Mission and objectives

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean has the mandate to oversee and support UNICEF results in the region. The position will be part of the Regional Operations Team and will be responsible for providing a variety of specialized tasks in Budget management primarily, but also in Finance and Administration.

Task Description

Under the supervision of the Operations manager, the incumbent will provide administrative, analytical, and coordination support to facilitate effective operational oversight, budget management, and regional governance processes across the Regional Office and Country Offices in the Latin America and Caribbean region. 1. Direct Support to the Admin Finance Budget Unit • Provide coordination, analytical, and administrative support to the unit on the implementation of regional operational priorities and oversight functions. • Assist in preparing briefing materials, presentations, reports, and follow-up actions related to regional operational and budget management matters. • Maintain tracking tools and documentation related to regional operational initiatives, budget monitoring, and management decisions. 2. Support to Regional Governance, TRT/PBR processes • Support the preparation and coordination, and reporting of regional governance mechanisms, including the Regional Technical Review Team (TRT) and Programme Budget Review (PBR) exercises. • Assist in compiling operational inputs and documentation related to the Country Programme Management Plans and related review exercises. • Support monitoring and follow-up on decisions and recommendations emerging from TRT, PBR, and other regional management processes with Country Offices and relevant headquarters divisions. 3. Support Operational Oversight and Performance Monitoring • Assist in the review of Country Office Annual Management Plans, compiling relevant data and documentation for analysis by the Regional Operations team. • Contribute to the monitoring of regional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in areas related to budgetary, financial, and administrative management. • Support the preparation of regional operational performance reports and dashboards. • Compile and organize operational data received from Country Offices to support regional oversight and analysis. 4. Support Regional Operational Initiatives and Reviews • Provide coordination and analytical support to regional initiatives related to Business Operations Strategy (BOS), Common Back Office, and UN reform processes. • Assist in compiling documentation and data for Country Office peer reviews, operational assessments, and quality assurance exercises. • Support regional initiatives related to eco-efficiency, greening, accessibility, and operational simplification. 5. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building • Support the organization of regional trainings, webinars, and workshops for the LAC (Latin America and Caribbean) Operations community. • Maintain documentation and knowledge-sharing resources related to operational policies, guidance, and tools. • Assist in documenting good practices, lessons learned, and operational innovations across Country Offices. 6. General Administrative Support • Provide administrative support for travel arrangements, meetings, workshops, and conferences organized by the Regional Operations team. • Support procurement of goods and services, including contracting of consultants and service providers. • Assist with invoice processing and payment follow-up for activities managed by the Regional Operations team. 7. Other Duties • Perform other duties as required in support of the Regional Operations team and regional management priorities.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Panama is in Central America with a population of 4,300,000 million, the official language is Spanish, but most Panamanians are bilingual. Panama has a lower crime rate than many other countries in the region. Panama City is largely a safe city – but care does need to be taken in some areas and with personal property. It is your choice whether you opt for a house or an apartment. Beautiful spacious houses, with gardens are available. Those staff that have opted for an apartment have done so on the basis that they offer more security and more facilities. The US Dollar is used as a legal currency in Panama. There are also coins of the Balboa, which is the national currency, similar in shape and value to the US Dollar. Please make sure to leave Panama only with US Dollar currency, as there are some international difficulties changing the Balboa abroad. Panama has a tropical climate with practically the same average temperature of 27°C year-round with 78% humidity. The rainy season in Panama is from March until November each year, we recommend you bring an umbrella. The air conditioning may be cool at times in the office and in local shops, so we suggest you bring a jacket or sweater. The voltage in Panama is 110v, 60 cycle with two and three prong plugs. Wall plugs are mostly for 110v. In some properties there may by 220v for air conditioning or similar. Current fluctuations are common and electricity cuts are still possible. There are many clinics and medical centers in Panama: For your information, below the largest private hospitals in Panama City. Hospital Paitilla +507 265 8888 +507 265 8800 Hospital Pacífica Salud [former Punta Pacífica] +507 204 8184 +507 204 8000 Hospital San Fernando +507 305 6305 +507 305 6300 Hospital Nacional +507 306 3300 +507 207 8100 There is also an Emergency Ambulance service, government-owned 911. If you open a local bank account, banks in Panama request the following documents. - Reference letter from your bank. - Present original and bring copy of your national Passport, - Employment letter. BENEFITS: (MLA) Monthly Living Allowance estimated at USD 2757.87 An entry lump sum of USD350.00 (paid in the first payroll). An exit allowance estimated at USD 120 for each month of service, paid upon contract completion. Insurance for medical, dental, and hospital care, as well as life and disability insurance. Medical insurance for eligible dependents. Check the Conditions of Service for eligibility details. Annual leave accrued at rate of 2.5 days per month You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.