Operations
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© JHING/UNICEF PACIFIC/2009 |
Looking back
Staffing issues
In 2008, the number of UNICEF staff posts for the Multi-Country programme increased form 40 to 71. A Caring for Us team looks after the well-being of staff, and the team supported a number of initiatives, including an update relating to HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
Supplies
Many supplies need to be bought and transported to carry out the work of UNICEF Pacific and, while much of this goes smoothly, problems inevitably arise. Getting duty-free exemption forms for imported items is a process that can take a long time and delay programme activities. Flight cancellations and poor connections make transporting delicate supplies such as vaccines and vaccine equipment in the region difficult. Shipping costs are high, so most items, such as office vehicles, water and sanitation supplies, video teleconference sets, computers, emergency supplies, office furniture and printing supplies, are bought locally.
Information communication technology (ICT)
As UNICEF Pacific continues to expand, in terms of both staffing, work and responsibilities, the ICT unit has their work cut out to provide support and services required.
Priorities for 2009 include not only maintaining existing system/infrastructure and keeping with UNICEF’s strict Global ICT standards, but also improving connectivity for staff in the office and in the field.
Moving forward
Some of the plans for 2009 include:
• Proper management and coordination of Field Offices – quarterly Operations oversight visits are planned
• Preparation of 2009 Annual Management Plan
• Preparation of Support Budget 2011 -2012
• Review and implement office work processes
• Review of Terms of Reference for Office Committees
• Preparing for internal audit
• Improving internal controls with supply
• Implementing the Business Continuity Plan
• Complete micro-assessments of Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
• Provide technical assistance to Joint UN Presence activities
• Improve the ICT unit and ensure reliable connectivity with the Field offices and adequate back-up system is operational
