Operations Manager at UNICEF

Major Duties And Responsibilities

• Within the framework of HACT, responsible for the formulation and implementation of Somalia Country office HACT Financial Assurance plan which provides for a cost-effective assurance systems to ensure funds entrusted to UNICEF by donors are utilized as intended; there is transparent processes and oversight of cash transfers and capacities of national partners is strengthened for the management and accountability of cash transferred. The incumbent will contribute to the HACT financial activities of the country office; plans and carries out high quality and objective Micro Assessments of UNICEF’s Implementing Partners in accordance with the agreed work plan and/or as required by the country programme, review and follow up of the findings of assessments. Contribute towards upgrading capacity of UNICEF staff and implementing partners in the areas of HACT concerning the financial element. Ensure the development of HACT compliant procedures, manual and guidelines for use by implementing partners. That Micro-assessments,spot-checks findings and audit findings are actioned and closed timely.
• Provide Leadership in the planning and the implementation of capacity building activities of staff and particularly of implementing partners on HACT to improve budgeting and financial management capacities of implementing partners. Ensure that inventory of training and capacity development needs of implementing partners is developed. Plan and organize training programmes in the areas of budgeting and financial management and procurement for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.
• Support Country Office Management in development and roll out of Office Accountability Framework based on UNICEF Accountability Framework. Responsible for office processes to proactively and systematically identify, assess and manage key risks and opportunities to facilitate the achievement of CO objectives and planned results. Responsible for process leading to office undertaking twice a year risk control self-assessment (RCSA) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) as part of the mid and annual review process, reports on the outcomes and propose mitigating activities and implementation status. Regularly monitor the status of actions defined to mitigate significant risks and update the Office Risk Profile. Focal point in updating and ensuring quality Risk assessment and management information is updated under the Performance Management System.
• Implement activities that create general awareness and common understanding among staff of key strategic, programmatic, operational and financial risks. Ensure there is general sense of ownership and that risk management efforts are embedded into key country programme planning, financing and implementation processes, allowing for an adequate and timely allocation of financial, operational and programmatic resources for that purpose.
• Under the framework of UNICEF Policies, Guidelines, Standards, Country Office Management Plan, contribute to the development of office standards, new approaches and methodologies and streamlining of transaction Work Processes and Simplified Operating Procedures (SOPs) through participation in Internal Control meetings and consultations with staff. Perform compliance tests and report on the implementation of SOPs and Work Processes. Review and update Table of Authority (TOA)and ensure Segregation of Duties (SODs) and violations to SODs mitigated timely
• Conduct periodic self-assessment of procedures and processes, financial documents, information entered in VISION database, coding of VISION transactions to ensure the office’s adherence to procedures, that quality information, and correct coding is applied. Coordinate Operations Inputs to office wide activities. This will entail consolidation of operations inputs, support in monitoring operations priorities. The task shall entail ensuring that high quality documentation is delivered for all resulting documents with UNICEF and office wide standards having been met.
• Performs other special assignments, including fact-findings in the case of irregularities or weaknesses or lapses, as directed by the country office management and in compliance with the organizational policies and procedures. Formulates pragmatic recommendations and secures the agreement of management to improve problematic areas. Monitors and assesses adequacy of actions taken to correct reported deficiencies.
• Coordinate follow up on open Audit Observations and sustainability status.

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

• Advance degree (MS/MBA) in Accounting or Enterprise Risk Management supplemented by CPA/ACCA or Certified Auditor (CFIA) or ACFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) and certificate course in Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
• Eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in risk management and auditing
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.