Operations Specialist, P-3, FT, Kananga, Democratic Republic of Congo

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about P-3 contracts and their salaries.

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 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 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

The Operations Specialist reports to the Chief of Field Office (Level 4) for guidance and general supervision. He/she manages the operational functions of the Field Office (i.e., finance, accounts, administration, supply, IT), including PSD, in support of the country office programme.

Your Specific Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks and Your Expected Key Results

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Certifies and confirms operational transactions through the interpretation and determination of applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations, operational adherence to international public sector accounting standards i.e. IPSAS (e.g., bank accounts, disbursements within authorized limits, contractual agreements, personnel administration, purchase of supplies and equipment). Approves operational transactions within established limits.
• Advises and recommends to the Chief of Field Office when deviation from rules and regulations may be required and proposes strategic advice and alternative solutions through the Chief of Field Office to the UNICEF Kinshasa management team, to meet office objectives.
• Monitors compliance with all the operational systems and procedures on day to day issues. Establishes relevant internal control framework, safeguarding financial and operational resources. Improves business processes and ensures accuracy, promptness and appropriateness of information, and reports to the Chief Field Office.
• Participates in the country programme strategy, development, planning and preview/review meetings to identify in consultation with Kinshasa staffing and administrative operational requirements in all zonal and sub-offices including IT/Telecoms.
• Arranges with the provincial and local government authorities and other UN agencies, all operational facilities and common services (e.g. travels, customs, visas, protocol, security and accommodations). Builds and strengthens external and internal relations, coordination and consultation initiatives for Operations at the zonal level
• Initiates with UNICEF Kinshasa and participates in the recruitment of staff in an appropriate and timely manner. Provides staff induction and orientation regarding all the operational areas, with a commitment to a strong and healthy culture of ethics. Also, provides counselling on personnel-related issues, including career development.
• Participates in the timely planning and acquisition of supplies during the programme review process in consultation with Kinshasa. Acquires all expendable and non-expendable properties (administrative and/or programme supplies), ensuring that procurement is made according to organization's rules, regulations and procedures. Ensures administrative support in its delivery, monitoring, control and inventory.

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

• Education: Advanced university degree in at least one of the following: Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Management or a related field. *A bachelor degree with an additional two year of relevant professional work experience in HR, financial management and office administration, some of which should be at the international level, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Experience: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in HR, financial management and office administration, some of which should be at the international level. Good knowledge of principles of Business Administration, office management, accounting, financial management, programme management and administration. Good command of policies and procedures of operational management, including financial and personnel rules and regulations; Human resources planning, development, management and administration. (e.g., HR Policy & Procedures Manual, Salary Survey Manual, Job Classification Standards; Information and Communication Technology, Administration Supply operations, logistics and purchasing administration.
• Language: Oral and written proficiency in French is required with a strong knowledge of English. 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.