Chief, Planning and Operations

The function supports the Deputy Director of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) in managing the Divisional resources at the three locations in New York, Geneva and Istanbul and serving as a strategic adviser to EMOPS’ Director, Deputy Directors and to the Senior Management team in the areas of planning and operations and day-to-day management of the division. In addition, the function provides advice and strategic guidance on the best and innovative management practices to enhance office performance in a healthy working environment.

Purpose of the job 

As the head of operations and planning of a large HQ Division, located at three geographic locations in New York, Geneva and Istanbul the incumbent is accountable for the strategic planning of divisional activities in support of the effective implementation of global humanitarian priorities, as presented in the Office Management Plan and aligned with the UNICEF Strategic Plan and Core Commitments for Children. The incumbent is also accountable for the cost-effective, efficient and secure operations in support of management, administration and implementation of the humanitarian programme.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

High-level Planning:

• Oversee the coordination, design and development of divisional planning activities, including preparation of the EMOPS Strategic Plan, Office Management Plan (OMP), the Integrated Budget and the Annual Workplan (AWP) for all EMOPS sections across New York, Geneva and Istanbul; propose adjustments and take follow up actions to ensure the achievement of divisional objectives and implementations of relevant recommendations of reviews, audits and evaluations in accordance with the plans; ensure that the divisional review and reporting requirements on the progress and implementation of the planned results and activities are met in full and within deadlines.
• In the context of OMP and Integrated Budget preparation and review, and in coordination with the DHR Chief HR in Humanitarian Action, EMOPS Business Partner and the Strategic Business Support unit in DFAM, ensure that adequate staffing structures and budget requirements are in place to enable divisional achievement of stated goals and objectives for all EMOPS sections across New York, Geneva and Istanbul.
• Advice and recommendations to Section Chiefs on results, program budget planning and financial management

Operations Accountability:

• Support the efficient and effective functioning of EMOPS across New York, Geneva and Istanbul through management of services in the areas of administration, budget, financial management, information technology, and other operational areas of work; introduce and maintain workflows and tools to streamline the office work; oversee preparation, quality and timely submission of progress/status reports related to operational indicators.
• Act as member of Senior Management Team, representing the organizational risk, governance systems and policies perspective in management discussions, and promoting results-based management and implementation using Value for Money criteria.
• Support EMOPS Director and Deputy Directors as well as Section Chiefs on strategic and management issues and key organizational priorities for EMOPS related to planning and operations across New York, Geneva and Istanbul, as well as new organizational policies, trends, initiatives and priorities.
• Keep abreast of issues and activities in humanitarian policy, preparedness/response, partnerships, cluster coordination, and donor relations to provide timely and appropriate advice.

Interdivisional coordination and demands management:

• Leads processes on areas of collaborations between EMOPS at headquarters and regional levels on issues related to planning and operations and advise senior management, including on HAC development and revisions.
• Serves as a strategic liaison with headquarters divisions and regional Offices for planning and collaboration.

Provide the required reporting support, including to the Executive Board sessions:

• Provide advice and oversight for the planning team across New York, Geneva and Istanbul on all the reporting products of planning, including the Executive Board humanitarian action related work. This includes preparation of board reports and others, presentations and support to senior management during the board sessions or donor meetings.

Management of Planning and Operations Team:

• Promote management excellence in the office by ensuring accountability in all areas of Planning and Operations across New York, Geneva and Istanbul and by demonstrating a high level of skills in the management of staff resources including staff selection based on merit and the needs of the organization, staff aspiration and counselling, systematic and equitable performance management, and staff development and learning activities.
• Effectively manage the human and financial resources (budget planning, management and monitoring) of Planning and Operations Team and ensure both are optimally utilized.
• Monitor compliance with all systems and procedures and ensure management integrity and accountability with high quality standards in all activities in Planning and Operations; ensure the implementation of agreed audit recommendations; advise on corrective measures to be taken and establish relevant internal controls.

Impact of Results

• The ability of the Chief, Planning and Operations to effectively lead, oversee the planning and operations functions across the three EMOPS locations in New York, Geneva and Istanbul and the link with the Director/Deputy Directors and the Chiefs of Sections as well as the link with DHR Chief HR in Humanitarian Action and EMOPS Business Partner for all HR matters for the efficient delivery of related services, directly impact on program performance, resource mobilization and delivery of results for children.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

[Include the vacancy requirements aligned to the category and level of the position. You can see examples in the branded VA example.]

• Education: An advanced university degree in Planning, Economics, Business Administration, Financial Management, or another field related to UNICEF’s work.
• Practical training in programme management, survey and research analysis, or applied statistical data analysis in social sciences is an asset.
• Work Experience: At least ten years of relevant work experience at the national and international level is required, specifically in advocating and implementing strategic organizational initiatives in one or more management areas, including but not limited to program planning, budgeting, financial management, and reporting administration, and human resources.
• Experience in managing large teams is required.
• Previous hands-on experience in strategic planning and managerial leadership is required.
• Background/familiarity with UNICEF Emergency Preparedness and Response Programme work is required.
• Experience in Results Based Management is highly desirable.
• Prior experience working with diverse stakeholder groups or multi-stakeholder partnerships is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with modern office tools and technologies is required.
• Language Requirements:  Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/574158