Operations Associate

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive without discrimination. UNICEF employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for personal and professional development, fostering a culture that supports staff growth and well-being. The organization is dedicated to addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged children and families, particularly in crisis situations, and works collaboratively with local authorities and partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Operations Associate position at UNICEF involves supporting the implementation of operations policies and procedures at the sub-country level. The incumbent will work closely with the Programme Manager and Head of Office to ensure that operations guidelines are effectively interpreted and applied. This role includes budget preparation and administration, ensuring timely delivery of operational support services, and maintaining security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security arrangements for staff and guests. The Operations Associate will also manage property and supplies, oversee travel arrangements, coordinate events and logistics, and enhance staff capacity through training and development programs. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure efficient operations in a challenging environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interpret and apply operations policies and procedures to support sub-country operations, providing guidance to staff on operational matters.
• Assist in budget preparation and administration, ensuring proper management of financial resources.
• Deliver timely operational support services, including managing service contracts and ensuring safety and security arrangements.
• Manage property and supplies, including inventory updates and compliance with organizational standards.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulations in all operations transactions and contracts.
• Facilitate travel arrangements for staff and guests, ensuring adherence to organizational rules.
• Organize and coordinate events and logistics for capacity development activities.
• Enhance staff learning and development through training programs and workshops.
• Maintain effective working relations with other agencies and local authorities to support operational matters. 1
• Perform any other duties as assigned to ensure effective operations support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional work experience in office management, administration, finance, accounting, ICT, human resources, or supply chain management. Experience in emergency duty stations is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Knowledge of UNICEF's policies and procedures is an asset, as is experience in managing budgets and contracts. Candidates should also possess strong communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is the completion of Secondary School. However, candidates with additional technical or university-level courses in administration, finance, or related fields will be considered more favorably. Relevant certifications or training in operations management or project management may also be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires at least 6 years of relevant professional experience, which should include both national and international work experience. Candidates should have a proven track record in office management, administration, finance, or related functions, particularly in challenging environments such as emergency duty stations. Experience in managing operations and logistics in a humanitarian context is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an asset. Proficiency in local languages may also be beneficial, particularly in enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working in a challenging and dynamic environment. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging eligible and suitable female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to transparency and fairness in its hiring practices.