Administrative Specialist at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Administrative Specialist

Job no: 577373
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Level: P-3
Categories: Administration

How Can You Make a Difference?

• As the manager and specialist of administrative management services typically in a small to medium-sized country office, the incumbent is accountable for the provision of managerial leadership and policy guidance for the achievement of effective administrative service management and staff capacity development.
• Collaborate with Operations management efficient administrative operations in support of the Office and country programmes.
• Ensures the office’s administrative operations and services are effectively in compliance with the organization's administrative policy, procedures, rules and regulations.

Key End Result

• Appropriate and consistent interpretation and application of administrative policy and procedures are timely implemented to support operations at the country and sub-country levels.
• The budget preparation and implementation are properly administered, monitored and controlled in the area of administrative management and services.
• Supervision and leadership in management and operations of delivery and improvement in administrative support services are timely and effectively provided, and security arrangements are well established for enhanced safety and security.
• Property management of administrative supplies, office equipment, vehicles and other properties is effectively performed.
• All administrative transactions and arrangements of contracts satisfy the requirements as stipulated and are in compliance with the applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Staff capacity is enhanced through organized staff learning/development programmes in the area of administrative management and services.
• Effective working relations are maintained with other agencies, local authorities and implementing partners.
• Any other assigned administrative management responsibilities and services are effectively carried out and delivered.

Key Functions, Accountabilities and Related Duties / Tasks
Policy, procedures and strategies:

• As technical specialist and manager, accountable for the correct and consistent application of policies and procedures in the management of administrative functions through the provision of technical leadership, guidance and support to the country office and sub-offices where applicable.
• Contributes to global, regional and country strategic planning and policy changes/formulation on administrative matters as necessary. Provides technical input to the establishment of administrative guidelines in close coordination with the head of office, Chief of Operations and DFAM.
• Advises the head of the office and updates staff on administrative policies, procedures rules and regulations, providing technical advice, guidelines and administrative support. Implements the appropriate application and interpretation of administrative rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Briefs and assists arriving and departing staff on administrative procedures and requirements.
• Liaises with the Regional Office and HQ Divisions to support policy reform in the area of administrative service management; advises on the applicability of new policy directives at the country level. Makes viable recommendations on the improvement of systems and internal controls, and resolution of sensitive issues, taking into account the prevailing conditions in the locality.
• Keeps the supervisor abreast of potential problem areas, and identifies and recommends solutions. Prepares reports on administrative matters.
• Provides administrative support and services to country and sub-country offices where applicable, including preparation and funding of service contracts, preparations of PGMs for all administrative supplies. Undertakes missions to field locations to review administrative arrangements and makes appropriate recommendations as required.

Budget management:

• Monitors the budget in close coordination with the Chief of Operations to ensure that objectives stipulated early in the fiscal year are realized for smooth operation of the country office/sub offices, where applicable.
• Recommends and prepares estimates on office premises, supplies and equipment requirements for budget preparation purposes.
• Assists zone offices in the establishment and maintenance of administrative services. Prepares monitors and controls the administrative budget.

Administrative support and services:

• Ensures timely and effective delivery and improvement in administrative support and office services for enhanced quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness, including space management, transport services, vehicle use and maintenance, equipment, conference and travel arrangements, document reproduction, communications, mail and delivery services, local procurement and bill payments of utilities.
• Ensures the timely and cost-effective provision of basic offices services including space management, equipment, communications and security to enhance staff safety and productivity.
• Supports the Inter-Agency Operations Management Team's approaches for enhancing UN common services to attain efficiencies and effectiveness.
• Negotiates and supervises matters relating to office premises, utilities and services with vendors /agencies.

Property management:

• Manages properties of administrative supplies, office equipment and vehicles, updating inventory of items, serving as ex-officio member to the Property Survey Board and ensuring follow-up action.
• Prepares Property Survey Board submissions for the Senior Operations Officer; prepares minutes of meetings and assists the Senior Operations Officer in executing PSB recommendations approved by the Head of Office.
• Supervises adequate and appropriate use of supplies. Ensures that services and maintenance of premises are in accordance with organizational standards.

Contract arrangement and control:

• Ensures that all administrative transactions and arrangements of contracts are in compliance with the applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Reviews all contractual arrangements related to administrative support (i.e. courier, premises maintenance, ancillary administrative support, vehicle maintenance, equipment maintenance etc.) to ensure that the terms and conditions of all contracts are being adhered to by providers of services. Proposes to supervisor any changes that may be required.
• Monitors payments against contractual obligations.

Staff learning and development:

• Develops training programmes to enhance effective performance and efficiency in admin. services management.
• Implements staff learning and development programme activities for capacity building. Conducts workshops for staff competency building, staff learning and development and career development. Provides coaching and counselling to the staff on performance enhancement/development.

Partnership, coordination and collaboration:

• Facilitates and maintains effective working relations with other agencies, local authorities and implementing partners relating to administrative matters for enhancement of information exchange, collaboration, and harmonization.
• Cooperates and coordinates with other UN agency counterparts in the UN reform initiatives (including common services and premises agenda, etc.).
• Coordinates field emergency services.

Performs any other duties and responsibilities assigned as required:

• Ensure to provide quality services to the beneficiaries in a timely and cost-effective manner in performing additional duties and responsibilities assigned in conformance with the policy, standards, rules and regulations.

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, Business Management, Administration, Finance, or any other relevant field of discipline.

Work Experience:

• Five years of relevant professional work experience.
• Both national and international work experience in office management, administration, finance, accounting, ICT, human resources, supply or any other relevant function.
• Work experience in an emergency duty station.

Application Closing Date
4th December, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online