Operations Associate (GS-6)

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 offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Operations Associate (GS-6) position is crucial for supporting the effective and compliant delivery of UNICEF’s operational services. This role involves assisting the Deputy Representative of Operations in ensuring that core functions such as finance, supply and logistics, administration, and information communication technology are executed efficiently and in alignment with UNICEF’s operational policies and procedures. The Operations Associate will support the operations team in equipping the UNICEF office and staff with the necessary operational support and resources to deliver results for children on time and within budget. The position is integral to the Mexico Country Office's new Country Programme Document (CPD) for 2026–2031, which aims to address emerging challenges and improve the lives of children across the country. The Operations Associate will be responsible for aligning their work with five core pillars: Valuing People, Valuing Money, Valuing Risk Management, Valuing Systems and Structures, and Valuing Partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operations Associate (GS-6) will be accountable for a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Providing effective and efficient support in Operations Management.
• Managing data, analysis, and reporting to ensure accurate and timely information is available for decision-making.
• Facilitating communication, knowledge sharing, and dissemination of information within the operations team and across the organization.
• Assisting in budget management to ensure financial resources are utilized effectively.
• Supporting capacity building initiatives and coordinating events to enhance operational efficiency.
• Promoting digital innovation to improve operational processes.
• Performing other tasks aligned with the core functions of the post as required.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Education: Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the field of work.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible administrative, secretarial, or clerical work experience is required. Candidates holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree may substitute three (3) years and two (2) years of experience, respectively. Experience in supporting large-scale projects or operations in areas such as administration, finance, or supply management is essential. Additionally, experience working directly with senior management of an international or multinational organization is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have completed secondary education, with a preference for those who have pursued further technical or university courses relevant to the operational field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the foundational knowledge necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in administrative, secretarial, or clerical roles. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree can substitute three years of experience, while those with a Master’s degree can substitute two years. Experience in supporting large-scale projects or operations in administration, finance, or supply management is highly valued, as is experience working with senior management in international or multinational organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, along with an intermediate understanding of the English language. Candidates are expected to commit to improving their English skills within the first six months of employment. Desirable qualifications include fluency in English and experience in a UN system agency, as well as familiarity with SAP (VISION) or similar ERPs.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary position expected to last for 364 days. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from indigenous communities and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments. The position may also be subject to vaccination requirements, including against COVID-19.