Operations Manager

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 employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. The organization operates in various regions, including the Pacific Islands, where it addresses the needs of 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth across 14 countries.

Job Overview:
The Operations Manager position at UNICEF involves overseeing various operational functions to ensure the effective management of resources, risk, and partnerships. The role requires implementing strategies that promote technical competence and career progression within the workforce. The Operations Manager will be responsible for championing strategic resources to achieve organizational goals, ensuring value for money, and enhancing risk management to improve organizational performance. The position also involves optimizing operational processes for efficiency and strengthening partnerships both internally and externally. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the office's operational needs and contributing to UNICEF's mission of advocating for children's rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Valuing People: Implement strategies to promote technical competence and foster career progression. Facilitate management excellence and staff well-being through policies and procedures. Support training strategies to enhance knowledge and skills for Operations staff.
• Valuing Money: Champion resource management to achieve organizational goals. Ensure effective use of resources in areas such as budgeting and financial monitoring. Support financial oversight and reporting for country program budgets.
• Valuing Risk Management: Enhance risk management practices to improve performance. Provide up-to-date information for risk-informed decision-making. Participate in business continuity planning and support anti-fraud systems.
• Valuing Systems and Structures: Review operations processes to minimize costs and maximize efficiencies. Contribute to improving IT-enabled business processes for better productivity.
• Valuing Partners: Provide technical support for HACT implementation and resource mobilization. Engage with stakeholders in UN Reform and facilitate partnerships for resource mobilization.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess an undergraduate degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Financial Management, or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in operations management, including budget and financial management, is required. Experience in a UN agency or large organization is an asset, along with familiarity with corporate ERPs and IPSAS. Understanding of Results Based Management and experience in client-oriented work units are desirable. Staff supervision experience is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s) in relevant fields such as Business Management, Public Administration, Financial Management, Supply Chain, Information Technology, or Project Management. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of operations management within UNICEF.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of professional experience is required, specifically in operations management areas such as budget, financial management, administration, and logistics. Experience in a UN system agency or large private/public company is advantageous, particularly in developing countries or humanitarian contexts. Familiarity with corporate ERPs and IPSAS is highly desirable, along with experience in supporting client-oriented work units.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within diverse teams.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and is committed to safeguarding children's rights. Background checks and medical clearance are required for selected candidates, and adherence to vaccination requirements is mandatory. UNICEF promotes an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.