Programme Officer – Budget and Quality Assurance (NO1)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights of every child. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with the necessary support to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential. UNICEF operates with a mission to defend children's rights and ensure their well-being, particularly in challenging humanitarian and development contexts. In Nigeria, UNICEF is one of the largest country offices globally, working in partnership with the government, civil society, and families to address critical issues affecting children's rights, particularly in the areas of nutrition and health.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer – Budget and Quality Assurance will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's Nutrition and Child Development Section in Abuja. This position involves preparing budgets, proposals, and reports for planned activities, ensuring that funds are utilized in accordance with donor approvals and UNICEF guidelines. The officer will be responsible for managing budgets effectively, ensuring compliance with results-based principles, and developing high-quality financial reports. The role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders to track budgets and expenditures, manage grants, and ensure financial accountability during a critical phase of the nutrition program. The officer will also support the operationalization of a significant USD 250 million nutrition program aimed at improving the nutritional status of children in Nigeria, particularly during the First 1000 Days of Life.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Developing and reviewing proposal budgets and financial projections to align with the Nutrition and Child Development Section’s strategy.
• Tracking and managing the effective utilization of budgets, ensuring compliance with UNICEF guidelines and donor conditionalities.
• Preparing high-quality financial reports and analyses for internal and external communication.
• Managing the development of partnership agreements and recruitment processes.
• Monitoring the completion of key performance indicators for financial and risk management.
• Supporting financial mapping for nutrition grants and ensuring timely fund allocation to outputs and field offices.
• Maintaining user-friendly dashboards on budgets and expenditures to inform program planning.
• Ensuring quality assurance of financial inputs for donor reports and tracking key performance indicators for UNICEF’s Harmonized Approach for Cash Transfers (HACT).
• Providing analytics and summaries for management meetings regarding budgets and finance.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (minimum Bachelor) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related technical field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of one year of relevant professional experience in managing donor-funded projects and financial management. Strong knowledge of financial management principles, excellent analytical skills, and proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and PowerBI are essential. Candidates should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and strong organizational skills. Familiarity with UN rules and procedures is an asset, as is experience in developing country work plans and budgets.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics. A strong academic foundation in financial management and budgeting is essential for the successful execution of the role's responsibilities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant professional work experience in managing donor-funded projects and financial management. Candidates should have demonstrable experience in planning and managing high-value budgets and multi-year grants, as well as familiarity with diverse donor requirements. Experience in the UN or other international development organizations is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a local language is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment and is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring direct contact with children. Candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UNICEF encourages diversity and inclusion in its workforce and particularly invites eligible and suitable female candidates to apply. The role is subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements, including against COVID-1

• UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment if necessary conditions are not met within a reasonable timeframe.