Consultancy: Provide overall operational support in funds management allocated to DOC under the Cause Framework

The Division of Communication (DOC) is looking for an experienced consultant to support overall management, monitoring and reporting of the Cause Framework budget.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, sound financial management

Office of the Executive Director has approved budget for 2017 to support the start up activities of the Cause Framework, which is a new initiative – a way of working across the organization on common projects.  Besides the Division of Communication (DOC), 7 Divisions within UNICEF are involved.

DOC received a portion of the total Cause Framework funds, which must be fully committed by December 2017.  Therefore, a close monitoring of the utilization and expenditure both in the system (VISION) and as well as outside the system should is required to ensure that funds are efficiently utilized in accordance with planned activities and that implementation is timely to ensure full commitment of funds by 31 December 2017.

In order to ensure systematic and timely monitoring of implementation of activities, utilization of funds and reporting, DOC is seeking to recruit an experienced individual to support budget/operations functions. The duration of the assignment is approximately 6 months. 

How can you make a difference?

The consultant will report to the Administrative Officer of the Division. The purpose of this assignment is to provide overall operational support in funds management allocated to DOC under the Cause Framework approach. 

• Maintain an up-to-date budget utilization monitoring worksheets on real-time basis by section and by output against the approved ceiling.
• Assist with quality assurance and oversight of the preparation and issuance of contracts of all types ensuring organizational rules, regulations, policies and procedures as well as Division-specific standard operating procedures.
• Issue commitments (FCs, FRs, POs/Contracts, etc.) on timely manner in line with the approved budget.
• Review invoices and ensure timely payments.
• Work closely with Budget Focal Points in the operations team and section’s administrative assistants in reviewing, recording and processing commitments.
• Prepare monthly utilization report against the approved ceiling by section and output. Also prepare ad-hoc utilization reports as required.  Alert sections of any excess commitments.
• Provide support to Administrative Officer on – allocation of funds, upload cost distribution, submit APPROVA requests for role assignments in VISION, assign OICs, monitor OR funds, conduct quality checks of contract requests, etc. as required.
• Assist with other operations/administrative matters as required or as guided by the Supervisor and the Project Lead (Planning Specialist).

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

• Demonstrated experience on administrative/operational functions, budget management and monitoring; knowledge on contract management and quality assurance.
• Familiarity with UNICEF budget processes, procurement rules and financial framework.  
• Excellent hands-on skill in VISION system and Excel.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with UNICEF's work is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.