Senior Operations Associate

Job no: 596618 Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment Duty Station: Antananarivo Level: G-7 Location: Madagascar Categories: Operations UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling. UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. For every child, the right to advocacy How can you make a difference? Madagascar remains one of the countries facing significant development and humanitarian challenges, with children being disproportionately affected by poverty, climate shocks, recurrent emergencies, limited access to basic services, and persistent inequalities. UNICEF Madagascar works alongside the Government, development partners, civil society and communities to promote and protect the rights of every child through integrated programmes in health, nutrition, education, child protection, social policy, WASH and emergency response. To deliver results efficiently and accountably in such a complex operating environment, UNICEF relies on strong operational systems, effective risk management practices, and robust oversight mechanisms. The Operations function plays a critical role in ensuring that financial, administrative and governance processes support programme delivery while safeguarding resources and maintaining compliance with organizational policies and standards. Within this context, the Senior Operations Associate (Risk Management and HACT) contributes to strengthening the office’s risk management and assurance framework. The position supports proactive identification and mitigation of operational, fiduciary and compliance risks, quality assurance of HACT activities and follow-up of corrective actions, while promoting efficient use of resources and continuous process improvement. Working closely with programme and operations teams, implementing partners and field offices, the incumbent contributes to enhancing accountability, transparency, value for money and organizational performance, thereby supporting UNICEF Madagascar in achieving sustainable results for children. Join UNICEF Madagascar’s Operations team and play a key role in strengthening accountability, risk management and oversight systems that support the delivery of results for children. As Senior Operations Associate (Risk Management and HACT), you will contribute to the effective implementation of the office’s risk management framework and provide critical support to assurance activities under the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT). In this role, you will coordinate risk monitoring and reporting processes, support HACT planning and implementation, facilitate follow-up on audit and assurance recommendations, and contribute to strengthening internal controls and compliance mechanisms. You will work closely with programme and operations teams, field offices and implementing partners to promote transparency, mitigate risks and improve operational effectiveness. Through your expertise and collaboration, you will help ensure that UNICEF resources are managed responsibly and efficiently to achieve sustainable results for children across Madagascar. To qualify as an advocate for every child you will haveMinimum Requirements Education: Completion of secondary education is required Work Experience: At least 7 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in operations, finance/internal control, audit/compliance, implementing partnership management and/or risk management. Skills: Good understanding of risk management, internal controls and compliance principles. Strong ability to analyze data and produce concise management reports and dashboards. Ability to work with multiple stakeholders and manage competing priorities with rigor and discretion. Language Requirements: Fluency in French is required Desirables Language: Working knowledge of English, knowledge of Malagasy, A university degree (Bachelor’s) is an asset in a relevant field such as business administration, finance/accounting, audit, risk management, project management, economics, or related areas. Experience with HACT and/or assurance over cash transfers to implementing partners, Practical knowledge of the HACT framework and assurance activities (micro-assessments, spot checks, audits, programme visits), Proficiency in office tools (advanced Excel desirable) and corporate systems (e. g., VISION, e Tools/HACT, e GRC/IPM or equivalents)Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts. For every Child, you demonstrate… UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. UNICEF Competencies Required For This Post AreBuilds and maintains partnerships Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness Drive to achieve results for impact Innovates and embraces change Manages ambiguity and complexity Thinks and acts strategically Works collaboratively with others For more information and

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