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 fulfil their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up!
For every child, a bright future!
How can you make a difference?
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Representative, the Deputy Representative, together with the Deputy Representative- Operations, supports the overall management of this medium-size Country Office (CO). S/He is responsible for coordinating closely with the different programme sections on all phases of the Country Programme from formulation to delivery of results in accordance with the UNICEF Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework, ethics and integrity.
Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks :
1. CO Programme planning and development :
- Coordinate the planning and updating of the situation analysis by the various sectors in the CO to establish comprehensive data and information for programme development planning, management, monitoring and evaluation ;
- Provide advice to the Representative on strategies, direction and planning of programmes and projects to translate analytical data/information (from situation analysis) and national priorities and goals into concrete country programmes and projects that advances UNICEF goals in the country on child rights, survival and development ;
- Guide and advise the various sectoral teams throughout the process of programme formulation, planning and preparation of the Country Programme ensuring harmonization of approaches and alignment with the UNICEF Strategic Plan, corporate guidelines, policies/procedures and regional and national priorities ;
- Provide technical and operational guidance to the heads of sectors and their team, as delegated by the Representative, throughout all stages of the programming process to ensure cooperation, collaboration and harmonization of programmes and projects ;
- Coordinate necessary technical programming support from PD/Regional Office ;
- Review the country programme recommendation before approval by the Representative to ensure the quality of the country programme recommendation and alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic plan, compliance with policies and procedures and that documentation materials are completed accurately and comprehensively to facilitate Executive Board review and approval.
2. Support to the Representative on managing the CO :
- Serve as officer in charge in the absence of the Representative ;
- Monitor and assess programmes and operations and provide advice on best and innovative programming and management practices to enhance programming and operations ;
- Advise the Representative on CO annual work planning, setting priorities/targets and establishing performance measurements. Monitor implementation and progress of work plans; collaborate with colleagues to assist, advise and guide the Representative to ensure achievement of results according to targets and performance standards. Take timely decisions to achieve results and/or alert the Representative for timely action.
3. Monitoring and quality control of Programmes :
- Participate in meetings/events and annual/mid-term reviews with government and other counterparts/stakeholders to contribute to strategic programme discussions, planning and assessments ;
- Evaluate overall programme progress; identify weaknesses, bottlenecks and potential problems. Collaborate with the sectors and/or other partners and stakeholders to resolve issues and/or advise the Representative on resolutions to ensure delivery of results as planned and allocated ;
- Monitor the optimum and appropriate use of programme resources (financial, human, administrative and other assets) and verify compliance with organizational rules, regulations and procedures, donor commitments and standards of accountability and integrity. Approve disbursements and allocations in accordance with delegation of authority established by the Representative ;
- Coordinate and/or provide advice on the preparation of mandated programme and operational reports. Confirm accuracy of reports prior to approval by the Representative.
4. Representation, alliance building and UN System coordination :
- Represent UNICEF (as appropriate/delegated) in organizational, regional, global, public information/relations events and key meetings to contribute to strategic discussions on programming issues, policy dialogue, discuss initiatives, report on progress achieved, present papers/ideas and/or advocate UNICEF’s vision in the Country that is consistent with UNICEF Strategic Plan and supportive of national development goals and priorities ;
- Represent the UNICEF Representative in the UN Country Team (UNCT) to collaborate with RC and UN system partners to strengthen UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, cooperation and harmonization of programming, common services and operations. Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF development planning and agenda/priority setting ;
- Collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF (One) country development planning of programmes/projects ;
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with government institutions, national stakeholders and global partners/allies/donors/academia to advocate UNICEF goals to advance child’s right to survival, development and well-being, mobilize resources, seek cooperation and establish alliances.
5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building :
- Advise the Representative and other internal colleagues in the CO on the conceptualization, development and implementation of policies and procedures, use of latest information technology and introduction of innovation and best practices in the CO to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy in programming and operations ;
- Coordinate the collection, institutionalization and sharing of lessons learned to enhance performance and to use lessons learned in development/policy planning ;
- Promote learning and development through planning and organization of training events, activities and other capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies/productivity of staff members.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required : social sciences, international relations, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development, or another relevant technical field ;
*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree ;
- A minimum of ten years of professional development experience that combines technical and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level, some of which served in developing countries is required. Relevant professional experience in any UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset ;
- Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset ;
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework : Here.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Remarks :
- Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service ;
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.