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. And we never give up.
Purpose for the Job :
The Deputy Representative, Programmes reports to the LCO Representative for general supervision and direction. The Deputy Representative supports the Representative on the overall management of the CO and for coordinating closely with the different programme sections on all phases of the Country Office Programme, from formulation to delivery of results in accordance with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework, ethics and integrity.
Key Function, Accountabilities and related Duties/Tasks :
Summary of key functions/accountabilities :
- CO programme planning and development ;
- Support to the Representative on managing the CO ;
- Monitoring and quality control of programmes ;
- Alliance building and UN System coordination ;
- Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building.
1. CO Programme Planning and Development :
- Coordinate the planning and updating of the situation analysis by the programme sectors in the CO to establish comprehensive data and information for programme development planning, management, monitoring and evaluation ;
- Guide the various sectors throughout the process of programme formulation, planning and preparation of the Country Programme ensuring harmonization of approaches and alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, corporate guidelines, policies/procedures and regional and national priorities. Provide technical and operational support throughout the process ;
- Coordinate the 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 the 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 ;
- Establish clear performance objectives, goals and timelines; and provide timely guidance to his/her team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently. Plan and ensure timely performance planning, management and assessment ;
- Work collaboratively with the Representative and the various sectors to facilitate/contribute to the preparation of the CO budget proposal. Monitor critical issues to resolve problems and/or recommend to the Representative appropriate action to ensure appropriate and optimum use of resources.
3. Monitoring and Quality Control of Programmes :
- Participate in meetings/events and annual/midterm reviews with the 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. Alliance Building and UN System Coordination :
- Represent the UNICEF Representative in the UN Country Team (UNCT) to collaborate with the 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 good 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 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.
Competencies and level of proficiency required :
Core Values :
- Care ;
- Respect ;
- Integrity ;
- Trust ;
- Accountability.
Competencies :
- Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (3) ;
- Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (3) ;
- Works Collaboratively with others (3) ;
- Builds and Maintains Partnerships (3) ;
- Innovates and Embraces Change (3) ;
- Thinks and Acts Strategically (3) ;
- Drives to achieve impactful results (3) ;
- Manages ambiguity and complexity (3).
Functional Competencies :
- Analyzing (2) ;
- Deciding and initiating action (2) ;
- Persuading and influencing (2).
Minimum Qualifications :
- Eduction : 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 ;
- Experience : A minimum of eight years of professional development experience that combines technical and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level, some of which served in a developing country is required. Relevant professional experience in any UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset ;
- Language Requirements : Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as 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 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.
For every child, a future!