Mission and objectives

UNICEF’s mission is to work towards the well-being and rights of every child, regardless of their background or circumstances. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that every child has access to healthcare, education, protection from harm, and the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. UNICEF aims to address the root causes of inequality and exclusion that affect children, focusing on promoting equity, social justice, and sustainable development. Its objectives encompass child survival and health, quality education, child protection, advocacy for policy change, gender equality, emergency response, and collaboration with partners to create a world where every child’s rights are upheld and respected. The fundamental and primary mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in child survival, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. Therefore, the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Context

Oman’s GDP per capita stood at US $17,227.7 at the end of 2018, placing the country in the high-income category. Oman ranks 48 on the Human Development Index, indicating very high human development. The country’s economy is highly dependent on oil and gas, which contributed 78.2 per cent of Government revenue in 2018. The government translated gains from oil revenues to an impressive social welfare system and ensured universal coverage of health and education services. These achievements have been well documented and recognized globally. Founded on a solid collaboration with the Government, UNICEF has contributed towards numerous achievements on children and women in Oman since 1971. Given the high-income status of Oman, the operational modality of UNICEF is a unique experience. The programme is of an upstream nature focused on providing support to the government in the areas of strategic policy development, institutional capacity building as well as development of state of the art models aimed at children’s development. The Government of Oman – UNICEF Country Programme is centred around two priority outcome areas: 1) Enhancing Children’s Potential: Children of all ages have more equitable access to quality services in protection, education and health, and enhanced opportunities to realize their full potential; 2) Making Data Work for Children: Data disaggregated by age, sex, disability, governorate and income are used effectively in planning, monitoring, policy and practice related to children and the Sustainable Development Goals. UNICEF Oman Country Office (OCO) is made up of a small dynamic team whereby the Operations Associate (National UN Volunteer) would be an integral part of the Operations team, assisting with specific tasks in the areas of Human Resources and Finance to support the smooth implementation of the country programme. National UN Specialist Volunteers in Oman are entitled to: • Volunteer living allowance USD 2,869.24 • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; • Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNICEF OCO Operations Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN volunteer will be accountable for delivering effective and efficient services and support in the areas of Finance and Human Resources in particular. The Operations Associate will report to OCO Operations Officer. Key Tasks: FINANCE Support to OCO: • Consolidate office expenditures as part of monthly preparation of office cash forecast, keep monitor of spending rate. • Financial processing of program and operational payments, including review of documents, raising invoice process request to GSSC service gateway. • Prepare MDM requests for new vendors, make sure all information and requested documents are attached to the request. • Proactively track upcoming payments for consultants through the tracking spreadsheet • Issue payment advice and share with concerned beneficiaries. Follow up with GSSC for any delays. • Maintain financial filling system to all office related invoices and other supporting documents as per UNICEF financial policies and audit guidelines. • Monitor bank balances to ensure sufficient funds are available and external transfers are deposited. • Support RO with bank reconciliation preparation. • Raise Fund Commitments “ FC” for different organization spending needs. Replenish FCs with funds upon request and when needed. • Prepare reports for VAT reimbursement on quarterly basis, follow up with Tax dept for reimbursed amounts. • Support the Head of Operations in completing the with closing year-end account and activities • Support in orientation session provided to new employees on financial matters. • Liaise with local banks to facilitate financial transactions. • Assist on all aspects related to preparation of reports, compilation of data and answering queries on pledges recorded, funds received, adjustments made to ensure financial compliance. • Performs other financial processing duties, as required. Human Resources Support to OCO: • Support in recruitment and placement through preparing and circulating internal and external advertisements, liaising with candidates in the various stages of the recruitment process, initiating and following up on reference checks and academic verifications and ensuring the completion of other background checks. • Monitors life cycle of recruitment process to update supervisor as necessary, including on-boarding • Initiates the processing of a wide range of personnel actions in accordance with UNICEF rules and regulations, by ensuring all relevant forms and actions are completed by staff and forwarded to the GSSC. • Maintains and prepares all personnel-related records and files, ensuring all information on each staff member is up-to-date and accurate. • Advises and assists international staff, experts and consultants on all aspects of allowances, salary advances, travel claims and other financial matters, and calculates and authorizes payments due for claims and services • Proactively seek inputs to the Annual Leave Plan on a quarterly basis • Supports with the timely advertisement and recruitment of interns as required and with on-boarding • Support in learning & capacity development as requested by the Learning and Development Committee • Performs other HR related duties, as required. OCO support to Yemen CO: • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor that might be relevant to Salalah hub. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement,

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements