Operations Manager (P-4), FT, #135270, DID, Digital Inclusion Section

UN Atlas; Genf; Hybrid; CHF 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

UNICEF is seeking an Operations Manager for its Digital Inclusion programme to lead operational policy, budgeting, and governance across Geneva and Barcelona offices. The role requires strategic partnering, asset management, and strong leadership to scale digital access initiatives for children and communities.

The successful candidate will oversee procurement, IT and facilities, ensure policy compliance, and guide the operations team to support agile delivery in a global, inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required; master's or equivalent in relevant operations fields.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive operations experience at national and international levels.
• Experience with UNICEF/UN or RBM and strategic operations is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures and strategies aligned with UNICEF goals.
• Manage budget preparation and allocation for the Digital Inclusion programme.
• Coordinate administrative services for Geneva and Barcelona offices; supervise facilities and assets.
• Oversee contract arrangements, procurement policy compliance and vendor management.
• Provide leadership and people management to the operations team; drive process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Compliance

Policy development

Administration

Budget management

Financial management

Business intelligence

Process improvement

Digital tools

Automation

Education

Advanced University Degree in Business Management / Financial Management / Accounting / Public Finance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Organizational context: UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development in a passionate and inclusive culture.

Job purpose: The Operations Manager, reporting to the DID Chief of Operations, serves as a strategic business partner and functional expert for the Digital Inclusion (DI) programme's operational and administrative services. This role is accountable for managerial leadership and policy guidance to ensure the seamless execution of DI's mission, supporting both the Switzerland base and the Barcelona technology centre. The manager ensures that DI's operational strategies are robust, efficient, and scalable, aligning with UNICEF's Digital Impact Strategy. This includes overseeing foundational processes, governance, and infrastructure such as procurement, financing mechanisms, and enterprise architecture alignment, to support agile delivery and scale digital solutions for equitable and affordable digital access for children, schools, and communities.

Responsibilities: The Operations Manager is responsible for developing and implementing operational policies, procedures, and strategies that align with UNICEF's goals and the Digital Impact Division's objectives. This includes managing the budget preparation and implementation process, ensuring efficient financial planning and resource allocation for the DI programme. The role involves coordinating administrative support and services for both the Geneva and Barcelona offices, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Property management responsibilities include overseeing assets and facilities. The manager is also accountable for contract arrangement and control, ensuring compliance with procurement policies and best practices. Furthermore, the position requires strong leadership and people management skills to guide and develop the operations team. The Operations Manager will also undertake other duties as assigned by the DID Chief of Operations, contributing to the overall success of the Digital Inclusion programme.

Education: An Advanced University Degree (master's or equivalent) in Business Management, Financial Management, Accounting, Public Finance, or related operations functions (supply chain, HR, IT, international business) is required. A first-level university degree with a relevant professional accounting designation and two additional years of experience may substitute for an advanced degree.

Work experience: A minimum of 8 years of professional experience at national and international levels is required, focusing on strategic organizational initiatives in operations management areas such as budget, financial management, facilities management, administration, supply chain, logistics, and IT. Experience within UNICEF or the UN system, Results-Based Management, and strategic operations is mandatory.

Skills: Microsoft Office, Risk Management, Compliance, Process Improvement, Digital Tools, Automation, Policy Development, Business Intelligence, Administration, Budget Management, Financial Management, Leadership

Required languages: English

Desired languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish