Operations Associate

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean has the mandate to oversee and support UNICEF results in the region.

The position will be part of the Regional Operations Team and will be responsible for providing a variety of specialized tasks in Budget management primarily, but also in Finance and Administration.

Under the supervision of the Operations manager, the incumbent will provide administrative, analytical, and coordination support to facilitate effective operational oversight, budget management, and regional governance processes across the Regional Office and Country Offices in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
1. Direct Support to the Admin Finance Budget Unit
• Provide coordination, analytical, and administrative support to the unit on the implementation of regional operational priorities and oversight functions.
• Assist in preparing briefing materials, presentations, reports, and follow-up actions related to regional operational and budget management matters.
• Maintain tracking tools and documentation related to regional operational initiatives, budget monitoring, and management decisions.
2. Support to Regional Governance, TRT/PBR processes
• Support the preparation and coordination, and reporting of regional governance mechanisms, including the Regional Technical Review Team (TRT) and Programme Budget Review (PBR) exercises.
• Assist in compiling operational inputs and documentation related to the Country Programme Management Plans and related review exercises.
• Support monitoring and follow-up on decisions and recommendations emerging from TRT, PBR, and other regional management processes with Country Offices and relevant headquarters divisions.
3. Support Operational Oversight and Performance Monitoring
• Assist in the review of Country Office Annual Management Plans, compiling relevant data and documentation for analysis by the Regional Operations team.
• Contribute to the monitoring of regional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in areas related to budgetary, financial, and administrative management.
• Support the preparation of regional operational performance reports and dashboards.
• Compile and organize operational data received from Country Offices to support regional oversight and analysis.
4. Support Regional Operational Initiatives and Reviews
• Provide coordination and analytical support to regional initiatives related to Business Operations Strategy (BOS), Common Back Office, and UN reform processes.
• Assist in compiling documentation and data for Country Office peer reviews, operational assessments, and quality assurance exercises.
• Support regional initiatives related to eco-efficiency, greening, accessibility, and operational simplification.
5. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building
• Support the organization of regional trainings, webinars, and workshops for the LAC (Latin America and Caribbean) Operations community.
• Maintain documentation and knowledge-sharing resources related to operational policies, guidance, and tools.
• Assist in documenting good practices, lessons learned, and operational innovations across Country Offices.
6. General Administrative Support
• Provide administrative support for travel arrangements, meetings, workshops, and conferences organized by the Regional Operations team.
• Support procurement of goods and services, including contracting of consultants and service providers.
• Assist with invoice processing and payment follow-up for activities managed by the Regional Operations team.
7. Other Duties
• Perform other duties as required in support of the Regional Operations team and regional management priorities.