Planning & Control Specialist

ABOUT UNICEF

UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s rights organization, working for children in 190 countries to save lives, defend rights, and help fulfill their potential. We are funded entirely by voluntary contributions and are committed to making a lasting difference for children.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of the Planning & Control Manager, this role is responsible for partnering with departments across UNICEF Portugal to support planning, performance management and decision-making.

The Planning & Control Specialist combines strong financial and analytical expertise with a business-oriented mindset, helping leaders translate data into actions and decisions. The role is accountable for budgeting, forecasting, performance analysis and business case development, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and organisational objectives are achieved.

By acting as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, the role contributes to better decision-making, improved performance and a stronger culture of planning and accountability across the organisation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Partner with Business Areas
   Act as the main Planning & Control contact for assigned departments, providing guidance, challenge and decision support.

2. Lead Planning & Forecasting Activities
   Coordinate budgets, forecasts and performance reviews, ensuring financial and operational alignment.

3. Deliver Insights & Performance Analysis
   Transform data into meaningful insights, identifying trends, risks and opportunities.

4. Develop Business Cases & Strategic Evaluations
   Support strategic decisions through robust business cases, financial modelling and scenario analysis.

5. Drive Continuous Improvement
   Improve processes, reporting frameworks and analytical tools to increase efficiency and decision-making quality.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

• University degree in Finance, Economics, Management, Business Administration or a related field.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in FP&A, Management Control, Business Partnering, Financial Analysis, Consulting or similar roles.

• Experience supporting business leaders and influencing decision-making processes is highly valued.

• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, business cases and performance analysis is required.

• Experience working with large data sets and reporting tools is considered an advantage.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Native or fluent Portuguese speaker

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Business partnering and stakeholder management

• Financial planning and performance management

• Ability to influence and support decision-making

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Planning, organisation and prioritisation

• Continuous improvement mindset

• Advanced Excel skills and data literacy

• Collaborative and results-oriented approach

WHAT WE OFFER

• Hybrid work model with flexibility.

• A sustainable office environment.

• Additional vacation days and a special day off for your birthday.

• Flexible afternoons for family time.

• Fresh fruit in the office.

• Health insurance.

• Onsite doctor 1x/month.

• Opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team.

VALUES

UNICEF’s work is guided by the values of Care, Respect, Trust, Integrity, Accountability, and Sustainability . We are committed to upholding these values in all that we do.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and are expected to adhere to these standards and principles.