Partnership Management Specialist (UNICEF Accelerate)

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, 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.
Therefore, 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 Implementing Partnership Specialist will support the Risk Management, Implementing Partnership Management and Operations, in conducting monthly analysis on key performance indicators, providing professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programme cycle through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing and presenting technical information to facilitate the integration of Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) plans in all programming activities and to ensure the application of HACT and related organizational rules, regulations and procedures in the Papua New Guinea.

The Implementing Partnerships Management Specialist will report directly to the Deputy Representative Operations to support the HACT Framework implementation with focus on eTools, financial assurance and the overall partnership for implementation in the region.

Key tasks: 
• Monthly analysis the KPIs on monitoring and financial assurance and ensure timely completion of all KPIs 
• Track the status of execution of Financial Audits for Country office operations manager and service provider to ensure all audits are in progress 
• Track the open action points in eTools and follow up on their timely closure
• Work with service providers for assurance activities to ensure all deliverables are timely completed, contracts are invoiced, paid and closed timely. 
• Review the status of programme documents in eTools and work on closing ended partnerships  
• Support the Operations team and Programme sections (Finance and HACT) on the preparation and delivery of Capacity Building Sessions
• Compile case studies, tools and materials

Work Assignments Overview:
• Development of the annual assurance plan with strategies for the implementation.
• Monthly analysis the KPIs on monitoring and financial assurance
• Follow up with CO IPM Focal Point and Programme Managers to ensure timely completion of all KPIs 
• Track the status of execution of Financial Audits for the region and follow up with Country office operations
• Work with service providers for assurance activities to ensure all deliverables are timely completed, contracts are invoiced, paid and closed timely. 
• Coordination of financial assurance activities with service providers. Activities, drafting terms of reference, overseeing the procurement process, assisting in the selection and issuance of purchase order, collecting required documents and coordinating between service providers and programme and operation staff.
• Analysis of open action points from financial assurance activities and propose actions for their closure.
• Coordinate with implementing partner and follow up on the actions taken as per the Action Points guidance.
• eTools management and due diligence: Closure of all outstanding engagements from previous years and completion of the cleanup and closure of all ended partnerships.
• Support and organization of the annual risk management network meeting and monthly webinars with focus on assurance
• Support on analysis, reporting and general tasks for the risk management and operations team as required, based on regional and organizational priorities.

Deliverables/Outputs:
• Detailed HACT assurance plan with annual strategy and timing of implementation. 8 days
• 2026 contract and purchase order for 2026 financial assurance is issued.
• All required documents are gathered from programme staff and submitted to service provider.
• Etools engagements are created and scheduling of assurance activities is completed.
• All action points from 2025 are closed.
• Action items from partners are undertaken and closed.
• All open engagements in eTools are finalized with action points assigned.
• All ended programme documents in eTools are finalized and in status ended.
• Development of materials and knowledge management on HACT assurance and hold or support webinars/communication to HACT focal points. Preliminary topics include Anti-fraud framework, Safeguarding, Action Points Guidance, eTools system changes and Spot Check guidance.
• The work of the Risk and Operations team is dynamic and interlinked with all other teams. This requires ad hock analysis and reports. The consultant is anticipated to support the team with • professional expertise on average 3 days a month