Operations Associate at UNICEF – Kano, Nigeria

Introduction: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is recruiting a highly organized and experienced professional to fill the position of Operations Associate in Kano, Nigeria. This role is central to supporting UNICEF’s mission of advancing the rights and well-being of every child by ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-quality operational services that enable programme teams to deliver results for children, especially the most disadvantaged.

• Job Title: Operations Associate
• Company: UNICEF
• Location: Kano, Nigeria
• Employment Type: Fixed Term Appointment
• Level: G-6

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents. Its mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does—through programmes, advocacy, and operations. Guided by an equity-focused strategy, UNICEF strives to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, without discrimination.

Job Description

The Operations Associate supports the effective and compliant delivery of UNICEF’s operational services, ensuring that core operational functions—finance, supply and logistics, administration, travel, and asset management—are delivered efficiently and in line with UNICEF policies and procedures. Under the supervision of the Operations Officer or Operations Manager, the role contributes to improved service delivery and enables programme teams to achieve results on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Coordination and Planning

• Support coordination of finance, supply, logistics, and administrative functions.
• Track implementation of the operations work plan and monitor progress against deadlines.
• Provide operational guidance to colleagues on UNICEF procedures and standards.
• Ensure availability of accurate data for operational and project planning.
• Conduct basic analysis of operational information to support decision-making.

Financial and Budget Support

• Review, prepare, and process financial transactions in compliance with policies.
• Monitor budgets and expenditures, advising supervisors on follow-up actions.
• Support budget preparation, revisions, expenditure tracking, and reporting.
• Maintain financial records and control plans for audit readiness.
• Support petty cash management, cash forecasting, and liquidation of advances.
• Process grant-related transactions in VISION and track expiring programme grants.
• Review invoices and process payments with complete supporting documentation.

Procurement, Supply, and Logistics

• Assist with procurement of goods and services, including requisitions and bid evaluations.
• Maintain updated vendor lists and consultant rosters.
• Support contract processing for consultants and external partners.
• Coordinate logistics, transport arrangements, inventory control, and asset management.

Administrative and Facility Management

• Provide administrative and logistical support for meetings, workshops, and events.
• Oversee office supplies, utilities, maintenance services, and related contracts.
• Maintain accurate administrative records, filing systems, and databases.
• Support office transport arrangements and protocol matters.
• Ensure safekeeping, verification, and disposal of assets in line with procedures.

Travel and Logistics Coordination

• Provide travel assistance and ensure compliance with UNICEF travel policies.
• Coordinate flight bookings, hotel reservations, and airport pickups.
• Review Travel Authorizations and ensure timely closure of travel transactions.
• Maintain accurate travel records and support travel budget preparation.

Risk Management, Compliance, and Reporting

• Support implementation of internal controls and follow up on audit recommendations.
• Monitor operational risks and escalate issues as required.
• Support preparation of management reports and operational performance data.
• Promote collaboration between operations, programme, and field teams.

Attendance Management

• Maintain accurate attendance and absence records, including R&R and SECTO.
• Process related transactions in VISION and generate utilization reports for management.

Educational Requirements

• Completion of secondary education is required.
• Professional or university courses related to operations, administration, or finance are desirable.

Experience Required

• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible administrative or clerical work experience.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language or a local language is an asset.

Benefits of Applying

• Opportunity to contribute directly to improving the lives of children.
• Competitive UN benefits package, including parental leave and flexible work arrangements.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through UNICEF’s official recruitment portal using the link below: 

Apply Here

Application Deadline

07 January, 2026

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