Management Services Officer (Automotive Product Specialist)

World Food Programme; Dubai; On-site; AED 220,000 - 368,000; Full time

Job summary

An international humanitarian organization is seeking a Management Services Officer (Automotive Product Specialist) in Dubai. The role involves overseeing workshop operations, ensuring high-quality product delivery, and managing automotive lifecycle processes. Ideal candidates will have a university degree in mechanical or automotive engineering, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. This position necessitates strong leadership and expertise in managing automotive operations, including familiarity with computerized fleet management systems.

Benefits

Attractive compensation package

Multicultural working environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive business or technical operations.
• Professional experience within a large multinational organization.
• Proven expertise in auto-technical matters.

Responsibilities

• Oversee workshop performance and ensure quality control mechanisms.
• Present knowledge of product range and market trends.
• Provide leadership on automotive lifecycle management.

Skills

Strategic leadership skills

Coaching and development of teams

Attention to detail

Quality assurance certification skills

Data analysis skills

Education

First university degree in mechanical or automotive engineering or relevant field

Tools

Computerized fleet management systems

Job description

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS

10 January 2026-23:59-GMT04:00 Gulf Standard Time (Dubai)

WFP celebrates and embraces diversity. It is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race colour national origin ethnic or social background genetic information gender gender identity and/or expression sexual orientation religion or belief HIV status or disability.

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.

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

The United Nations World Food Programme, the world's largest humanitarian agency, is 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.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

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. With 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 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 – the incumbent plays a critical role in ensuring Fleet Centre product quality and establishing and maintaining a best‑in‑class reputation.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the FC Workshop team to ensure excellent product delivery. Oversee the performance of Workshop, establishing SOPs to ensure quality control mechanisms are in place and are of high standard and updated as needed.
• Set up and maintain procedures for full and accurate records of spare parts/accessories reception and quality control in accordance with the policies and procedures.
• Present professional and reliable knowledge on product range market trends, prices, vehicles and spare parts supply‑chain strategies; recommend and implement improvements and identify opportunities and the latest technology options such as hybrid models, green fuel options and navigation systems.
• Evaluate adequacy, effectiveness and efficiency of the Workshop operations on short‑to‑long term and make recommendations to improve as needed.
• Provide leadership and expertise on AV matters related to AV lifecycle management.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• In coordination with the Road Safety manager continuously improve with road safety and environmental/sustainability aspects in mind; innovate pilot projects (e.g. electric vehicles, off‑road buses).
• Lead market intelligence gathering and supplier liaison for latest innovations and technological advances and analyze their potential application to benefit Fleet Centre product offerings.
• 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.
• Formulate / provide substantive inputs to guidance documents related to Workshop Operations.
• 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.
• 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 a management position in the 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 prevalent automotive industry practices, including research & development, vehicle distribution, industry quality assurance systems, aftermarket etc. Experience with the use of computerized fleet management systems.

Knowledge & Skills: Desirable: Advanced strategic leadership skills; strong coaching, motivation and development of diverse teams. Very good familiarity with vehicle specifications, industry standards and best practices, vehicle sourcing/​manufacturing, 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. Attention to detail, data analysis skills and quality assurance certification skills. Willingness to travel as requested/required. Industry network; experience in the armoring industry. Experience in production or up‑armoring of civilian passenger vehicles, quality assurance or maintenance of armoured vehicles.

Languages: Verbal and written fluency in English (proficiency/​level C) required. Second UN language (French, Arabic or Spanish) desirable.

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 us.

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.

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 the designated technical support email.
• Applications sent to any other 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 passports, recommendation letters, academic certificates etc. may potentially be requested at a future time.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

ANNUALS EEO AND NON‑DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

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.

NOT TO OVERCOME RELEVANT UN RULES

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.