Job Openings at the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Job Number: 512528
Location: Abuja
Work Type: Temporary Appointment

Purpose of Assignment

• 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.
• UNICEF has adopted the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) as an approach for obtaining assurance that results have been achieved in line with resource utilization.
• It aims at managing risk related to cash transfers made to implementing partners in support of programme implementation, reducing partner transaction costs and allowing progressive use of national systems for management and accountability of results and resources.

Purpose for the Job

• The HACT Assistant reports to the Programme Specialist-HACT for close guidance and supervision.
• The HACT provides operational and administrative assistance throughout the programme cycle through the application of theoretical and administrative skills in collecting, collating, analysing, updating and distributing HACT related data and information to facilitate the integration of HACT plans in all programming activities and to ensure the application of  HACT and related organizational rules, regulations and procedures in the CO.

Major Responsibilities
The incumbent will, under the supervision of the Programme Specialist-HACT and in close cooperation with the HACT team, support the following functions:

• Support to HACT planning during the programming process
• Support to implementation of HACT activities
• Support to review and monitor performance of HACT activities indicators
• Conduct spot checks and simplified check list assessments for IPs
• Networking and inter-agency partnership
• Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Summary of Key Functions/Accountabilities
Support to HACT planning during the programming process:

• Provide support in discussions, collection, analysis, verification and synthesis of HACT related information/documentation to gain good knowledge of HACT and programme planning and implementation.
• Provide support in the preparation of HACT related materials/documentation to ensure incorporation of HACT in the country programming process.

Support to implementation of HACT activities:

• Provide support in and assist with the preparation and regular updating of CO micro assessment and assurance plans.
• Together with the HACT team colleagues, undertake spot checks of implementing partners to gain knowledge and experience.
• Provide administrative support to external service providers in the execution of HACT activities to ensure timely and efficient delivery of results.
• Assist with maintenance of records of relevant HACT related documentation and uploading the same on SharePoint in a timely manner for use by programme staff
• Conduct simplified checklist assessments for implementing partners receiving less than $100,000 per/year

Support to review and monitor performance of HACT activities indicators:

• Support in identify IPs that are ready for spot check and ensure Spot checks are conducted as per the HACT plan
• Support in identify the number of programme monitoring visits for each IP as per the HACT guidelines & share with programme Chiefs/CFOs
• Updated the HACT plan with conducted spot checks and programme monitoring visits monthly and share summaries of indicators with the Programme Specialist HACT
• Ensure the spot check tracker is updated monthly and shared with CFO/programme staff for follow up actions
• Support in monitor whether activities are taking place as per the assurance plan and support in analysis of issues on the trackers that require management attention.
• Assist programme sections to determine appropriate follow-up actions to issues and recommendations identified in spot checks and scheduled audit.

Review of HACT reports to ensure quality and use of HACT reports:

• Assist with recording and update of risk ratings of implementing partners in VISION through regular review of the Vendor Master and provision of information to relevant colleagues in the field office.
• Share with Heads of relevant programme sections related HACT reports, especially reports of assurance activities, to ensure the reports are dispatched to the IPs for implementation of recommendations.
• Provide support in the review of micro assessment, spot check and audit reports of implementing partners to ensure quality of reports from consultants and auditors.
• Provide support in the review of micro assessment, spot check and audit reports of implementing partners to identify high priority issues that need follow-up and common weaknesses in financial and procurement management and identify for capacity buiding.
• Ensure that the HACT reports have been dispatched to the implementing partners in a timely manner by following up with the programme sections

Networking and inter-agency partnership:

• Exchange information and/or operational support to implementing partners, UN system partners and other stakeholders in the CO on the implementation of HACT to reinforce UN/CO harmonization and coordination.
• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of HACT information and knowledge to facilitate/build their capacity for implementing HACT.
• Provide support in the HACT Network meetings/events to facilitate and promote sharing of information, knowledge, experiences and best practice and enhance coordination of activities in line with the UNICEF HACT Procedure.
• Interact regularly with other field offices and the Country office on HACT.

Knowledge management and capacity building:

• Provide support in the HACT training for implementing partners in the field office and other FOs as per the HACT training plan
• Provide support in the planning and implementation of capacity development for implementing partners
• Provide support in the design and implementation of HACT training for UNICEF staff to ensure that staff has knowledge and skills to fulfil their responsibilities related to HACT.

Impact of Results

• The effective support provided by the HACT Assistant to the careful planning and effective implementation of the assurance activities directly impact on programme execution and delivery of sustainable results that also promote national ownership and accountability for responsible financial management of programme resources.

Qualification, Experience and Competencies Required
Education:

• Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical university education in Business Administration, Financial Management, Auditing, or other relevant field is required.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in financial management, accounting, quality assurance, audit, programme/project support. Previous experience on HACT is an added advantage.

Competencies
Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies:

• Communication (II)
• Working with people (II)
• Drive for results (II)

Functional Competencies:

• Analyzing   (II)
• Applying Technical Expertise (II)
• Following Instructions and Procedures (II)
• Planning and Organizing (II)

Language:

• Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is a must. Knowledge of the local language of the field office is an asset.

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Job Number: 509757
Location: Borno, Nigeria, (with frequent travel to Abuja, Yobe and Adamawa)
Contract Type: 6 months
Work Type: Fixed Term Staff

Description
UNICEF  Nigeria is seeking the interest of a qualified and energetic Child Protection in Emergencies Coordinator to provide overall coordination for the Child Protection Sub Cluster in Nigeria for the North-East emergency.

In the course of 2014 and early 2015, Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad (JAS) commonly as Boko Haram intensified its attacks on the civilian population in Nigeria, with tactics developing from hit-and-run attacks targeting Government officials, security forces, police stations, detention centers, religious figures and schools, to take-and-hold attacks in which JAS managed to establish and maintain control over large swaths of territory. While in late 2015 and 2016 the Nigerian Armed Forces took back most JAS controlled areas, the fighting caused additional mass displacement especially in Borno State.

Over 2 million people have been displaced by the conflict, with over half under the age of 18 years, with millions more living under the control of Boko Haram in the 19 Local Government Areas held by them. As the Nigerian Armed Forces have regained these Local Government Areas, there have been additional mass displacements. With the increasing security, humanitarian communities are now beginning to access previously inaccessible Local Government Areas. Children make up over half of the affected population in these newly liberated areas and child protection needs are acute, in fact it is estimated that over 2.1 million children have been acutely impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Children have been and are still being recruited and used by armed groups. Girls have been used by JAS as suicide bombers; girls have also been subjected to conflict related sexual violence, not only resulting in psychological distress but also pregnancy. The children are facing stigma and in some case violence as they return to their communities following rescue by the Nigerian Armed Forces. Children perceived to have fought for JAS are being rejected by their communities and attacked if they try to return.

The child protection needs in the North East are complex and enormous. While the number of actors working on child protection has expanded, the child protection needs far outstrip the capacities and resources of state and non-state actors and there is a risk of duplication of activities especially and the internally displaced people’s camps. Hence, coordination amongst child protection actors is critical.

The cluster system was activated (following a long period where sector coordination was utilized) on 19 August 2016, for which UNICEF leads for the child protection (sub cluster). The Federal level Child Protection Sub Working Group was established in June 2015, co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. State level coordination mechanisms were subsequently established.

For every Child, Hope...
The overall objective of the post is ensure effective coordination among child protection actors engaged in responding to the humanitarian crisis in North East Nigeria;  to scale up the child protection response so as to cover more areas and reach more children with child protection in emergency response; to enhance the quality of services delivered; to improve the quality of information and data on the child protection sub sector achievements; to ensure the sector is able to effectively convey messaging on child protection issues and the sub sector's impact and to ensure a robust articulation of child protection in the Humanitarian Response Plan.

Specific Project Objectives to which the position is related:

• Output 36: By 2017, the capacity of key institutions and civil society is strengthened to monitor and report violence against children especially in humanitarian context and implement gender and age-appropriate prevention and response measures in at least three states.

How can you make a difference:

• Lead the child protection sub cluster in the development and subsequent reviews of the Humanitarian Response Plan for 2017
• Develop and implement and advocacy strategy to increase visibility among donors and government partners on the child needs and impact of ongoing activities and mobilize additional resources
• Ensure accurate and quality disaggregated monthly data and analysis are available on child protection
• Provide ongoing support to State Level Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development in co-chairing the sub group and to fulfill their coordination responsibilities
• Develop and support the development of the capacity of local counterparts and members of the child protection sub cluster on child protection in emergencies and coordination
• Ensure effective linkages and synergies between the Protection Sector and GBV Sub-Sector as well as with Education, Health, WASH and Food Security and Livelihood Sectors.
• Ensure robust child protection inputs for monthly Situation Reports, Snap Shots and donor reports
• Represent the CPWG Sub-Sector at the Inter-Agency Sector Coordination meetings.

Qualifications
Education:

• Master's degree Social Science, Social Work, Social Development, Child Development or related field or minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, preferably with UN or NGOs at national or international level

Experience:

• A minimum of five years’ experience in emergency programming, protection programming and/or child protection programming, with at least two years focused on child protection in emergencies.
• Experience of leading coordination mechanisms in emergency situations.

Language:

• 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
• Leading and Supervising , Formulating Strategies and Concepts, Analyzing , Applying Technical Expertise  , Planning and Organizing

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Job Number: 511636
Work Type: Fixed Term Staff

For every child, a Future...
UNICEF Nigeria recently scaled up its integrated humanitarian response plan, and is leading humanitarian response in the education, WASH and nutrition sectors in the country, as well as the child protection sub-sector. We are tackling the resurgence of wild polio virus, and are promoting health care access overall. We are also working on bringing 100 percent access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. We are working with partners on early childhood education initiatives and are supporting the national HIV program. In addition, UNICEF Nigeria is providing support for three critical child protection initiatives.

Children in Nigeria, West and Central Africa, have their rights violated on daily basis to an extreme extent. They die from malaria, diarrhea diseases and vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.

Join our team and help us make sure every child has a champion.

How can you make a difference?

• As the head of operations of a large-sized office, the incumbent will be accountable for management of cost effective, efficient and secure operations, in support of management, administration and implementation of the country programme, consistent with operations of the country in accordance with strategy, plans and decisions made by Country Programme Management Teams.
• The incumbent will provide guidance in operations to a multidisciplinary team of professionals to identify and correct gender balances.  Coordinate collaboration with all other UN agencies to accelerate implementation of the Harmonized Business practices initiatives in line within Reform/coherence.

Effective operations of financial, human resource and administrative management:

• Manage and ensure the effective, equitable and efficient operations of the office's finance, human resource and administrative systems to support and facilitate the attainment of programmatic goals and objectives by meeting changing operational requirements. 
• Ensure effective operations that promote gender sensitivity and gender parity.  Advise management and assists in establishing new offices.

Policy interpretation and application:

• As technical professional and senior manager, provides accurate and social policy interpretation and organizational policies and procedures in the management of finance and administrative functions through the provision of technical leadership and operational guidance to the country office.
• Contribute to global and regional strategic planning and policy changes/formulation on operational matters as necessary; Provide technical input to the establishment of operational guidelines in close coordination with the head of office, the Regional Operations Officer and DFAM.
• Implement the effective communication, training, roll-out, monitoring and evaluation of new operational initiatives, guidelines and procedures.

Fiduciary integrity/responsibility for funds and assets:

• Safeguard the financial resources entrusted to the office by advising on and/or 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 decisions on all operational and financial transactions, disbursement of funds, and administrative arrangements.
• Ensure efficient, cost-effective and transparent utilization of resources through knowledge and technology transfer between offices and consistency of approaches. 
• Negotiate cost effective contractual arrangements with service providers as well as with implementing partners as required.

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

• Play a leadership role in strategic planning and decision-making within the UNICEF Operations.  Take initiative in development of improved management systems.  Provide sound professional input and oversight to the development, reform and change of financial, human resource and administrative policies, systems and procedures that secure the highest standard of efficiency and competence in staff.
• Participate in global and regional strategic planning and policy changes, including formulation on operational matters; provide authoritative advice from technical, operational and administrative perspectives to contribute to the improvement and establishment of operational guidelines, including those that strengthen gender policy in programming and staff gender parity.  Negotiate cost effective contractual arrangements with service providers as well as with implementing partners.
• Working closely with Head of Sections explore possibility to enter into agreement- in line with UNICEF policies - with private sectors/corporate entities in order to access innovative technology, to benefit the country programme against  reasonable costs or under special arrangements in the framework of Social corporate responsibility(CSR).
• Participate in effective management process by providing technical advice and support to corporate committees (including PBR, RMTs, 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.
• Under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Operations Management Team, support approaches for enhancing UN common services to attain efficiencies and effectiveness. 
• Play key role in the UN Operation management group, coordinate with peers of other UN agencies based on the agenda agreed with the UNCT ,  plan and implement the Harmonized Business practices initiatives in line within Reform/coherence, including in the areas of Harmonized Cash transfer ( HACT), common services, common premises.

CPMP:

• Ensure development of the finance, budget and administrative components of the CPMP is timely completed; 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 reviews’ meetings to identify staffing and administrative operational requirements. Within the framework of the CPMP, coordinate and contribute towards human resources planning

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 all other operational reporting requirements are fully met for the office; in collaboration with the Deputy Representative, ensure the implementation of agreed audit recommendations; advise on corrective measures to be taken and establishes relevant internal controls. Develop training activities to ensure effective operational performance and efficiency.
• Identify potential learning organisation which can be resourceful for capacity building of UNICEF staff and partners in good business practices and establish collaborative partnership with these institutions as appropriate.

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.  Plan and conduct operations workshops/learning programmes for organizational competency building, staff development, learning and career development.
• Provide coaching and counselling to the staff on performance enhancement/ development.  Liaise with knowledge institutions to explore and conclude partnerships with institutions for capacity development of staff.  Share best practices in promoting gender awareness and equity in operation.

Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration:

• Maintain government counterpart relations; resolves issues pertaining to conditions of service, operational facilities and privileges within the context of the Basic Cooperation Agreement; Ensures adherence to financial regulations and rules pertaining to Cash Assistance to Government (CAG).
• Coordinate with Head of sections to identify needs for orientation and training of Government counterparts and implementing partners in UNICEF operations policies and procedures and coordinate contribute to the planning and implementation of capacity building of these partners accordingly.
• Advise Head of Office on finance, human resource and administrative matters providing guidance on all operational submissions for the approval of the Regional Director; brief office staff on financial, human resource and administrative policies and procedures providing authoritative advice; provide technical guidance and oversight to junior Operations staff in country offices and swiftly resolves operational issues.
• Coordinate/liaise with the HQ Divisions to support policy formulation in the area of operations; advise on the applicability of new policy directives to regional operations.  Make substantive 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 committees in compliance with the guidelines.
• Collaborate with senior Programme Officers and country office staff providing creative problem solving in support of programming activities while maintaining sound internal operational controls.
• Represent the office in meetings with local banks and administrative suppliers; negotiate 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. Coordinate field emergency services. Provide leadership for operations commitments implantation in emergency,  in line with the CCCs working  closely with the Head of sections and clusters coordinators ( Health , Nutrition , Wash  and protection  as well as in line with the Interagency standing Committee  (IASC) principles  and the needs as identified by the Humanitarian Country team (HCT)
• Represent 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.  Establish good working relationship with companies/organizations which provide for good comparators in order gain easy access to their information for the salary survey exercises.
• 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.  Pay particular attention to gender issues that may be expected to intensify during emergencies.

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

• Advanced university degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or Financial Management.  Membership - or enrolled for membership - in a recognized professional accountancy body.

Experience:

• Ten years (10) years of relevant professional work experience. Both national and International work experience in office management, finance, accounting, ICT, human resources, administration supply and procurement related fields.
• Familiarity and work experience in emergency duty station is an asset. Experience in humanitarian field preferably UNICEF and good knowledge of the African continent is an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

• UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The technical competencies required for this post are:

• Leading and Supervising - III
• Formulating Strategies and Concept - II
• Analysing - II
• Relating and Networking - III
• Deciding and Initiating Action - II
• Following Instructions and Procedures – III

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Job Number: 512526
Work Type: Temporary Appointment

Purpose for the Job

• The Finance Associate will be responsible for providing a variety of specialized tasks in finance functions, ensuring accurate and timely delivery that is in compliance with UNICEF financial rules and regulations, whilst demonstrating the capacity to research, adapt and evaluate irregular cases, and also to recommend improvements to process delivery and design.
• At the G-6 level, the below tasks are expected to be carried out with a high level of independence.

Summary of Key Functions/Accountabilities

• Advise and assist on all aspects related to preparation of reports, compilation of data and answering queries on pledges recorded, funds received, adjustments made to ensure financial compliance, accuracy and completeness of data for its inclusion into statement of accounts and adjustment of budgets. Advise units of discrepancies and assist to resolve differences in their records.
• Maintains financial records and monitoring systems to record and reconcile expenditures, balances, payments, statements and other data for day-to-day transactions and reports.
• Selects and enters data from a wide variety of documents, verifying and ensuring accuracy by checking sources, making necessary calculations and assuring inclusion of all relevant data.
• Prepares recurring reports as schedules and special reports, as required for budget preparation, audits or other reasons.
• Close year-end account and assist in the preparation of year-end reports related to accounts receivable, accounts payable, prepayment, deposits, NEP and leave balances, etc.
• Advises and assists international staff, experts and consultants on all aspects of allowances, salary advances, travel claims and other financial matters, and calculates and authorizes payments due for claims and services.
• Initiates correspondence to verify data, answers queries and obtains additional information on accounts and financial transactions, as required.
• Maintains liaisons with officials of local banks to obtain day-to-day information on exchange and interest rates, changes in procedures and regulations, and matters pertaining to maintenance of office bank accounts.  This includes prepares recurring reports and bank reconciliation.
• Prepares detailed cost estimates, and participates in budget analysis and projects, as required.
• Performs other duties, as required.

Impact of Results

• The efficiency and efficacy of the Finance Associate directly impacts on the optimum, appropriate and effective use of resources and efficient financial recording, accounting and reporting, which in turn facilitates management oversight, decision making and quality control.
  

Recruitment Qualifications
Education:

• Completion of secondary education is required with professional/university level courses in Accounting and Finance/Business administration considered as an asset.

Experience:

• A minimum of six years of clerical experience in the area of finance and accounting is required.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency of English and local language of the duty station required.

Competencies and level of proficiency required (please base on UNICEF Competency Profiles)
Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies:

• Communication (II)
• Working with People (II)
• Drive for Results (II)

Functional Competencies:

• Analyzing (II)
• Applying Technical Expertise (II)
• Planning & Organizing (II)
• Following Instructions and Procedures (II)

Functional Competencies:

• Analyzing (II)
• Applying Technical Expertise (II)
• Planning & Organizing (II)
• Following Instructions and Procedures (II)