United Nations International  Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) – hiring Programme Assistant (Borno)

Details

Category	Details
Organization	United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Position Title	Programme Assistant
Level/Grade	GS-5
Duration	One (1) Year
Duty Station	Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Reporting To	Nutrition Manager
Appointment Type	Temporary Appointment

 BACKGROUND

The fundamental mission of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is to promote and protect the rights of every child, everywhere, through its programmes, advocacy and operational activities.

UNICEF’s equity strategy focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential without discrimination, bias or favouritism.

UNICEF recognizes that inequalities in children’s social, political, economic, civic and cultural opportunities constitute violations of their rights. Addressing these inequalities is essential not only to ensuring that every child fulfils their potential but also to promoting sustainable growth and stability within countries.

In Nigeria, UNICEF operates within a complex humanitarian and development environment, working to fulfil and protect children’s rights in partnership with government institutions, civil society organizations, children and families.

UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally.

 

Purpose Of The Assignment

Under the close supervision and guidance of the designated supervisor, the Programme Assistant provides comprehensive administrative, operational and procedural support to the assigned programme section.

The role contributes to the effective implementation, monitoring and delivery of programme results by ensuring that administrative and operational activities are carried out efficiently, accurately and in accordance with UNICEF policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

The Programme Assistant may provide support across one or more programme areas or cross-functional initiatives and is expected to coordinate effectively with colleagues from other sections to facilitate smooth programme implementation and operational efficiency.

 key responsibilities and accountabilities

The Programme Assistant will perform the following major functions and responsibilities:

Programme and Project Support

• Support the preparation, implementation and monitoring of Annual Work Plans (AWPs), ensuring that planned results, activities and budget coding are aligned with organizational priorities.
• Process transactions through eZHACT and ensure the accuracy and completeness of programme data.
• Monitor project implementation, track expenditures and facilitate necessary programme amendments.
• Assist in preparing inputs for programme reports, dashboards and performance indicators using appropriate digital tools.
• Liaise with programme and operations colleagues to address transactional, administrative and procedural challenges.

Administrative and Financial Support

• Facilitate the processing of contracts involving consultants, vendors and implementing partners, including Terms of Reference (ToRs) uploads, Service Gateway transactions and related logistical arrangements.
• Manage office calendars, coordinate team meetings, prepare meeting minutes and reports, and ensure the proper filing and distribution of official correspondence and records.
• Maintain updated tracking systems for staff leave, absences and team activities.
• Prepare supporting documentation for financial monitoring, including control plans and budget reports.
• Collect, review and facilitate the processing of invoices and payment requests through VISION and Service Gateway.
• Conduct quarterly physical verification of office assets and initiate procurement requests for replacements when necessary.
• Maintain and update asset records in accordance with UNICEF asset management policies and procedures.
• Update and validate partner contact databases, training participant lists and consultant rosters, ensuring that information remains accurate, current and compliant with established best practices.

 Operations and Travel Support

• Provide travel-related administrative support to team members, including travel bookings, itinerary preparation and coordination with designated travel focal points.
• Liaise with Human Resources and relevant operational personnel regarding travel entitlements and related administrative requirements.
• Support procurement processes for office supplies and equipment.
• Assist with office equipment management and ensure that inventory records are regularly updated and maintained.

Administrative, Logistics and Event Coordination Support

• Provide logistical and operational support for training sessions, workshops, conferences and other programme-related events.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers regarding venue arrangements, meeting rooms and catering services.
• Manage participant communications and facilitate attendance confirmations.
• Assist in preparing background documents, meeting agendas and other relevant event materials.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and ensure the effective organization of event-related documentation.

Knowledge Management and Communication

• Maintain an organized repository of programme documents and records, both electronically and physically where necessary.
• Support effective knowledge-sharing systems and contribute to preserving institutional knowledge and organizational memory.
• Provide administrative and logistical assistance during the onboarding of new staff members, interns and consultants.
• Assist colleagues in navigating digital repositories to identify and access the most current and relevant programme resources.
• Draft, review and edit internal communications, including meeting summaries and administrative updates.
• Provide inputs into the development and improvement of procedural guidelines when required.

Digital Dexterity

• Utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and data visualization applications to synthesize information and support the preparation of presentations and reports.
• Promote the use of digital solutions and assist colleagues in adopting new technologies and tools to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure the confidentiality and security of official documents and information.
• Apply appropriate measures to safeguard records and mitigate potential data protection and information security risks.

 Emergency Support and Flexibility

• Provide administrative and logistical support to the programme section during emergencies and surge assignments.
• Demonstrate flexibility by reprioritizing tasks and responding promptly to urgent operational and programme requirements.
• Support business continuity by providing backup administrative and operational assistance within the office whenever required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

 Education

Completion of secondary education is required.

 Professional Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in administrative, clerical or related support functions is required.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language or a local language spoken at the duty station will be considered an asset.

Desirable Skills And additional requirements

The following qualifications, skills and experience will be considered advantageous:

• A completed technical or university degree in Accountancy, Public Administration, Planning and Management, Public Management, Economics, Social Policy, International Relations or another relevant discipline.
• Familiarity with SAP and eZHACT systems is highly desirable.
• Experience in data visualization and the use of digital reporting tools.
• Professional experience in procurement, travel coordination, event management, knowledge management, contract administration and vendor management.
• Previous work experience within the United Nations system or other international organizations.
• Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and their practical application in administrative and programme support functions.
• Relevant experience in emergency response operations.
• Experience working at the field level, particularly in development programmes, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Unicef Values And Required competencies

Candidates are expected to demonstrate UNICEF’s organizational values and core competencies.

Core Values

Successful candidates are expected to uphold the following UNICEF values:

1. Care
2. Respect
3. Integrity
4. Trust
5. Accountability
6. Sustainability

 Core Competencies

For staff members without supervisory responsibilities, the following competencies are required at Level 1:

1. Demonstrates Self-Awareness and Ethical Awareness.
2. Works Collaboratively with Others.
3. Builds and Maintains Partnerships.
4. Innovates and Embraces Change.
5. Thinks and Acts Strategically.
6. Drives to Achieve Impactful Results.
7. Manages Ambiguity and Complexity.

Application Deadline:5, November 2026

Method of Application

Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to Apply.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

• The above document is a professional rewrite of the uploaded Terms of Reference.
• The original educational, experience and language requirements have been retained.
• The original document does not specify a salary, application deadline or application procedure. These details should not be assumed.