VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
UNICEF NIGERIA
Position Title: Operation Officers
Duty Station: Sokoto, Nigeria
Job Level / Type: Professional / Fixed-Term or Temporary Appointment
Application Deadline: 30th June 2026
For Every Child, an Advocate
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.
How Can You Make a Difference?
The Operations Officer in Sokoto acts as a vital bridge between field programme delivery and internal systems. In this core operations and management support role, you will help UNICEF run efficiently and transparently, ensuring that financial and operational resources are optimally managed and protected to support life-saving programmes for children.
The selected candidate will lead efforts to strengthen risk management, maximize value for money, and foster seamless internal collaboration across multiple operational pillars, including Finance, HR, Administration, Supply Chain, and Information Technology.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
1. Operational & Financial Analysis
- Conduct detailed financial and operational analysis to support strategic decision-making by the Field Office leadership.
- Monitor operational budgets, track expenditures, and analyze resource utilisation to ensure compliance with UNICEF financial rules and regulations.
2. Efficiency & Internal Controls
- Implement, monitor, and improve internal operational systems (Finance, HR, Administration, Logistics/Supply Chain, and ICT support).
- Review business processes constantly to improve speed, reduce bottlenecks, and guarantee high-quality operational support to programme teams.
3. Risk Management & Compliance
- Strengthen internal controls, accountability mechanisms, and risk management frameworks within the Field Office.
- Anticipate operational risks, maintain risk registers, and implement mitigation measures to safeguard UNICEF’s assets and reputation.
4. Human Resources & Staff Development
- Support workforce planning, staff performance management systems, and local staff development initiatives.
- Promote a healthy, collaborative, and inclusive work environment aligned with UNICEF’s core values.
5. Partnership & Coordination
- Enhance inter-departmental collaboration and coordinate operations with external partners, government counterparts, and other UN agencies.
- Oversee administrative aspects of partnership agreements and ensure compliance with UNICEF’s operating procedures.
Requirements & Qualifications
Education
- A University Degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Human Resources, Information Technology, Project Management, or another relevant field is required.
- Desirable: Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ACCA, CPA, Prince2, CIPD, CIPS) are considered an asset.
Work Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of relevant, professional work experience in one or more of the following operational areas is required:
- Financial management, budgeting, or auditing
- General administration or Human Resources management
- Supply chain, procurement, or logistics management
- ICT or operational systems support
- Desirable: Prior experience working in a humanitarian, international development, or large non-profit organization is highly valued.
Languages
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.
- Working knowledge of local languages spoken in Sokoto/Northern Nigeria is a strong advantage.
Core Values & Competencies
To be successful in this role, the candidate must demonstrate UNICEF’s core values:
- Care | Respect | Integrity | Trust | Accountability | Sustainability (CRITAS)
Core Functional Competencies:
- Strong financial acumen and data analysis skills.
- Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Office tools (specifically Excel) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) databases.
- High emotional intelligence and adaptability.
- Ability to work effectively and maintain operational structure in high-pressure, complex environments.
- Exceptional process orientation and attention to detail.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the selection criteria are invited to submit their applications online through the official UNICEF Careers portal.
Apply Online via UNICEF Careers Portal LINK BELOW
Please ensure your profile is fully updated, and attach a tailored CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your suitability for this operational leadership role.
Additional Information
- 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 our 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.
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.