planning and operations within a large corporate or international organization.

Experience in multicultural environments, UN system organizations in developing countries, and development or humanitarian settings is desirable.

Language Requirements

Fluent English and French are required.

Job Details

Position	Director, Multi Country Office
Organization	UNOPS
Location	Dakar, Senegal
Job Level	Executive Level
ICS Level	ICS 13
Contract Level	IP D-1
Contract Type	Staff – IP – FTA
Duration	Ongoing
Deadline	31 August 2026

The position was posted on 7 August 2026 and closes on 31 August 2026.

Additional Information

UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes and states that it does not charge applicants any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applications submitted after the closing deadline will not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stage, which may include assessments.

UNOPS also conducts background checks on potential personnel, with recruitment subject to the results of these checks.

How to Apply for the UNOPS Director Job 2026

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the official UNOPS careers portal.

Apply for the UNOPS Director, Multi Country Office position

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

This opportunity is particularly suited to senior professionals with extensive experience in international operations, strategic leadership, portfolio management, business development, partnerships and development or humanitarian programmes.

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