Job Opportunities at United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Job ID: 542081
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
Level: P-5
Categories: Health

How can You make a Difference?

• Under the leadership and guidance of the Deputy Representative, based on the established policies, guidelines and service level agreements (SLAs), you will be responsible for managing and leading all stages of health programmes / projects (e.g gender, maternal, neonatal, child survival, adolescent health, emergency preparedness and humanitarian response) from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of results.
• You will lead and manage the health team including establishing plans of action to achieve concrete and sustainable results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework, and does so in consultation with the Regional Health Adviser.

Key Responsibilities
Managerial Leadership:

• Establish the section’s annual work plan with the health team and set priorities and targets. Monitor work progress and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Establish clear individual performance objectives, goals, and timelines; and provide timely guidance to enable the team to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently. Plan and ensure timely performance management and assessment of the team.
• Supervise team members by providing them with clear objectives, goals, direction, and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

Programme Development and Planning:

• Lead the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis to establish a comprehensive and updated strategic plan for development, design and management of health related programmes. Keep abreast of national, regional and global development trends and priorities to determine the strategies, approaches and priorities for programming to address the country’s health and HIV needs.
• Lead, coordinate and supervise the development of health programmes (as a component of the CO and/or UNDAF programmes) and establish plans of action, programme goals and results using results-based planning methodology and terminology (RBM).
• Oversee the timely preparation of the health programme recommendation and related documentation for inclusion in the Country Office Programme recommendation ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.
• Consult and collaborate with colleagues and partners to provide technical guidance and operational support on programme planning, management and implementation, and to ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of programme/project initiatives with UNICEF Strategic Plans and priorities.

Programme Management, Monitoring and Quality Control of Results:

• Coordinate, plan and/or collaborate with monitoring and evaluation initiatives to establish benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators, to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence, and delivery of concrete and sustainable results in health programmes.
• Participate in major monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sector reviews with government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
• Assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management ; identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Monitor programmes/projects to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Plan, approve, monitor, and control the use of programme resources (financial, human, administrative and other assets) certifying/verifying compliance with organizational rules, regulations and procedures, donor commitments and standards of accountability and integrity. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Submit programme / project reports to donors and other partners to keep them informed on programme progress and critical issues.

Advisory Services and Technical Support:

• Advise key government officials, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners on policies, strategies and best practices and approaches on health and related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation, and delivery of results.
• Participate in strategic discussions to influence policy discussions and agenda setting to promote health, HIV and development issues especially in the areas of gender, emergency preparedness, maternal, neonatal and child survival and development and adolescent health.

Advocacy, Networking, and Partnership Building:

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with health sector government counterparts, national stakeholders and global partners, allies, donors, and academia through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNICEF’s mission, goals, programmes, and resource mobilizations needs.
• Develop communication strategies as well as implementation plans and activities for maximum communication impact and outreach to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for UNICEF and Country Office health programmes (maternal, neonatal and child survival and adolescent health and HIV).
• Participate and/or represent UNICEF in inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on health-related issues to ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting. Collaborate with inter-agency partners and colleagues in UNDAF planning and preparation of health programmes / projects.

Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building:

• Promote critical thinking, innovative approaches, and good practices for sustainable health programmes/projects initiatives.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in the health management and information systems. Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Lead and/or develop policies and procedures and introduce innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects.
• Lead, plan, and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on health-related programmes/projects.

To Qualify as an Advocate for Every Child, You will Have

• Medical or Advanced University Degree in one of the following fields is required: Public Health, Pediatric Health, Family Health, Health Research, Global / International Health, Health Policy and/or Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Biostatistics, Socio-medical, Mealth Education, Epidemiology or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas, at the international level, is required: public health planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency / humanitarian preparedness.  
• Experience working in a developing country is considered an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered an asset.

For Every Child, You Demonstrate:

• UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies listed below:

Core Competencies:

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
• 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)

The functional Competencies Required:

• Analyzing (3)
• Deciding and Initiating Action (3)
• Persuading and Influencing (2)

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

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Job ID: 541930
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
Level: P-4
Categories: Emergency Programme

How can You make a Difference?

• Under the direction and guidance of the (Deputy) Representative, coordinates overall country office emergency preparedness and response.
• Responsible for the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the emergency interventions, including fund-raising for emergency activities, to ensure the survival and well-being of children and mothers and affected communities in emergency. 
• Provides coordination and support for policy and programme planning and management in UNICEF supported emergency programme

Summary of Key Functions / Accountabilities

• Emergency preparedness is effectively arranged together with establishment of country contingency plans and early warning mechanisms. 
• Emergency preparedness and response plans addresses gender issues that may be expected to intensify during emergencies.  
• Emergency plans of action are developed, and compliance and coordination of all sectors with the plans are implemented.
• Provide policy advice and guidance on emergencies and programme related to implementation of emergency preparedness measures.
• Significant improvements are made in the emergency preparedness and response capability of UNICEF staff and implementing partners through conduct of effective training activities.
• Ensure UNICEF's presence is promptly established in the event of an emergency and the initial emergency operational tasks are effectively executed, including provision of support for information communication technology, telecommunications facility and all staff security related assistance in the country office.
• Conduct effective needs assessment to determine priorities and an appropriate intervention by UNICEF based on the local emergency situation affecting children and their families and community.
• Provide effective assistance to the (Deputy) Representative in emergency operations oversight and program management with clear accountabilities.
• Ensure emergency appeals and project proposals are prepared, and concerted efforts are put forward to mobilize donor response and recovery/rehabilitation-related funding.
• Ensure continuous, effective and strategic coordination, communication, consultation and liaison are maintained with Government, UN agencies, NGOs, donors and allies in support of the special needs of children and women affected by emergency situations within the framework of the cluster approach and based on the Core Commitment for Children.
• Keep management informed of humanitarian developments in relevant policies, situation developments, potential threats and opportunities/issues in the country.
• Ensure emergency preparedness and response strategies are mainstreamed in the country office's workplans. Sectoral input is provided for all related documents for the office’s Emergency Preparedness and Response, as well as for the Situation Analysis and the Country Programme Document.

To Qualify as an Advocate for Every Child You will Have

• An advanced University Degree in one of the following fields: Social Sciences, Public Administration, Law, Public Health, Nutrition, International Relations, Business Administration or other related disciplines. Preferably a combination of management, administration, and relevant technical fields.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in programme/project development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration.
• Experience working in a developing country.
• Extensive experience in both stand-alone and mainstreamed emergency preparedness and response
• Experience in donor relations building and management
• Experience in inter-agency coordination mechanisms, advocacy and strategic response direction
• Experience in resilience, nexus programming and early recovery is an asset
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of the local language of the duty station. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

For Every Child, You Demonstrate:

• UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA), and

Core Competencies:

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

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Job ID: 542083
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Level: P-3
Categories: Emergency Programme

How can You make a Difference?

• Under the general supervision of the Emergency Manager, the Programme Specialist - SRSP will roll out the SRSP pilot in Kaduna State in Nigeria.
• The roll-out will cover the following themes: programme design, partner management, planning and implementation, management and monitoring of programme / project activities, data analysis and progress reporting as well as Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) in support of achievement of programme goals and objectives.
• The Programme Specialist - SRSP shall also provide strategic guidance to enable the country office to liaise with relevant national and local authorities to provide technical assistance to strengthen capacity of government delivery systems to expand cash-based response.

Summary of Key Functions / Accountabilities
Design and Planning of the Project Pilot:

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for shock responsive social protection to the flood-affected population (for one state but can be adaptable) including top ups to existing social protection schemes, supporting consultations with national government, local authorities and relevant partners
• Develop a clear documentation plan for the pilot including process monitoring, lessons learned and challenges and successes;
• Liaise with relevant national and local authorities to provide technical assistance to the relevant line ministries; and
• Actively participate and represent UNICEF in nationwide coordination forums such as the Cash Working Group as well as national and sub-national social protection platforms as needed.

Operational Management and Implementation of the Project:

• Provide technical leadership to the project to ensure quality standards are maintained and timely completion of all deliverables outlined in the project proposal;
• Engage with all relevant stakeholders to ensure better coordination and complementarity of existing and planned cash transfer projects in the State;
• Develop, review and maintain work plans with time frames and deadlines for key activities; based on its changing and emerging needs;
• Ensure all budgeted resources are requested, disbursed, utilized and reported against based on implementation timelines and commitments;
• Support relevant colleagues and implementing partners, remotely and in person;
• Conduct regular operational analysis of the programme, identify bottlenecks and develop solutions;
• Ensure adherence to all UNICEF systems and procedures and compliance with requirements for implementing World Bank funded project, as outlined in project documents.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Work closely with the relevant colleagues to implement a sound monitoring and evaluation system for the SRSP programme;
• Undertake field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation flag any critical issues/needs to the Emergency Team in a timely manner.
• Provide guidance to the relevant colleagues on the integrated use of data collection tools and methodologies including leveraging existing implementing partner systems;
• Produce complete and accurate reports as well generating and documenting lessons learned;
• Ensure a robust accountability to affected populations (AAP) framework is in place and regular analysis of complaints and feedback received through different sources and ensure implementing partners relevant follow up;
• Prepare relevant programme reports required for management, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.; and
• Produce an end of project report highlighting process, impact, opportunities for scale-up and lessons learned

Optimum Use of Program Funds for Cash Transfer Programme:

• Establish and supervise programme work plans and monitor progress and compliance. Monitor the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated;
• Take appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation; and
• Ensure all applicable Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) risk management measures are implemented.

Strategic Thinking on Long-term Shock-responsive Social Protection:

• In coordination with the Social Policy team, work on an influencing strategy to advocate for child-focused shock responsive social safety nets;
• Work closely with the Social Policy Specialist to develop a strategy for UNICEF's engagement on shock responsive social protection and support the team to raise adequate resources for its implementation; and
• Working closely with relevant colleagues to engage with the social protection and humanitarian cash transfers stakeholders for better coordination of efforts on the ground.
• Seek to support and influence the implementation process of the National Social Protection policy.

Requirements
To qualify as an Advocate for Every Child You will Have:

• Advanced University Degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Public Health, or relevant field
• Five years of relevant professional work experience – designing, implementing and managing of social protection or cash transfer programmes.
• Strong knowledge of social protection policy debates and evidence
• Previous experience in SRSP, is required
• Experience in government owned social assistance programmes
• Experience in multi-stakeholder co-ordination and facilitation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a multicultural environment
• Ability to multitask and work under tight deadlines
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and deliver high quality results on time
• Project management of development and/or emergency programmes, preferably humanitarian cash transfers in emergency or fragile contexts is desirable
• Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

For Every Child, You Demonstrate:

• UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA), and

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Functional Competencies:

• Builds and maintains partnerships - (II)
• Thinks and acts strategically - (II)
• Drive to achieve results for impact - (II)
• Works collaboratively with others - (II).