UNICEF is opening a vacancy for a Program Assistant in Antananarivo to lay the groundwork. This G-5 position consists of assisting the program teams in health sectors by realization, tracking, and execution of the most important administrative works, which are the basis of health measures. The hiring person will be… a team within a team, that is, a reliable and efficient professional, convinced that operations excellence is really the first step to program goals turning into reality. Therefore, if you want your administrative skills to serve children’s rights realization in Madagascar, do not hesitate to apply.
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Program Assistant, GS-5
Job No: 589391
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: Antananarivo, Madagascar
Level: G-5
Division/Department: Health
Application Deadline: 01 February 2026 (E. Africa Standard Time)
Organizational Context: For Every Child, Support
UNICEF is present in more than 190 countries and regions around the globe with the main goal of protecting children’s lives, promoting their rights, and assisting them in becoming the best they can be. Our work is anchored on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and we are motivated by a main pledge to equity—making certain that the most neglected children get the same opportunities in life as others.
We are in search of a Program Assistant with excellent organization skills and a proactive attitude to come on board our team in Antananarivo. This position is the operational foundation for our program sections, providing indispensable support in administration, finance, and logistics that allow our staff to produce results for kids in Madagascar. With close supervision, you will play the role of a major facilitator making sure that process flows, actions are done on time, and coordination is effective which are the elements that support our health and development programs. We welcome your application if you are a committed and passionate professional who enjoys working with great impact and ensuring operational excellence.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
Under the guidance of your supervisor, you will provide comprehensive support across the following key areas:
1. Programme & Project Support:
- Facilitate the smooth implementation and monitoring of program activities, ensuring administrative processes align with work plans.
- Provide procedural and operational support to the team, helping to track deliverables and follow up on actions.
2. Administrative and Financial Support:
- Handle contracts, payments, and financial transactions according to UNICEF rules and regulations.
- Supervise and control budgets, draw up financial documents, and assist in meeting the reporting needs.
- Organize and manage office supplies, communication, and filing systems for smooth and quick information flow.
3. Operations and Travel Coordination:
- Arrange travel for staff and consultants, including itinerary planning, visa processing, and expense reconciliation.
- Provide logistical support for day-to-day office operations.
4. Event Coordination:
- Support the organization of meetings, workshops, and trainings, handling venue bookings, participant coordination, and documentation.
5. Knowledge Management and Communication:
- Assist in compiling and organizing program data, reports, and information for internal and external use.
- Support basic communication and information sharing within the section and with partners.
6. Digital Dexterity and Emergency Support:
- Utilize digital tools and systems effectively to perform duties.
- Demonstrate flexibility to provide support during emergency responses or peak workloads as required.
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Requirements:
- Education: The minimum educational requirement is the secondary level completed (high school diploma). Any training or taking courses in administration, finance, or similar fields will be regarded as a strong asset.
- Experience: At least five (5) years of gradually responsible experience in the administrative or clerical work area is a must.
- Languages: Fluency in French (both oral and written) is a requirement. Knowledge of English would be a plus.
Desirable Attributes:
- Prior work experience in the region or familiarity with emergency contexts.
- Experience within the UN system or an international organization.
- Strong organizational skills and a keen attention to detail.
UNICEF Competencies Required
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following UNICEF competencies at the foundational level (Level 1):
- Demonstrates Self-Awareness and Ethical Awareness
- Works Collaboratively with Others
- Builds and Maintains Partnerships
- Innovates and Embraces Change
- Thinks and Acts Strategically
- Drives to Achieve Impactful Results
- Manages Ambiguity and Complexity
UNICEF Values and Commitment
We stand by our basic principles of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS). UNICEF strives for a diverse, inclusive, and gender-balanced staff in its organization. We invite applications from all capable persons, including the disabled ones.
Important Notes:
- Antananarivo, Madagascar is where this job is located.
- Medical clearance, visa issue, and vaccination are the conditions for appointment.
- UNICEF’s policy of zero tolerance for misconduct extends to sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. All shortlisted candidates will undergo thorough background and reference checks.
- There are no fees charged by UNICEF at any point in the recruitment process.
Apply now to become an integral part of our team and help make a difference for every child in Madagascar.
