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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, Hero! 

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Representative Operations, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall understanding, analysis and review of systems, risks, application of policies and procedures and the capacity building of staff as well as counterparts within the area of internal control. These will in turn contribute to Pakistan Country Office accomplishing its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of its Internal Control procedures. The Operations (Internal Control) Manager will lead in aspects on Enterprise Risk Management, due diligence reviews, audits and spot checks to promote efficiency, reduce risks of asset loss, and help ensure the reliability of financial statements and capacity building of staff and implementing partners in HACT, financial management, risk management and procurement. As such, this position is critical to ensure results for children and women are met through appropriate implementation of risk mitigating measures and assurance activities. 

To make a difference, the incumbent shall be responsible for the following accountabilities, duties and tasks: 

• Humanitarian work is fraught with risks. When risks are well managed, extraordinary results can be achieved; inadequate management of risks can jeopardize the achievement of results. Many problems affecting children cannot be solved by doing “more of the same,” and call for new and innovative approaches and flexibility, often involving additional risk. Hence the need for an Operations Specialist (Internal Control) covering duty programme and the operating environment.
• 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.
• Within the framework of HACT, responsible for the formulation and implementation of Pakistan Country office HACT 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 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. Ensure the development of HACT compliant procedures, manual and guidelines for use by implementing partners. That Micro- assessments, programmatic findings, 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.
• 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…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree (MS/MBA) in Accounting or Enterprise Risk Management supplemented by relevant certifications such as CPA/ACCA, Certified Auditor (CFIA), ACFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) or Certified Risk Management Assurance (CRMA)
• Work Experience: A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in risk management and auditing.
• Skills:
• Demonstrated strategic vision to provide input on the development of global policies, directions, new approaches and methodologies in the related areas.
• Capacity to diagnose and resolve multiple, concurrent problems; a conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand the sometimes- competing requirements of operations and programme activities.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills. Ability to express clearly and concisely, ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff. Proven skills in fraud prevention, and risk management and mitigation. Proven ability to plan, manage and monitor financial resources.
• Good analytical and negotiating skills. Ability to organize and implement training.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.

• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 
• Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.
• Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

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 

(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

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 female 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.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.