UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, operates in over 190 countries and territories worldwide. Their mission is to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the children they serve.

Job Overview

UNICEF’s Programme Group (PG) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Budget and Administration Assistant to join their dynamic team in Nairobi, Kenya. This role is part of the Programme Strategy and Coordination (PSC) Hub and will play a crucial role in supporting budget management, office planning, and administrative functions for the PG and select Global Leads.

Key Responsibilities

Budget Management and Monitoring (40%)

• – Monitor and report on budget-related key performance indicators
• – Track financial expenditures linked to annual work plans using UNICEF tools and systems
• – Ensure compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations in all financial transactions
• – Carry out transactions in VISION, the organization’s enterprise resource planning system
• – Liaise with other UNICEF teams on budget management tasks
• – Assist in planning budgets for various UNICEF initiatives and work plans

Office Planning and Management (30%)

• – Arrange and facilitate meetings, both in-person and virtual
• – Coordinate capacity development activities, workshops, and events
• – Prepare monitoring and reporting information on agreed performance indicators
• – Assist with travel arrangements and entitlements for team members
• – Maintain office calendar and communicate routine and non-routine information

Procurement and Operations Support (20%)

• – Support the procurement and contracting process for consultants, institutional contracts, and programme cooperation agreements
• – Manage administrative supplies and office equipment inventory
• – Coordinate with various UNICEF units on staff onboarding/offboarding and office space management

Human Resources Administration (10%)

• – Provide support to the PG Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) team as needed
• – Assist with HR-related tasks and queries

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• – Completion of secondary education in public administration, finance, international relations, political science, or a related field is required
• – A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may replace three years of work experience
• – A master’s degree may replace an additional two years of experience

Experience

• – Minimum of five years of budget management and administrative experience
• – Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset
• – Relevant recent experience in UNICEF or another UN agency is highly desirable

Skills and Competencies

• – Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• – Experience with UNICEF-specific software such as VISION and SharePoint is advantageous
• – Strong organizational and time management skills
• – Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• – Ability to work independently and remotely from team members in other locations
• – Demonstrated capacity to manage material resources and monitor budgets effectively

Language Requirements

• – Fluency in English is required
• – Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset

UNICEF Core Values and Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). Additionally, they should exhibit the following competencies:

• – Builds and maintains partnerships
• – Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• – Drives to achieve results for impact
• – Innovates and embraces change
• – Manages ambiguity and complexity
• – Thinks and acts strategically
• – Works collaboratively with others

Additional Information

• – This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Candidates must have an existing visa/work permit or be a resident/citizen of Kenya to be eligible.
• – UNICEF offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including paid parental leave and flexible working arrangements.
• – The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
• – UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with UN values, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
• – All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
• – UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance and may require specific vaccinations, including against COVID-19.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications are invited to submit their applications through the UNICEF career portal. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advanced to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All UNICEF positions are advertised publicly, and the selection process is transparent and merit-based.