UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, … a champion

Programme Group currently ranks as the 49th top business area that transferred the most cash to Implementing Partners in the current year globally. A steady increase in cash transfers has been noted throughout the years. The Operations Officer will be responsible for overall IP management including timely roll out of various initiatives in IP management including ePD, PSEA and ezHACT. The position is also an integral part of the Programmes and is also Secretary to the Partnership Review Committee (PRC). The operations officer will work closely with the Chief Strategic Operations on operational matters including table of authority, quality assurance & risk management activities, office space optimization, capacity building.

How can you make a difference?

We are seeking a dynamic Officer to provide both technical and administrative support, ensuring the high-quality and efficient management of implementing partnerships for successful program delivery. This role involves aligning with operational policies and integrating risk-based partnership management practices at the HQ level. Reporting to the Chief of Strategic Operations P5, you will collaborate with various programme sections, operations teams, CSOs, and external service providers. Additionally, you will work closely with the HQ DAPM to ensure the timely rollout of global initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping and supporting impactful programs.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have to… 

• The role involves providing comprehensive support for managing partnerships with government and civil society organizations, ensuring adherence to relevant policies and guidelines such as the CSO Procedure and HACT. Key responsibilities include offering technical and administrative assistance in the application of HACT, coordinating the preparation and execution of assessments, and ensuring that partners are properly registered and updated on UNPP. The role also includes establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for partnership management and liaising with various stakeholders to ensure compliance and effectiveness in partnership engagements.
• Additionally, the role encompasses strategic operational support, risk management, and quality assurance. This involves monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), managing office space, and addressing segregation of duties issues. Risk management includes maintaining a risk library, updating business continuity plans, and ensuring quality assurance in implementing partner assessments and financial activities. Analysis and reporting responsibilities involve monitoring cash transfers and internal processes, using corporate tools to identify high-risk areas, and preparing management reports. Finally, the role focuses on capacity building, both for PG staff and implementing partners, by designing initiatives to enhance understanding and compliance with HACT and CSO procedures, and sharing best practices and lessons learned.

The following minimum requirements:

A university degree in International Development, Programme/Project Management, Business Administration, Financial Management, Economics, Accounting, Auditing, or a related field is required.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas programme development/management, financial planning and management, audit, internal controls, accounting or another related area. Additional 3 years of experience in Implementing partnership management is highly desirable.

Desirables/Assets:

• Experience in the usage of MS Office software and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database solutions.
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems and ERP financial, preferably SAP is an asset.
• Experience of IPSAS and/or IFRS is an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.