Administrative & Finance Specialist

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 to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Administrative & Finance Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the common services center in Operations, which includes Supply/Procurement, Administration/Protocol/Travel, Finance/Budget, and ICT. This position is responsible for managing, monitoring, and overseeing a full range of Administrative and Financial services that support program and operational activities. The specialist ensures compliance with organizational plans, policies, procedures, and ethical standards while providing technical leadership and guidance to the country office and sub-offices. The role involves financial planning, disbursement of funds, treasury and accounting, analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis, and reporting of resources, all aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the Senegal Country Office and Regional Office.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support financial planning, management, and budget management by monitoring budgets in coordination with the Deputy Representative for Operations, ensuring objectives are met for smooth operations.
• Control accounts by processing and reviewing payments, journal entries, and financial transactions, ensuring compliance with IPSAS and organizational regulations.
• Manage treasury and cash operations, maintaining bank accounts and monitoring cash requirements.
• Promote knowledge and capacity building by developing training activities and coaching staff.
• Provide administrative support and property management, ensuring effective delivery of office services.
• Oversee contract arrangements and control, ensuring compliance with policies and monitoring payments against contractual obligations.
• Facilitate partnerships and collaboration with other agencies and local authorities to enhance information exchange and coordination.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in management, business administration, economics, financial management, or related fields. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted. The role requires at least five years of relevant professional office management experience, including finance and accounting, premises management, and protocol. Supervisory experience is essential, and previous experience in shared/common services is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in management, business administration, economics, financial management, or related fields is required for this position. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may be considered if they have two additional years of relevant work experience.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional office management work experience at both national and international levels. This includes experience in finance and accounting, premises management, and protocol. Supervisory experience is mandatory, and familiarity with shared/common services is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position. Knowledge of another UN working language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Dakar, Senegal. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required for appointments.