Batch Recruitment: Operations Officer, P-2, Multiple Duty Stations, DRC (4 posts)

Support the Chief Field Office in the management of operational functions for a small country or sub-office, Accountable for management of cost-effective, efficient and secure operations, in support of management, administration and implementation of the country programmes, consistent with operations of all other country offices in the Region, in strict compliance with the rules and regulations and in accordance with strategy, plans and decisions made by Regional Management Team and Country Programme Management Teams. Collaborate with all other UN agencies to accelerate implementation of the Harmonized Business practices in line with Reform/coherence.

For every child, make a difference

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in its 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. This is why UNICEF’s 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.

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, save lives

Democratic Republic of Congo 

In spite of its vast physical size and limitless natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 176th out of 188 countries in the 2015 human development report. Child poverty is widespread, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to reach areas. According to a recent UNICEF study, 80 percent of children aged zero to 15 years old experience at least two major child rights deprivations. Despite sustained growth in recent years, the size of DRC’s economy remains far too small to provide enough government revenue to meet the basic needs of the population, children in particular. Since 2016, political instability, the persistence of conflicts in Eastern DRC and a sharp fall in global commodity prices have been aggravating factors.

DRC is one of the over 190 countries and territories around the World where UNICEF works to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path.

How can you make a difference to UNICEF in DRC?

Purpose of the job

Support the Chief Field Office in the management of operational functions for a small country or sub-office, Accountable for management of cost-effective, efficient and secure operations, in support of management, administration and implementation of the country programmes, consistent with operations of all other country offices in the Region, in strict compliance with the rules and regulations and in accordance with strategy, plans and decisions made by Regional Management Team and Country Programme Management Teams. Collaborate with all other UN agencies to accelerate implementation of the Harmonized Business practices in line with Reform/coherence.

Your Specific Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks

Effective operations of financial, budget, information & communication technology, supply & logistics, human resource and administrative management

• Ensure the effective, equitable and efficient operations of the office's finance, budget, information & communication technology, supply & logistics, human resource and administrative systems to support and facilitate the attainment of programmatic goals and objectives by meeting changing operational requirements. Advise management and assist in establishing new offices. Complying with UN Coherence and Harmonization principles regarding joint offices/common services when relevant.

 Policy interpretation and application

• As technical/functional specialist, accountable for providing the correct and consistent interpretation and application of organizational policies and procedures in the management of finance and administrative functions through the provision of technical expertise and operational support to the country office.
• Alert and recommend to the Head of Office, the Chief Operations and HQ when deviation from the rules and regulations may be required, and propose alternative solutions to meet office objectives. Contribute to global and regional strategic planning and policy changes/formulation on operational matters as and when necessary.
• Implement the effective communication, training, roll-out, monitoring and evaluation of new operational initiatives, guidelines and procedures. Provide staff briefing and orientation regarding all of the operational areas.

Fiduciary integrity/responsibility for funds and assets

• Safeguard the financial resources entrusted to the office by managing financial assets, financial planning and cash management activities and by recommending improvements to the financial and administrative management systems and procedures.  Accountable for fiduciary integrity/responsibility for funds and assets taking decision on all operational and financial transactions, disbursement of funds, and administrative arrangements. Provide required oversight and support to programme group team to ensure all implementing partners accountability with regard to supply and non supply assistance.
• Ensure efficient, cost-effective and transparent utilization of resources through knowledge and technology transfer between offices and consistency of approaches and applications.

Leadership in strategic planning and policy formulation in the areas of operations

• Play a substantive role in strategic planning and decision-making within the UNICEF Operations and provides sound professional input to the development, reform and change of financial, human resources and administrative policies, systems and procedures.
• Contribute to effctive management process by providing technical support to corporate committees (including CMT, JCC, CRC, PSB, etc.).

Office Services

• Ensure the provision of basic offices services including space management, equipment, communications and security to enhance staff safety and productivity. Identifies and proposes appropriate office accommodations, (i.e., ensures maintenance of premises, security of staff, office premises, equipment and supplies) complying with UN Coherence and Harmonization principles as required. Ensures the acquisition of all expendable and non-expendable property (administrative and/or programme supplies), ensuring that procurement is made according to the organization's rules, regulations and procedures.  Controls inventory, its utilization and disposal.
• Under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Operations Management Team, support approaches for enhancing UN common services to attain efficiencies and effectiveness.

CPMP Preparation

• Contribute to the consolidation and preparation of the finance, budget and administrative components of the CPMP; participate in the review of office structures and operations, and compilation of required job descriptions, prior to budget preparation, in line with the country programme commitment;  contribute to the preparation of budget and the accompanying justification and documentation.  Participate in the country programme strategy, development, planning and preview/review meetings, to identify staffing and administrative operational requirements.

Compliance and Internal Control

• Monitor and manage budget process. Ensure all other operational reporting requirements are fully met for the office. Monitor compliance with all operational systems and procedures and ensure integrity in all financial and other administrative operations of the office.
• Serve as the focal person for office management indicators; ensure accuracy, promptness and appropriateness of information, and reports to the Head of Office and HQs; in collaboration with the Head of office and Chief of Operations, ensure the implementation of agreed audit recommendations; advise on corrective measures to be taken and establish relevant internal controls.

Staff Learning and Development

• Develop training activities to ensure effective operational performance and efficiency.  Develop and implement effective staff learning and development programme activities for both programme and operations staff on operational matters for capacity building drawing on knowledge institutions partnership as relevant.  Plan and conduct operations workshops for staff’s competency building, staff development, learning and career development. Provide coaching and counselling to the staff on performance enhancement/development.

Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration

• Maintain good working relations with government counterparts; Arranges operational facilities and basic cooperation agreements with government authorities, (e.g., customs, visas, protocol, receipt of contributions, security, accommodations, privileges and immunities.). Ensure adherence to financial regulations and rules pertaining to HACT by Government and all implementing partners...
• Cooperate and coordinate with other UN agency counterparts in the UN reform initiatives (including HACT capacity building of IPs, common services and premises agenda, etc.)
• Assist Head of Field of Office in finance, human resources and administrative matters; brief office staff on financial, human resources and administrative policies and procedures providing authoritative advice; provide technical guidance and oversight to junior Operations staff in country offices and swiftly resolve operational issues.
• Liaise with the Chief of Operations to obtain guidance on policy interpretation and applications in the area of operations; advise on the applicability of new policy directives to country operations. Make sound recommendations on the improvement of systems and internal controls, planning and restructuring and resolution of sensitive issues and problems, taking into account the prevailing conditions in the locality.
• Establish and maintain all consultative and management committees (e.g. APC, JCP, JCC, CRC, PSB, TRT, PBR and Training); Organize and train or brief committees in compliance with the guidelines.
• Collaborate with senior Programme Officers and country office staff providing operational solutions in support of programming activities while maintaining sound internal operational controls.
• Represent the office in meetings with local banks and administrative suppliers; negotiates locally issued contracts as well as in meetings with other UN Agencies to coordinate operational matters and activities, including harmonization of the UN common system.
• Represents UNICEF in the local salary survey committee and fully participates in all processes of the salary survey review and administration to ensure the methodology is applied correctly throughout.
• Coordinate promptly with the Regional Office, the Head of Office, Programme Officers and other staff in the country office for security-related issues and emergency operations.  Provide operational support to emergency preparedness and emergencies.  Inform and update all staff members in the country office on security related issues and emergency operations.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Education:  University degree in accounting, business administration, economics or financial management and membership - or enrolled for membership - of recognized professional accountancy body.
• Work Experience: A minimum of 2 years of professional experience. Both national and International work experience in office management, finance, accounting, ICT, human resources, supply and administration and/or other related fields. Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies highly desirable.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in French and English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

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.

This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty.

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

Remarks

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.