Stretch Assignment - Programme Budget Specialist at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (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 fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Stretch Assignment - Programme Budget Specialist

Job No: 585616
Location: Abuja (FCT)
Contract type: Stretch Assignment
Duration: 3 Months
Level: Consultancy
Categories: Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Stretch Assignment: Programme Budget Specialist, P3, 3 Months, Abuja, Nigeria.
Title: Programme Budget Specialist.
Level: P3
Reports to: Chief, Planning, Monitoring and Reporting
Duration: 3 months
Section: PMR Section
Dates / Duration: Stretch assignment from 2nd January to 31st March 2026.
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide

Background

• 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 favoritism.
• 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 — will not only give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also 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 supporting nations' equitable development.

Purpose of the Position

• Under the direct supervision of the Chief (PMR), the Programme Budget Specialist (P3) will be responsible for tracking, analyzing and reporting income and expenditures, including donor contributions, and will be accountable for analyzing the needs, preparation, management and monitoring of contributions, involving all sources of funds across programmes and operations, contributing to the overall governance of the office. She/he will also collaborate with HQ, RO and CO and contribute to the overall strategies related to contribution and budget management and reporting and capacity building for UNICEF Nigeria Country Office.

Duration:

• This stretch assignment will be for a period of three (3) months.

Key expected results:
A methodology and mechanism for periodic updating of the Country Programme.

• Affordability Analysis are in place and institutionalized at the Country Programme and Field Office level.
• A capacity-building plan on contribution management is developed, and at least two webinars are delivered within the duration of the stretch.
• Country Programme Budget Plan is updated, and funds are allocated for 2026 monitoring United Nations Children’s Fund.
• Payroll management structure for 2026 is in place, particularly the assignment of cost distribution with appropriate funding sources, as per donor conditionality.

Main Responsibility and Tasks

• Coordinate the conduct of periodic country programme affordability analysis, in collaboration with relevant sections and field offices.
• Build capacity of staff on contribution management.
• Oversee the monitoring of the country programme budget planning, fund allocation, and monitoring of fund utilization.
• Monitor the cost distribution and payroll.

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

• All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff-members are eligible to apply.

Education:

• Advanced University degree in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, General administration, Development studies, Statistics, Social Sciences, or any other relevant field of discipline.

Work Experience:

• Minimum five years of relevant professional work experience in Programme management and budgeting.
• Work experience in international organization in the relevant area is an asset
• Work experience on EU financial reporting is considered an asset
• Experience in the usage of office software MS package and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Experience in SAP is required.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (verbal and written)

Other requirements:

• Required familiarity with enterprise content management systems like Microsoft SharePoint etc.
• Experience in planning, monitoring and data management in the humanitarian or development field will be asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills - culturally and socially sensitive, ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment, and in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and to work under tight deadlines.

Funding arrangement:

• This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member’s status (position number, level, etc.).
• The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first two weeks and 50% DSA for the remaining time.

Application Closing Date
17th November, 2025; 11:55 PM West Central Africa Standard Time.