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 for as long as we are needed. 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 professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
For every child, the right to a future
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, 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. A strong risk management and internal control environment is critical to achieving this mandate and safeguarding UNICEF’s resources and reputation.
UNICEF has adopted the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) as an approach for obtaining assurance that results have been achieved in line with resource utilization. It aims at managing risk related to cash transfers made to implementing partners in support of programme implementation, reducing partner transaction costs and allowing progressive use of national systems for management and accountability of results and resources. The Risk Management Unit in LACRO also covers broader risk and compliance functions, including Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Implementing Partnership Management (IPM).
How can you make a difference?
The Specific Job Profile for a Senior Operations Associate (Risk Management), at the GS-7 level, is to be used in the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO), based in Panama City, Panama. The post reports to the Regional Risk Manager at the P4 level and is part of the Operations structure, working in close collaboration with the Regional Office operational and non-operational units (Programme Planning, Partnership (public & private) Advocacy/Communication, Emergency, ICT/T4D, Finance, Supply, HR) and Country Offices in the region.
The role has a dual purpose. First, it provides direct technical, analytical and operational support to regional office risk and compliance activities across Risk & Compliance, HACT, IPM, ESS and PSEA. Second, it supports LACR Country Offices by providing guidance, quality assurance and consolidation of risk, assurance and fraud-risk information. The post supports the Manager in the review and analysis of Country Office fraud-risk assessments, fraud-risk registers and related mitigation plans. The incumbent helps ensure that regional office processes and regional oversight of Country Offices are risk-informed and compliant with UNICEF policies and procedures, and that management has timely, reliable information to take corrective and preventive action.
At the GS-7 level, the below tasks are expected to be carried out with a high level of independence:
1. Risk management and internal control support Support the annual Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) / risk and control self-assessment process, including consolidation of inputs, updating of the regional and Country Office risk registers, and documentation of mitigation measures and owners. Track implementation of agreed risk mitigation actions at regional and Country Office level, support mid-year and year-end reviews and flag delays or emerging risks to the supervisor and management. Support coordination and documentation of peer reviews, monitoring and spot checks related to internal controls, including those involving Country Offices, and contribute inputs and evidence for the Statement of Internal Control (SIC) and related internal control documentation.
2. HACT and Implementing Partnership Management (IPM) Support planning, implementation and monitoring of the regional HACT assurance plan (micro-assessments, spot checks, programme monitoring and audits) in line with HACT policy and procedures and support the IPM officer in the provision of technical guidance to Country Offices on HACT and IPM implementation as required. Support in the quality review and monitoring of HACT and IPM data for Regional Office and from Country Offices (eTools, eZHACT, Insight, VISION, UNPP), ensuring accurate recording of partner risk ratings, DCT management, HACT assurance activities and follow-up actions across the region. Provide operational and administrative support for HACT-related external service providers (e.g. micro-assessment and audit firms) through scheduling, briefings and documentation to enable effective and efficient completion of assignments.
3. ESS and PSEA integration in programmes and partnerships Support the Risk and Compliance Manager and designated ESS/PSEA programme focal points in monitoring and documenting that ESS and PSEA–related risk management activities are carried out as planned. This includes maintaining up-to-date regional trackers on ESS and PSEA compliance requirements for implementing partners (e.g. PSEA clauses, codes of conduct, reporting mechanisms, staff orientation) and following up with relevant programme staff and Country Office focal points on any missing or overdue information, as assigned.
4. Compliance, fraud-risk and audit support Assist the Risk and Compliance Manager in carrying out risk-based compliance checks on selected regional programme and operations transactions (e.g. partner documents, procurement, travel, cash transfers), recording results and sharing them with responsible managers for follow-up as instructed. Help keep SOPs, checklists and process maps up to date to reflect internal control requirements, audit recommendations and good practices from Country Offices. Maintain registers and trackers for internal and external audit recommendations and related evidence and support the consolidation of documentation in response to OIAI and other audit or review requests, particularly for HACT/IPM, ESS and PSEA. Under the guidance of the Regional Risk Manager, compile and organize Country Office fraud-risk assessment information (fraud-risk registers, mitigation plans and reported cases) and prepare summary tables or dashboards, as well as trackers on implementation of the global anti-fraud strategy (mitigation actions, staff/partner trainings and lessons learned).
5. Data, analysis, reporting and knowledge management Support the “Risk Manager in the extraction, compilation and validation of data from UNICEF systems (VISION, Insight, eTools, eZHACT, UNPP, ERM and learning platforms) and from Country Offices to produce concise regional risk, assurance, partnership, fraud-risk and compliance dashboards and analytical summaries. Maintain a structured electronic repository for risk management, HACT/IPM, ESS and PSEA (assessments, assurance reports, SOPs, minutes, training materials, guidance notes) and use digital and AI-enabled tools to improve accuracy, visualization and timeliness of information. Prepare or support inputs on risk, fraud-risk and compliance for key governance bodies (the Regional Risk Management Committee, the ROMT, PMT, RMT), Regional OMT, donor, HQ and regional reports, ensuring that Country Offices and regional information is accurately reflected.
6. Capacity building, communication and coordination Support implementation of the regional risk and compliance learning plan, including Risk Management, ESS, PSEA, HACT/IPM and fraud-risk related training, refreshers and inductions for regional and Country Office staff and, where relevant, partners. Provide first-line support to regional staff and Country Office focal points on procedures, tools and templates related to HACT, IPM, ESS, PSEA and risk management, escalating complex issues to the supervisor. Support the Risk Manager in the secretariat role for relevant regional risk governance groups (e.g. Risk Management Committee, HACT/Partnership Committee, PSEA Task Team. Contribute to knowledge exchange with other regions and Country Offices on risk, HACT, ESS, PSEA and fraud-risk practices and lessons learned. Maintain LACRO’s Risk Management SharePoint site updated with relevant resources and information to foster effective knowledge management for the region.
7. Administrative and operational support to the Risk Management Unit Coordinate meetings, missions and events for the Risk Management Unit, including logistics, travel arrangements and basic procurement in collaboration with Operations and Admin. Support onboarding of new staff, consultants and interns assigned to risk, HACT/IPM, ESS and PSEA functions, including orientation on tools, SOPs and key guidance. Perform other related duties as required to ensure smooth functioning of the Risk Management Unit.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
Education:
A university degree in one of the following fields is required Accounting, Finance, Project Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Development studies, Risk Management or a related field. Professional certification in the above-mentioned areas will be considered as an asset.
Experience:
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in programme and/or operations support is required. Experience in at least three of the following areas is required: risk management, internal controls, audit, HACT/implementing partnership management, compliance, financial management or programme assurance. Experience in capacity development, including organizing or delivering training and/or mentoring on risk, HACT or related areas, is an asset. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or international organization is an asset.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in Spanish and English is required.
Capabilities Required:
Project Management (3)
•Use project management tools to organize and track tasks within a project
•Schedule and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
•Provide project updates and report issues
Collaboration (3)
•Use tact and discretion in sensitive situations
•Communicate thoughtfully and diplomatically considering how words may be perceived by others
•Write clearly and concisely in emails and reports, outlining brief summaries and suggested actions
•Communicate key points and recommendations verbally in a clear and direct manner
•Organize, visualize and present data, tailoring visuals to highlight key insights
Problem Solving (3)
•Compare different sets of information to identify correlations and differences
•Analyze information to identify the root cause of problems and possible risks
•Identify key data and patterns in reports and summaries
•Organize, visualize and present conclusions in a structured and logical way
•Consider and suggest possible solutions to resolve problems independently
•Consider available information when making decisions
Digital Dexterity (3)
•Use AI tools and digital platforms to collect information
•Assess AI generated tasks for accuracy and effectiveness
•Use key organizational business systems and digital platforms
•Manage and organize digital documents and files in alignment with digital workforce policies and culture
•Safeguard documents ensuring confidentiality and manage data risks
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…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
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:
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.
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce.
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.
Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
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.
