Strategic Business Partner

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a global organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of children and ensuring their well-being. With a presence in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works collaboratively with various partners, including governments, civil society, and communities, to promote children's rights and improve their living conditions. The organization is committed to fostering a culture that supports personal and professional development for its employees, offering diverse opportunities for career growth while delivering on its mission to protect every child's rights. UNICEF's operations in Benin focus on addressing the challenges faced by children in the country, particularly in areas such as education, health, protection, and nutrition. The organization has been active in Benin since 1977, working closely with local stakeholders to implement programs that benefit the most vulnerable communities.

Job Overview:
The Strategic Business Partner position at UNICEF is crucial for overseeing operations functions and facilitating organizational change. The incumbent will be responsible for providing risk-informed, solution-focused analysis and advice, contributing to program and management decisions that impact children's outcomes in specific operational contexts. This role encompasses a wide range of operational support areas, including budget management, financial reporting, facilities management, administration, supply chain logistics, information technology, human resources, and safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The Strategic Business Partner will work closely with the line manager to implement career development opportunities for staff and will represent organizational risks and governance systems within the Country and Senior Management Teams. The position requires a proactive approach to understanding business needs, anticipating challenges, and proposing innovative solutions that ensure value for money in all operations. The role also involves promoting effective ICT management and supporting supply chain strategies to meet programmatic needs while ensuring compliance with procurement standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Strategic Business Partner include:

• Facilitating operational support services in budget management, financial reporting, facilities management, administration, supply and logistics management, information and communications technology, human resources, and safety and security.
• Supporting the line manager in implementing career development opportunities for staff.
• Acting as a member of the Country and Senior Management Teams, representing organizational risks and governance systems, and promoting results-based management.
• Understanding business needs and anticipating challenges to propose viable solutions aimed at value for money.
• Contributing to the Country Programme Document (CPD), Country Management Plan (CPMP), and Annual Management Plan (AMP) while supporting Results-Based Management using Value for Money criteria.
• Promoting ICT management fundamentals, information security, and controls.
• Supporting supply and logistics strategies to meet programmatic needs while ensuring Value for Money, including procurement of appropriate products and services.
• Advising governments and partners on supply chain management.
• Supporting the country office during external and internal audits, responding to audit observations, and monitoring the implementation of recommendations. 1
• Providing regular feedback on risks and achievements of operations functions. 1
• Leading facility management with a focus on inclusive accessibility and eco-sustainability. 1
• Monitoring business transactions processed by the Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) for efficiency, performance, risk management, and fraud prevention. 1
• Supporting the management of Private Sector Fundraising (PSFR) operations and promoting efficiency across systems and processes.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for the Strategic Business Partner position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) in Business Management, Financial Management, Accounting, Public Finance, or related operational functions such as Supply Chain, Human Resources, Information Technology, or Project Management. Alternatively, a full professional accounting designation (CA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CPFA, Expert Comptable) from an internationally recognized institute is acceptable.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience at both national and international levels, specifically in implementing strategic organizational initiatives in operations management areas, including budget management, financial reporting, facilities management, administration, supply and logistics management, information and communication technology, and human resources.
• Prior experience in the development sector or with UN agencies/international NGOs is an asset.
• Additional experience in audit and investigations, safety and security, grant management, and enterprise risk management is desired.
• Familiarity with corporate ERPs and IPSAS is highly desirable.
• Experience in Results-Based Management is a requirement, along with a proven track record of supporting client-oriented work units.
• Previous hands-on experience in strategic operations is a strong asset, and familiarity with Microsoft Office applications is required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as Business Management, Financial Management, Accounting, Public Finance, or related operational functions. Alternatively, candidates may hold a full professional accounting designation from an internationally recognized institute, with valid membership in good standing.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience at both national and international levels. Candidates should have a strong background in implementing strategic organizational initiatives within operations management areas, including budget management, financial reporting, facilities management, administration, supply and logistics management, information and communication technology, and human resources. Experience in the development sector or with UN agencies/international NGOs is considered an asset, as is familiarity with corporate ERPs and IPSAS. Candidates should also have experience in Results-Based Management and a proven ability to support client-oriented work units.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, along with a working knowledge of English. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment, and UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments may apply. Selected candidates will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. The appointment is subject to medical clearance, and candidates may be required to meet inoculation requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). UNICEF promotes a diverse workforce and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.