UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, love
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. UNICEF works in partnership with a wide range of implementing partners, both government and Civil Society Organization partners, to deliver results for children across the globe. Effective implementing partnership management is therefore essential for ensuring that resources are utilized as intended and results are being achieved.
The Lome Office is committed to promoting and defending the Rights of Children and helping them realize their potential and change the country’s vision with children.The position Programme Associate is part of the country programme and contributes to the achievement of key results for children.
The incumbent works in close collaboration with the country office staff, external partners and agency counterparts in support of programme design and delivery. S/He provides regular feedback on the status of projects through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.
How can you make a difference?
Under the supervision and guidance of the Implementing Partnership Management Officer, the selected candidate will undertake the following key assignments :
1. Support in the implementation of quality assurance activities – 40% :
- Provide support throughout the process by executing/administering technical, operational and administrative transactions and preparing related materials/documentations to ensure the incorporation of HACT into the country programme ;
- Conduct and/or coordinate quality assurance activities of implementing partners in collaboration with other CO staff: spot checks, financial controls, verification of the documentation programme visits as part of the HACT implementation and the quality assurance plan ;
- Facilitate the execution of HACT activities undertaken by external service providers through scheduling, arranging briefings and related administrative needs
2. Monitoring and reporting of HACT and Financial activities – 20% :
- Using appropriate corporate tools and systems including InSight and e-Tools, prepare monthly reports on status of implementation of HACT ;
- Monitor, report and ensure the liquidation of cash transfers at the country office level, paying particular attention to outstanding direct cash transfers more than 6 months ;
- Ensure the secretariat of the HACT internal committee and participate in appropriate inter-agency meetings/events to facilitate and promote sharing of information, knowledge, experiences and best practices.
3. Review and use of assessments and programme assurance reports – 20%
- Support the recording and updating of risk ratings of implementing partners in VISION through review of the Vendor Master and provision of relevant information to appropriate colleagues in the office ;
- Follow up on implementation of recommendations made by assurance activities: micro-assessments, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) assessments, financial audits, spot checks, programmatic visits of counterparts and update accordingly corporate tools and systems including InSight and e-Tools.
4. Knowledge management and capacity building – 10% :
- Contribute to the development and monitoring of implementation of the Country Office HACT related Standard Operating (SOPs) and Internal procedures, including for escalation of issues identified through assurance activities ;
- Contribute to the design and implementation of capacity development strategy/initiatives for CO staff and implementing partners by preparing training materials and participating in exercises.
5. Support to Implementing partnership management – 5% : Provide administrative support to the country office in the formalization of implementing partnerships with government, civil society organizations and other implementing partners in line with relevant policies, procedures and guidelines, including the CSO Procedure and guidance on work plans
6. Other Tasks – 5% : Performs other duties as required.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- Completion of secondary education, supplemented by a university degree (completion of 2 years university) in Accounting, Finance/Business administration, Auditing, or another related field of discipline ;
- Minimum six (6) years of experience in Finance work ;
- Prior experience in Programme support functions is an asset ;
- Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset ;
- Fluent in French. Working knowledge of English is an asset ;
- Very good knowledge of the local languages is also an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The functional competencies required for this post are…
- Analyzing (2) ;
- Applying technical expertise (2) ;
- Planning and organizing (2) ;
- Following Instructions and Procedures (2).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.
Remarks :
- Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service ;
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.