Deputy Representative Operations
Organizational Context
UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
As a Strategic Business Partner and Deputy for the Head of Office, the incumbent will lead for results, drive change, and provide risk-informed, solution-focused analysis, advice, and services. This role contributes to programme and management decisions to deliver results for children in all operational contexts. During the 6-month contract, the Deputy Representative Operations will focus on critical tasks including year-end closure, preparation for audits, reviewing team compositions and workload, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Business Continuity Planning (BCP), and the Business Operations Strategy (BOS). The position requires a proactive approach to managing people, resources, and risks to ensure efficient and effective operations aligned with UNICEF's mission.
Responsibilities
The Deputy Representative Operations will lead and manage people resources to foster technical competence, career progression, and retention of an agile workforce. This includes promoting management excellence, staff well-being, accessibility, and inclusion. The role involves providing proactive solutions and expert advice to senior management on people management and office culture, fostering behaviors focused on delivering results for children while balancing risk, policy compliance, and flexibility. The incumbent will coordinate human resource development and resourcing strategies to enhance the skills of Operations staff, staying abreast of management and finance industry standards, and sharing best practices. Additionally, the role champions strategic resource utilization for organizational goals and Value for Money (VfM), optimizing resource identification and use in areas like eco-efficiency, common premises, and results-based budgeting. Financial oversight, monitoring, and reporting of country programme and fundraising budgets are key, with analysis and recommendations for risk-informed decisions. The role also involves advising on programme financing modalities and overseeing Supply and Logistics Management outcomes. Enhancing risk management to improve organizational performance and internal control is crucial, ensuring the office has the right tools and skills for risk-informed decisions, supported by the eGRC platform. Maintaining organizational resilience, staff safety, and security through business continuity plans and emergency preparedness is vital. The incumbent will review internal controls and policies, provide oversight of their implementation, and offer feedback. Identifying and implementing anti-fraud systems and processes, and facilitating risk mitigation for external partner engagements are also key responsibilities.
Work Experience
A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in operations management, finance, human resources, or a related field, with at least 3 years at the P4 level or equivalent. Experience in a developing country context is an asset.
Skills
Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Risk Management, Operations Management, Change Management, Leadership, Team Management, Business Continuity Planning, Enterprise Risk Management, Performance Management, Budgeting