Operations Assistant, GS5, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Open to Guatemalan nationals

Manage cost-effective and efficient operations for UNICEF.

This opening expired 9 months ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

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Application deadline 9 months ago: Monday 11 Aug 2025 at 05:55 UTC

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Overview

Manage cost-effective and efficient operations for UNICEF.

You have:

  • Completion of secondary education.
  • At least five (5) years of progressively work experience in office management, finance, accounting, ICT, supply.
  • Fluency in Spanish and English.
  • University courses in accounting, business administration, economics or financial management, will be an asset.
  • Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 1,899 USD.

Salary for a G-5 contract in Guatemala City

The salary of a G-5 depends on the duty station. The minimum salary there is 14,486 GTQ (~1,899 USD) Please note that depending on the location, a higher post adjustment might still result in a lower purchasing power.

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.

More about G-5 contracts.

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 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 the health, 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?

Under the supervision of the Operations Manager, the incumbent is accountable for management of cost-effective, efficient and secure operations, in support of management, administration and implementation of the country programmes in strict compliance with the rules and regulations and in accordance with the CO strategies and plans.

The main activities are:

  • Office Planning
  • Property management
  • Maintains financial records for projects or other office accounts for which responsibility is assigned.
  • Prepares recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting problems resulting from excess cost or less-than-expected receipts. Prepares special reports to clarify problems or for other reasons.
  • Calculates and compiles cost estimates and projected budget requirements and assists in preparation of budget statements for area of assignment.
  • Prepares routine correspondence and maintains personal and telephone contacts with others to discuss matters concerning accounts, and related assignments.
  • Maintains contact with local banks to clarify questions pertaining to office bank accounts.
  • Briefs and assists newly arrived international staff, experts and consultants on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payments, entitlements, banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance.
  • Makes hotel reservations and administrative arrangements for special events.
  • Classifies and codes material relating to a number of subject-matter areas and maintains general office files for the Operations Section.
  • Organizes and coordinates internal and external transportation needs for the office, assigning driver and vehicle as needed, and depending on availability.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: JD Operations Assistant GS5 - TMS.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

  • Education: Completion of secondary education.
  • Work Experience: At least five (5) years of progressively work experience in office management, finance, accounting, ICT, supply.
  • Language Requirements: Fluency in Spanish and English.

Desirables:

  • University courses in accounting, business administration, economics or financial management, will be an asset.
  • Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

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…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others

[add the 8th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role].

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.

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.

Potential interview questions

Describe a challenging situation in your past work experience and how you handled it. This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to manage complexity. Share a specific example that highlights your critical thinking and decision-making process.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple accounts and deadlines? The interviewer wants to understand your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you've worked collaboratively with others in an office setting? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What steps would you take to improve financial record management processes in a team? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations and policies? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a time when you had to quickly adapt to a significant change in a project. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work in an organization focused on children's rights? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you maintain accuracy while performing financial calculations? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 10 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: unicef.org