Deputy Representative Operations

United Nations Children's Fund

Location:
Bamako, Mali
Grade:
P-5
Category:
Professional Staff
Posted Jun 23, 2026Apply by Jun 30, 2026 (3d left)

The Deputy Representative Operations leads the operations functions to achieve results, drive change, provide risk-informed, solution-focused analysis, advice and services, and contribute to programme and management decisions for delivering results for children in all operational contexts. The role includes oversight of administration, budget, finance, digital impact, supply and logistics, risk management, and facility management, acting as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Representative, and supporting strategic business partnership.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the operations functions to achieve results, drive change, provide risk-informed, solution-focused analysis, advice and services.
  • Support the Representative on managing the office and act as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Representative.
  • Oversee the Operations function to ensure effective and efficient management of administration, budget, finance, digital impact, supply and logistics.
  • Convene and contribute to Risk Management ensuring compliance, including safety and security.
  • Ensure processes to identify, promote and empower staff potential through career development, stretch assignments and succession planning.
  • Act as member of the Country and Senior Management Teams representing organizational risk, governance systems and policies.
  • Understand business needs for the Country Programme to anticipate challenges and propose viable solutions with value for money strategies.
  • Provide key contributions to CPD, CPMP, AMP and support Results Based Management and implementation using Value for Money criteria.
  • Drive innovations by leveraging technology to support delivery of results for children and promote Digital Impact Management.
  • Lead external and internal audit reviews and respond to audit observations and monitor implementation of recommendations.
  • Guide Supply and Logistics strategies and interventions to meet programmatic needs ensuring Value for Money and provide advisory support to governments and partners on supply chain management.
  • Leverage governance, systems, and tools to provide regular feedback on risks and achievements of operations functions.
  • Lead facility management focusing on inclusive accessibility, eco sustainability and common premises.
  • Oversee business transactions processed by GSSC from perspectives of efficiency, performance, risk management and fraud prevention.
  • Support management of PSFR operations and promote efficiency across systems and processes.
  • Ensure UNICEF offices are fit for purpose in fragile and humanitarian contexts to enable timely delivery of humanitarian assistance and compliance with Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action.

Requirements

  • An Advanced University Degree (Master’s level and above) in Business management; Financial management; Accounting; Public Finance; or related operations function (Supply Chain, Human Resources, Information Technology, International Business, Project management, etc.) or a full professional accounting designation (CA, ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CPFA, Expert Comptable) from an internationally recognized institute/body of accountancy with valid membership in good standing is required.
  • A minimum of 10 years of professional experience, at the national and international level, specifically in advocating and implementing strategic organizational initiatives in one or more operations management areas including budget; financial management and reporting; facilities management; administration; supply and logistics management; information and communication technology.
  • Experience in humanitarian settings is strongly desired.
  • Prior experience in the development sector or UN system/international NGOs would be an asset.
  • For country offices with significant private sector fundraising, prior experience working with or in the private sector and supporting private sector fundraising is desirable.
  • Additional desired experience in audit and investigations, safety and security, grant management, enterprise risk management.
  • Experience in a UN system agency, large private or public company, or working in a developing country and/or humanitarian/emergency context is an asset.
  • Experience working with corporate ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) and IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) is highly desirable.
  • Experience in Results Based Management is a requirement.
  • Experience managing successful client-oriented work units is an asset.
  • Experience in co-creating policy is desirable.
  • Prior experience working with diverse stakeholder groups or multi-stakeholder partnerships is highly desirable.
  • Previous hands-on experience in strategic and managerial leadership is required.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications is required.
  • Oral and written proficiency in French and English is required.
  • Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is considered an asset.
  • Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts is desirable.

Skills

  • Finance Management
  • Budget Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics Management
  • Facilities Management
  • Enterprise Risk Management
  • Grant Management
  • Audit and Investigations
  • Result-Based Management
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Operations Management
  • Policy Co-creation
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Corporate ERP Systems
  • IPSAS
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Humanitarian Operations Liaison
  • Private Sector Fundraising
  • Client-oriented Management

Languages

French, English