Operations Associate (G-6), FT, #00137793, Phnom Penh - Cambodia, APR

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.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to Support

How can you make a difference?

UNICEF’s Country Office works to support the achievement of results for children in line with the approved Country Programme, UNICEF Strategic Plan, and national priorities. This includes strengthening programme delivery across development and humanitarian contexts while ensuring effective stewardship of resources. The Operations function contributes by enabling efficient, compliant, and risk-informed management systems, supporting planning, implementation, monitoring, and accountability, and ensuring that operational services meet organizational standards and support programme effectiveness.

You will be in UNICEF Cambodia a key member of the Operations team, providing essential administrative and operational support to ensure the effective and timely delivery of UNICEF’s country programme. Your role is performed under the supervision and guidance of a designated supervisor and involves close collaboration with colleagues across the country office, as well as with external partners and agency counterparts.

Purpose of the Job:

The Operations Associate (GS6) provides comprehensive operational support to ensure the effective, equitable, and efficient functioning of UNICEF’s operations. The role covers administrative coordination, asset management, event coordination, and support to various operations units, including finance, administration, ICT, supply and logistics, and the People and Culture Team.

The position, reporting to the Deputy Representative Operations, is responsible for managing and coordinating the work of the Operations Section. The role provides comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to the Deputy Representative Operations and Unit Heads within Operations. Key responsibilities include managing information, coordinating operational matters, serving as a primary interface with both internal and external contacts, and prioritizing tasks under close supervision to ensure efficient workflow and effective communication within the section.

 Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Planning, Data Management, and Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate collection, validation, and submission of data required for office work plans, management plans, and statutory reporting.
• Act as the focal point for data completeness by coordinating with relevant units to ensure information is current, accurate, and aligned with corporate requirements.
• Compile and maintain management indicators, supporting performance monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.
• Prepare periodic (e.g., monthly) analytical summaries on key operational, compliance, and management metrics for review by senior management.

2. Support to Deputy Representative (Operations)

• Provide administrative and analytical support to the Deputy Representative (Operations) in the preparation, review, and monitoring of office management plans, statutory reports, and compliance documentation.
• Support coordination and follow-up related to office-wide operational priorities and management actions.
• Assist in consolidating inputs from different units to support effective planning and reporting.

3. Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management Support

• Track and monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and management action plans, ensuring timely follow-up, documentation, and closure.
• Support compliance with statutory operations indicators, internal controls, and corporate requirements.
• Provide secretariat support for Operations-related governance mechanisms, including Business Continuity Planning and Enterprise Risk Management, as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to facilitate audits, reviews, and compliance checks.

4. Research, Analysis, and Process Improvement

• Conduct research and comparative analysis on operational processes, policies, and best practices to support continuous improvement.
• Compile findings and draft summaries or recommendations to inform management decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency within Operations.
• Contribute to the review and implementation of improved procedures in line with UNICEF policies and SOPs.

5. Administrative Coordination, Communication, and Secretariat Services

• Manage calendars, appointments, and scheduling for supervisors, including coordination of leave and travel calendars within the Operations unit.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and briefings by preparing agendas, coordinating logistics, circulating documentation, and taking minutes.
• Track follow-up actions and maintain organized records of meetings, correspondence, and reports.
• Facilitate effective internal communication and workflow within the Operations unit to ensure timely information sharing and coordination.
• Receive visitors and handle incoming calls professionally, directing inquiries as appropriate.

6. Operations and Logistics Support (Cross-Functional)

• Facilitate effective internal communication and workflow within the Operations unit to ensure timely information sharing and coordination.Receive visitors and handle incoming calls professionally, directing inquiries as appropriate.
• Provide administrative support for domestic travel arrangements, including coordination and documentation, and assist in monitoring related processes.
• Assist with office security measures, asset management, inventory control, and procurement of office supplies in line with UNICEF policies.
• Support basic logistics coordination for meetings, workshops, and office activities as required.
• Provide cross-functional administrative and operational support to all units within Operations and P&C, including during peak workload periods, to ensure continuity of services.
• Ensure all support activities comply with UNICEF policies, SOPs, and established procedures.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Job Description_Operations Associate_G6.pdf

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements

• Education: Secondary Education in any related fields, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• Work Experience: At least 6 years of relevant work experience in Operations, Administration, Management Support or other related field is required. 
  Proven experience supporting day-to-day office operations, including coordination, planning, reporting, data tracking, logistics, or administrative services.
  Demonstrated experience providing administrative and coordination support to senior management or multidisciplinary teams, including meeting organization, follow-up on actions, and information management.
• Skills: Project Collaboration, Analytical Problem Solving, Digital Dexterity, Process Improvement, Compliance Awareness, Risk Awareness
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Khmer is required.

Desirables

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language
• Experience working in a complex organizational environment, preferably within the United Nations system, an international organization, NGO, or public sector institution, is an asset.
• Proficiency in the use of enterprise systems and digital tools for administrative, operational, and reporting purposes is an asset.
• 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. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments are conditional on the selected candidates willingness to comply with current or future vaccination requirements, should UNICEF mandate it for personnel. Failure to comply with such requirements, where applicable and without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, will result in the cancellation of the selection or may lead to other administrative measures, including separation from service.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.