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.
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For every child, dedication
In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/.
For every child, a champion
Organizational Context and Purpose for the job
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy, and 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 the 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.
The Administrative Associate (Protocol & Events) is accountable for both specialized and procedural communications, operational and administrative support services. The incumbent works under the supervision and guidance of the supervisor to ensure the effective delivery of protocol and event-related administrative functions, in line with established UNICEF administrative procedures, processes, and policies. The role supports smooth coordination with internal & external clients, protocol documentation, and organization of official events.
How can you make a difference?
Under the supervision and guidance of the supervisor, the Administrative Associate (Protocol & Events) is responsible for executing a broad variety of procedural and specialized administrative tasks for the respective section, requiring in-depth knowledge of UNICEF administrative procedures, processes, and policies. These tasks include managing protocol-related requirements such as visas, residence permits, and other clearances for staff and official visitors; supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of official meetings, workshops, and high-level events; and ensuring seamless logistical arrangements
Key functions/accountabilities:
Protocol and Liaison
- Facilitate official communication and interaction with government offices, embassies and international bodies.
- Ensure adherence to diplomatic protocols.
- Coordinate visa applications, work permits, and residency status through the UN common services protocol unit, ensuring timely delivery.
- Coordinate diplomatic (or special status) accreditation documents as required – IDs, permits, tax – statuses.
- Maintain records of protocol correspondence, including services provided by UN common services.
- Facilitate protocol arrangements for high-level visits as necessary, including airport movements and high-level meetings
- Assist in building and maintaining relationships with government ministries identified at strategic to operational activities.
Events/Logistics
- Support the administrative aspect of organizing internal and external meetings, workshops, retreats, and conferences
- Arrange logistical details for official office events in line with relevant UNICEF policies
- Liaise with facilitators, caterers, ICT, and facilities to ensure smooth execution of events.
- Support budget preparation and financial oversight for events, ensuring alignment with work plans.
- Monitor all tickets submitted via the UNICEF intranet.
- Monitor event calendars and help maintain an annual planning schedule for meetings and capacity-building engagements.
- Work with operations, programme sections and people & culture to support the provision of high-quality office-wide staff-focused events.
- Maintain an event asset inventory and ensure availability of items as and when needed
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the field of work.
Experience:
A minimum of 6 years of relevant administrative or clerical work experience is required.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as 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
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) for supervisory role
During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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 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.
Remarks:
This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is a role with direct contact with children, works directly with children, is a safeguarding response role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) applies.
UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
