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, hope.

The fundamental 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 the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why 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.

How can you make a difference?

The position is situated in the Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) in the Director’s Office under the supervision of Operations Manager. The Office of Emergency Programmes has several objectives: (a) strengthen preparedness and timely, effective, and efficient response to humanitarian crises in varied contexts; (b) strengthen sustained access for principled humanitarian assistance and protection for children affected by humanitarian crises; and (c) strengthen on strategic alliances, partnerships and advocacy for child-focused humanitarian action.

The position will support the EMOPS Director’s Office, and will be accountable for procedural operational work processes, financial transactions, and administrative support services.

Purpose for the job

Under the supervision and guidance of the Operations Manager, the Snr. Programme Associate is responsible for executing a broad variety of budget monitoring and management; programme support functions; procedural rules & regulations; and administrative work processes to help develop, implement, and monitor programme activities, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Management and Monitoring of fund resources.

1. Assist in planning, identification, allocation, monitoring, and day-to-day management of supplementary (OR) funded budgets that are made available to EMOPS or being managed by EMOPS, including Global Thematic Humanitarian Funds.
2. Regular preparation of budget reports, such as project utilization reports against EMOPS Annual Workplan including maintenance of overall budget monitoring tables, project proposals, and other related documents of supplementary funded projects.
3. Contribute to the preparation of budgets for specific thematic projects (such as country support funds).  Prepare summary of budget status and project utilization reports by providing information and preparing monitoring tables. 
4. Liaise with the regional and country offices regarding the use of EMOPS charge codes or using external charge codes for workshops/training/travel and ensuring that offices stay within budget allotments.
5. Liaise with relevant sections/unit within and outside EMOPS, including EMOPS Geneva & Istanbul, DFAM, DHR, PARMO, and PD, in terms of gathering information for donor reports, financial reporting, and other reports as necessary.
6. Perform data gathering, monitoring and analysis of Grants, Fund Reservations/Funds Commitments, Purchase Requisitions, Purchase Orders, SSAs status and other programme budgets.  Generate FLS/VISION reports and prepare tables for review and decision making of supervisor.
7. Maintain status of unfunded supplementary funds and acceptance of donor contributions against respective projects and programme including process allocations and rephasing of OR funds.
8. Establish and maintain internal supplementary budget control systems.  Verify and reconcile official FLS accounting/financial reports generated by DFAM with EMOPS records. 
9. Perform as EMOPS Budget Focal Point for JPOs and OR-funded staff and liaise with DHR regarding funding and entitlements.
10. Performs any other duties as required/assigned by supervisor to ensure smooth functioning of the Unit and the Office.

 Procurement and contracting process.

1. Guides managers in the process of PCA/SSAs in line with the policies and guidance issued by FRG, supply division and DHR.
2. Raise purchase requisitions/create procurement case manager (PCMs) for institutional contracts as per applicable policies, procedures, rules, and regulations and follow up for completion with SD.
3. Facilitates the processing of consultant’s contracts in coordination with Central Service Center (CSC) for further processing and follow up.
4. Maintains up-to-date vendor lists, partners, and consultant rosters.

Invoice processing.

1. Undertake daily maintenance of budget, verify and process payment requests for consultants and vendors in accordance with established guidelines. Budget Focal Point in specific budget areas relating to supplementary funds.  Review, for accuracy and financial control, supplementary-funded related transactions undertaken by EMOPS staff and other Divisions.
2. Uploads electronic files and verifies results to destination system.
3. Responds to client transaction status and other inquiries.

Travel

1. Provides travel assistance to staff members in section for travel arrangements and entitlements based on the organization’s rules and policies using approved budget code and ensure that the organization obtains the best service and price for all travel including liaising with GSSC travel focal points.
2. Briefs/de-briefs staff members on issues relating to related administrative matters such as visas, security clearance, and documentation procedures. 
3. Assists in the preparation of budgets on travel costs and maintain travel plan and budgetary control records.

Events/Logistics

1. Supports capacity development activities and conferences by making the logistical arrangements, through engaging with facilitators, caterers, and hosts.
2. Liaises with budget focal points and section over costs and needs.

Supplies/Equipment

1. Supports management of administrative supplies, and office equipment.
2. Monitors and supervises adequate and appropriate use of supplies. Ensures that services and maintenance of premises are in accordance with organizational standards.
3. Arranges for the purchase and timely procurement of office supplies.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Completion of secondary school diploma education is required and preferable supplemented by first university degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 7 years’ experience in budget monitoring, financial management, and administrative management is required with the secondary school (high school) diploma, or a Bachelors with 4 years; or Masters with 2 years related experience.
• Language Requirements: Fluency and excellent writing skills in in English is critical and required, and at least one other UN Language is an asset.

 

• Skills: 

1. Training and experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint; knowledge of integrated management information systems required.
2. In-depth knowledge of UNICEF organizational structure, administrative policies, and procedures.
3. Organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills and abilities.
4. Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with visitors.
5. High sense of confidentiality, initiative, and good judgment.
6. Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural background.
7. Ability to work in a team environment to achieve common goals and to provide guidance to more junior support staff.

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 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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, 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:

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.

Candidates who have already applied do not need to resubmit applications.  We will review all existing applications as part of the selection process.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.