Senior 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 from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF values a diverse and passionate culture and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Operations Associate plays a crucial role in the Public Partnerships Division (PPD) of UNICEF, specifically within the Europe Pillar. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive office management, budget oversight, and human resources support across multiple locations including Brussels, Berlin, and Copenhagen. The role involves ensuring compliance with UNICEF's financial regulations, monitoring budget expenditures, and preparing financial reports. The Senior Operations Associate will also support recruitment processes, staff development, and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies and local authorities. This position is integral to the operational efficiency of the PPD and contributes to UNICEF's mission of championing child rights and securing public sector income for children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Operations Associate will undertake a variety of administrative support functions, including supervising other administrative staff, overseeing common services in the Brussels hub, and ensuring cost-efficient support to hosted divisions. Responsibilities include monitoring the budget and financial expenditures, preparing budget plans and revisions, analyzing variances, and maintaining financial records. The role also involves preparing training materials, supporting capacity development activities, and acting as the focal point for financial closures. Additionally, the Senior Operations Associate will assist in the recruitment process for staff and consultants, develop training activities, and foster effective collaboration with other UN agencies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of secondary education in Administration, Management, Finance, Human Resources, or related fields. A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in administration or clerical support is required. Essential skills include data management, time management, problem-solving, and teamwork. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is desirable. Familiarity with SAP HR and Microsoft Office is also preferred, along with relevant experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes secondary education in relevant fields such as Administration, Management, Finance, or Human Resources. Higher education qualifications may be advantageous but are not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant work experience in administration or clerical support roles. Experience in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts is considered an asset, particularly at the country level.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the General Service (GS) category, and candidates must be nationals of EU countries or possess a valid work permit. UNICEF does not facilitate visa issuance for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category. The organization promotes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and inoculation requirements. UNICEF offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.