Stretch Assignment: Operations Associate, WCARO (Onsite)

Title: Operations Associate
Level: GS-6
Reports to: Senior Operations Manager
Duration: 3 months
Section: Operations
Dates: 28 July to 31 October 2025

Location: Dakar, Senega
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.

1. Background

 UNICEF The Regional Office for West and Central Africa provides strategic oversight and support to 24 countries across the region. Within this framework, the Regional Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of strategic operational functions. This team provides technical assistance and oversight to country office operations colleagues on a wide range of administrative, financial, and operational matters. Additionally, it offers guidance and decision support to Senior Management, enabling informed strategic planning, strengthening operational systems and compliance for a smooth implementation of Programmes and the achievement of tangible results for children across the region.

2. Purpose of the assignment

This is an internal stretch assignment within WCARO to provide GS6 Operations Associate functions of the in the Regional Operations team. Under the supervision and general guidance of the Senior Operations Manager, the Operations Associate will proactively provide a variety of specialized tasks as outlined below.

3. Key Responsibilities

• Support to Programme Budget Review (PBR) Follow-up

• Assist in preparing the PBR action tracker and follow up with relevant RO teams and Country Offices.
• Support the follow up on the implementation of PBR decisions in coordination with DFAM and Country Offices.

• Operational Data Analysis Support

• Contribute to the analysis and follow up on operational data related to the Regional PBR and FFI exercise, including staffing changes, cost-saving measures, and affordability.
• Provide ongoing data analysis as required throughout the FFI process. Compile and analyze relevant operational data; develop visuals and presentations to support findings as needed.

• Financial Monitoring for Cape Verde Joint Office

• Support the monitoring, reconciliation, and recording of financial resources allocated to the Cape Verde Joint Office.
• Liaise with HQ and the Global Shared Services Center to ensure timely recording of transactions.
• Ensure financial and accounting records align with Cape Verde’s financial reports.

• Knowledge Management (KM)

• Map existing KM resources in the team and identify missing elements
• Identify how and where team members store, access, retrieve, and share knowledge.
• Finalize the team SharePoint page and ensure all files are properly organized

• Administrative and General Support

• Provide administrative support for travel arrangements, meetings, and conferences.
• Assist with procurement processes and the contracting of consultants or service providers.
• Support invoice and payment processing for the team.
• Coordinate the planning and reporting of team meetings and monitor the implementation of the annual workplan, including regular follow-up.
• Perform other duties as required.

4. Requirements

• Completion of secondary education is required with professional/university level courses in Accounting and Finance/Business administration considered as an asset.
• A minimum of six years of clerical experience in the area of finance and accounting is required.
• Fluency of French and working knowledge of English required.

5. Release arrangement

Interested staff should obtain their supervisor's approval before applying for the stretch assignment.

Reporting supervisor

Senior Operations Manager WCARO.