Chief Planning (Operations), P-5, Fixed Term, Director’s Office, Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS), New York

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 208,877 USD and 261,770 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, Hope

The fundamental and primary 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 favoritism. 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 child survival, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill 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.

How can you make a difference?

The function supports the Deputy Director of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) in managing the Divisional resources at the three locations in New York, Geneva and Istanbul and serving as a strategic adviser to EMOPS’ Director, Deputy Directors and to the Senior Management team in the areas of planning and operations and day-to-day management of the division. In addition, the function provides advice and strategic guidance on the best and innovative management practices to enhance office performance in a healthy working environment.

Purpose of the job

As the head of operations and planning of a large HQ Division, located at three geographic locations in New York, Geneva and Istanbul the incumbent is accountable for the strategic planning of divisional activities in support of the effective implementation of global humanitarian priorities, as presented in the Office Management Plan and aligned with the UNICEF Strategic Plan and Core Commitments for Children. The incumbent is also accountable for the cost-effective, efficient and secure operations in support of management, administration and implementation of the humanitarian programme.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

High-level Planning:

• Oversee the coordination, design and development of divisional planning activities, including preparation of the EMOPS Strategic Plan, Office Management Plan (OMP), the Integrated Budget and the Annual Workplan (AWP) for all EMOPS sections across New York, Geneva and Istanbul; propose adjustments and take follow up actions to ensure the achievement of divisional objectives and implementations of relevant recommendations of reviews, audits and evaluations in accordance with the plans; ensure that the divisional review and reporting requirements on the progress and implementation of the planned results and activities are met in full and within deadlines.
• In the context of OMP and Integrated Budget preparation and review, and in coordination with the DHR Chief HR in Humanitarian Action, EMOPS Business Partner and the Strategic Business Support unit in DFAM, ensure that adequate staffing structures and budget requirements are in place to enable divisional achievement of stated goals and objectives for all EMOPS sections across New York, Geneva and Istanbul.
• Advice and recommendations to Section Chiefs on results, program budget planning and financial management

Operations Accountability:

• Support the efficient and effective functioning of EMOPS across New York, Geneva and Istanbul through management of services in the areas of administration, budget, financial management, information technology, and other operational areas of work; introduce and maintain workflows and tools to streamline the office work; oversee preparation, quality and timely submission of progress/status reports related to operational indicators.
• Act as member of Senior Management Team, representing the organizational risk, governance systems and policies perspective in management discussions, and promoting results-based management and implementation using Value for Money criteria.
• Support EMOPS Director and Deputy Directors as well as Section Chiefs on strategic and management issues and key organizational priorities for EMOPS related to planning and operations across New York, Geneva and Istanbul, as well as new organizational policies, trends, initiatives and priorities.
• Keep abreast of issues and activities in humanitarian policy, preparedness/response, partnerships, cluster coordination, and donor relations to provide timely and appropriate advice.

Interdivisional coordination and demands management:

• Leads processes on areas of collaborations between EMOPS at headquarters and regional levels on issues related to planning and operations and advise senior management, including on HAC development and revisions.
• Serves as a strategic liaison with headquarters divisions and regional Offices for planning and collaboration.

Provide the required reporting support, including to the Executive Board sessions:

• Provide advice and oversight for the planning team across New York, Geneva and Istanbul on all the reporting products of planning, including the Executive Board humanitarian action related work. This includes preparation of board reports and others, presentations and support to senior management during the board sessions or donor meetings.

Management of Planning and Operations Team:

• Promote management excellence in the office by ensuring accountability in all areas of Planning and Operations across New York, Geneva and Istanbul and by demonstrating a high level of skills in the management of staff resources including staff selection based on merit and the needs of the organization, staff aspiration and counselling, systematic and equitable performance management, and staff development and learning activities.
• Effectively manage the human and financial resources (budget planning, management and monitoring) of Planning and Operations Team and ensure both are optimally utilized.

• Monitor compliance with all systems and procedures and ensure management integrity and accountability with high quality standards in all activities in Planning and Operations; ensure the implementation of agreed audit recommendations; advise on corrective measures to be taken and establish relevant internal controls.

  Impact of Results

The ability of the Chief, Planning and Operations to effectively lead, oversee the planning and operations functions across the three EMOPS locations in New York, Geneva and Istanbul and the link with the Director/Deputy Directors and the Chiefs of Sections as well as the link with DHR Chief HR in Humanitarian Action and EMOPS Business Partner for all HR matters for the efficient delivery of related services, directly impact on program performance, resource mobilization and delivery of results for children.

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

Minimum requirements:

[Include the vacancy requirements aligned to the category and level of the position. You can see examples in the branded VA example.]

• Education: An advanced university degree in Planning, Economics, Business Administration, Financial Management, or another field related to UNICEF's work. Practical training in programme management, survey and research analysis, or applied statistical data analysis in social sciences is an asset.

• Work Experience: At least ten years of relevant work experience at the national and international level is required, specifically in advocating and implementing strategic organizational initiatives in one or more management areas, including but not limited to program planning, budgeting, financial management, and reporting administration, and human resources. Experience in managing large teams is required. Previous hands-on experience in strategic planning and managerial leadership is required. Background/familiarity with UNICEF Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme work is required.

  Experience in Results Based Management is highly desirable.

  Prior experience working with diverse stakeholder groups or multi-stakeholder partnerships is highly desirable.

  Familiarity with modern office tools and technologies is required.

• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.