Operations Associate (G6) Re-Advertise at UNICEF

Location: Kano, Nigeria

Organization: UNICEF

Position Level: General Service (G6)

Application Deadline: January 7, 2026

Advocating for Every Child: Why This Role Matters

In the heart of Northern Nigeria, the ability to deliver life-saving vaccines, educational materials, and protective services depends on a seamless operational backbone. Every child deserves an equitable chance to survive and thrive, but these rights can only be realized when humanitarian resources are managed with absolute precision and transparency. As an Operations Associate, you are the architect of efficiency, ensuring that UNICEF’s mission is powered by robust financial, logistical, and administrative systems that turn global commitments into local results.

Job Summary

The Operations Associate (G6) provides specialized procedural support to ensure the compliant and effective delivery of UNICEF’s operational services. Reporting to the Operations Officer or Manager, you will coordinate the essential functions of finance, supply chain, and administration, bridging the gap between back-office excellence and frontline program impact.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Stewardship & Budgetary Support

• Transaction Management: Process specialized financial transactions and maintain rigorous oversight of grants within the VISION system, ensuring funds are utilized before expiration.
• Budget Monitoring: Track expenditures against work plans, manage petty cash forecasting, and ensure the timely liquidation of financial advances.
• Audit Readiness: Prepare comprehensive financial records and control plans to ensure the office remains fully compliant during internal audits and peer reviews.

Supply Chain & Procurement Logistics

• Strategic Procurement: Facilitate the acquisition of goods and services by soliciting quotes, tabulating bids, and managing purchase orders to ensure maximum value for money.
• Vendor Management: Maintain updated rosters of consultants and suppliers, ensuring all contracts adhere to UNICEF’s stringent ethical and operational standards.
• Asset Accountability: Lead the annual physical verification of assets, managing the lifecycle of equipment from initial procurement to Property Survey Board (PSB) disposal recommendations.

Administrative & Facility Coordination

• Travel Excellence: Act as the primary focal point for staff travel, managing visas, security clearances, and entitlements while ensuring cost-effective flight and hotel bookings.
• Facility Oversight: Supervise the maintenance of office premises and utilities, ensuring a safe, professional, and standard-compliant work environment for all staff.
• Event Logistics: Provide end-to-end logistical support for high-level workshops and meetings, encompassing everything from venue setup to participant travel.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Internal Controls: Monitor operational risks and support the implementation of internal control systems to safeguard organizational resources.
• Attendance Management: Maintain precise records of staff leave, rest and recuperation (R&R), and attendance within the digital tracking systems.

Candidate Requirements

• Educational Foundation: Completion of secondary education is mandatory. However, a University Degree or professional certification in Finance, Business Administration, or Supply Chain Management is highly desirable and preferred.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in administration, operations, or clerical support, ideally within an international organization.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in SAP-based systems (such as VISION) and Microsoft Office Suite is a significant advantage.
• Linguistic Skills: Full professional fluency in English is required. Proficiency in a local Nigerian language or another official UN language is considered a valuable asset.
• Competencies: Strong analytical skills, a solutions-oriented mindset, and the ability to maintain meticulous records under pressure.

About the Organization

UNICEF is the world’s leading advocate for children, active in over 190 countries to protect the rights of every child, regardless of their circumstances. In Nigeria, our country program focuses on accelerating the realization of rights for the most excluded and disadvantaged families. We believe that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s youth is the only path to sustained national growth. Our team is driven by the core values of care, respect, integrity, trust, and accountability, working tirelessly to ensure that every child can reach their full potential.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Expectations: Competitive (Based on the United Nations Global Service salary scale for Nigeria).
• Benefits: Includes a comprehensive health insurance plan, pension contributions, and a family-friendly work environment that promotes diversity and inclusion.

Tips for Applicants

1. Emphasize Your Precision: Operations is a “zero-error” field. Ensure your CV demonstrates your history of managing complex budgets or inventory without discrepancies.
2. Highlight System Knowledge: If you have experience with SAP, VISION, or other ERP systems, make this a centerpiece of your application.
3. Connect to the Mission: In your cover letter, explain why you want to use your administrative skills specifically to help children, rather than just working in a corporate office.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their application through the official UNICEF careers portal:

Apply via UNICEF Vacancies Page

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.