Deputy Representative Operations (P-4) - Fixed Term

About UNICEF Ghana

Operating in over 190 countries, UNICEF is dedicated to saving children's lives and advancing their rights through comprehensive programs spanning from early childhood to adolescence. UNICEF Ghana partners with government, UN agencies, civil society, and private sectors to promote child rights aligned with national goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The country faces inequities particularly impacting children in remote regions and vulnerable communities, and UNICEF Ghana emphasizes system strengthening, equity-oriented services, domestic financing, partnerships, digital transformation, and preparedness.

Role Overview

The Deputy Representative of Operations serves as the strategic business partner leading the Country Office's operations function. This position provides operational leadership, policy guidance, and oversight to ensure effective, efficient, and accountable delivery of UNICEF Ghana’s programs. As a member of senior management, the incumbent advises on risk, compliance, business continuity, and resource optimization, champions digital transformation and operational excellence, and may act as Officer in Charge during the Head of Office’s absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support managing the Country Office and act as Officer in Charge as necessary.
• Oversee operational areas including budget, financial management, facilities, administration, supply chain, ICT, safety, and security, aligning them with a unified vision.
• Represent risk governance and policies at management levels, advocating for results-based management.
• Foster a risk-aware culture focusing on fiduciary risk management, fraud prevention, procurement, and asset management.
• Anticipate programmatic challenges and propose value-for-money operational solutions.
• Contribute to programmatic and management planning and practices including CPD, CPMP, AMP, and Results-Based Management.
• Promote adoption of technology tools supporting results and accountability, ensuring ICT management and security.
• Support audits and monitor implementation of audit recommendations.
• Guide supply and logistics strategies to meet program needs emphasizing value for money and advising partners on supply chain management.
• Provide operational risk and achievement feedback through governance systems.
• Lead facility management prioritizing accessibility, eco-sustainability, and shared premises.
• Oversee GSSC business transactions focusing on efficiency, performance, risk, and fraud prevention.
• Manage PSFR operations promoting system efficiency.
• Contribute to effective donor fund management.
• Lead multidisciplinary cross-functional teams.

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in business, finance, accounting, public finance, supply chain, HR, IT, international business, project management, or a full professional accounting certification with valid membership.
• At least eight years of professional experience nationally and internationally in operations management areas such as budget, finance, facilities, supply chain, ICT, or human resources.
• Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams and senior management experience.
• Track record in stakeholder engagement involving government, UN, donors, and partners.
• Experience in developing countries, preferably West & Central Africa.
• Knowledge of UN common services, ERP systems, IPSAS, Results-Based Management, and organizational efficiency.
• Preferred experience in audit, investigations, safety and security, grant management, enterprise risk management, and private sector fundraising support.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of French or local Ghanaian languages is a plus.

Competencies and Values

• Partnership building and collaboration.
• Self-awareness and ethical integrity.
• Results-driven impact focus.
• Adaptability and innovation.
• Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity.
• Strategic thinking and action.
• Leadership and people development.

Additional Information

This position has an elevated child safeguarding risk profile, requiring enhanced vetting and adherence to strict ethical standards. UNICEF is committed to inclusiveness, diversity, and non-discrimination and provides reasonable accommodations in recruitment and employment processes. Employment offers are conditional on medical clearance and visa acquisition. Government employees hired may need to resign from prior roles. No fees are charged in the recruitment process.