Recruitment an Operations Specialist for UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a fair chance

Job organizational context

The Regional Office for West and Central Africa has the mandate to oversee and support UNICEF results in the region. As part of the expected WCARO results, simplified and cost effective business processes and reinforced RBM and RBB have been identified as enablers for greater value for Money and a more effective programme implementation. This position will provide a dedicated support in those areas. The position will contribute to the improvement of Financial, Administrative and Budgetary performance through the implementation of strategic shifts in business practices in line with regional and/or organizational initiatives.

How can you make a difference?             

Purpose for the job

Under the General Supervision of the Administrative and Finance Manager, the Operations Specialist (Finance, Budget and Administration) performs technical assistance and oversight functions in support of the improvement of the financial, administrative and budget management in the Regional Office and Country Offices and supports the planning, preparation, administration and oversight of the Integrated Budget submissions for the Regional Office and Country Offices in WCAR.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

1- Provide first line technical assistance to Country Offices in the WCA Region on financial, budgetary and administrative issues. 

Support oversight functions and provide technical assistance to Country Offices in the WCA Region on financial, budgetary and administrative issues:

• Monitor country offices’ performance and make recommendations for improvement as and when required,
• Liaise with DFAM and provide advice and guidance to COs on a variety of financial, budgetary and administrative matters, involving interpretation and application of policy guidelines, budget procedures, financial rules and regulations,
• Collect and analyze PBR submissions from CO’s and RO and make corresponding recommendations for review. Monitor/follow up on implementation of PBR decisions with COs and DFAM. Manage WCAR posts and budget databases & archives,
• Conduct any specific task as instructed by the Supervisor or the Regional Chief of Operations.

2- Support the implementation of regional and/or organizational improvement initiatives in the areas of Finance, Administration and Budget management

Participate in planning and implementing strategic shifts in business practices and organizational improvement initiatives including:

• Result Based Budgeting (RBB) and the related budget applications,
• Business Operations Strategies (BOS),
• Simplification measures and streamlining business processes,
• Options for greater Value for Money,
• Eco efficiency and Inclusiveness.

3-Support capacity building on Finance, administrative and budgetary matters and applications

Provide Staff in the RO and the COs with on-going support and capacity building on VISION finance and Administrative modules, budget applications, Administrative applications, and Structural Authorization processes.

• Identify capacity gaps in Financial, Administrative and Budgetary Management and make recommendations for improvement,
• Support CO’s in resolving VISION related issues, by providing on-going technical guidance on system processes, sharing practical experience and building capacity in CO’s and the Regional Office,
• Provide support to the Common Services Unit serving both the Regional Office and the Senegal Country Office,
• Provide other backup operational and financial management functions as needed.

4-Act as focal point for Budgetary/Financial transactions for the Cape Verde Joint Office

Ensure financial monitoring, reconciliation & recording of the resources allocated to Cape Verde Joint Office by coordinating fund allocation to the JO, collecting and analyzing fund utilization reports and supervising their adequate and timely recording in VISION.

Impact of Results

This position will be key in WCARO support to Offices in implementing Effective, Efficient and simplified risk-informed processes to strengthen Value for Money in support to Programme, as outlined in the ROMP 2018-2021.

More specifically, this position will help improve efficiency and effectiveness of operational support in the areas of Finance, Budget and Administration across the Region. The position will support the Region efforts in achieving the Regional Office Management Plan results in terms of:

• streamlining business processes,
• implementing simplification measures,
• supporting Offices in identifying options for greater Value for Money,
• reinforcing Result Based Budgeting, and
• promoting eco efficiency and inclusive access.

This will directly impact on Programme performance and delivery of results for children.

Job requirements 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

• Education: Advanced university degree in Finance/Accounting, Audit, or any relevant area
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in administrative, finance and budgetary matters.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in French and English is required, both in writing and verbal

For every Child, you demonstrate commitment

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are:

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication [II]
• Drive for Result  [II]
• Working With People [II]

Functional Competencies:

• Analyzing [II]
• Applying Technical Expertise [II]
• Formulating Strategies and Concept [II]
• Leading and Supervising [II]
• Planning and Organizing [III]
• [insert functional competencies]

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies PDF.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks:

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.