Fresh Jobs at The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Purpose of the Job

• Under the guidance of the Supply Manager, the incumbent will work closely with colleagues in Health Section, Supply Division and the respective Departments of Government of Nigeria to manage all aspects of Procurement Services.
• S/he will provide vision, technical leadership and coordination of technical support to regional and country office for strengthening national Cold Chain Logistics and Supply Management systems.
• S/he will also work with partners to develop/update the national strategies, tools and guidance on CCL&VM policies, procedures and systems.
• The incumbent will work with regional and country teams to provide technical assistance to national systems to meet minimum standards in relation to:
  • Equipment used in the CCL system;
  • Vaccine stock management to prevent stock-outs and over-stocking and optimize vaccine usage;
  • Vaccine shipment/transport; and
  • Temperature monitoring.
• The incumbent will also provide advice and facilitate trainings on:
  • Links and synergies for CCL&VM for immunization campaigns with the procurement and supply management of routine immunization in endemic countries and, where appropriate, other essential health commodities;
  • Where necessary, outsourcing of CCL&VM functions to improve efficiency and effectiveness;
  • Developing alternative strategies to get vaccines from the national port to communities in the field.
  • S/he will work as part of the proposed UNICEF/WHO CCL Hub and with close engagement of other partners globally and in the field and will provide support in countries beyond those specified here, as per need of the programme.

Key Accountabilities, Duties & Tasks

• Develops and maintains a strategic framework for the identification of procurement services projects.
• Provides support and guidance to Key Counterparts at National levels and INGOs on PS  planning and transactions through regular communications, training and workshops and visits, as required.
• In coordination with Supply Division, delivers PS Key Accounts as well as complex and large requests and projects.
• Monitors overall PS transactions and facilitates the efficient and effective PS workflow, by addressing the bottlenecks and gaps and improving the processes, in close coordination with PS Unit in SD and National Counterparts.
• Obtain and communicate to customers, the cost estimate to finalize them within the agreed time-schedules.
• Contributes to SD Workshops, special/other events. Provides training on PS, particularly with regard to transaction management.
• Provide advice to the Country Office, Government and implementing partners on offshore and/or local procurement of goods and institutional services policies and procedures, Procurement Services and GAVI Co-financing; delivery and utilization of UNICEF supplies and equipment; coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on supply policy and/or activities.
• Works with Health Section, Supply Division and partners to develop/update the tools and guidance on CCL policies, procedures and systems; and provide support through ROs and COs to implement at country level. Interacts with relevant teams at country level to develop a plan of action for building a CCL&VM system for polio vaccines prioritizing on polio endemic countries. With a specific focus on supporting the development of systems that produce data on: 
  • Equipment management;
  • Vaccine stock management;
  • Transport; and
  • Temperature monitoring.
• Develop protocols and guidelines to conduct thorough vaccine management assessments and audits related to polio vaccination to identify gaps in supply and management and cold chain and means to rectify them. Provides support, as needed, in undertaking the Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) assessment; and in developing and implementing the EVM-based Improvement Plan. On-going review of the tools and methods in the vaccine management for refining and improving them.
• Develop and maintain partnership and collaborative relations with UNICEF, Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts in supply/logistics and institutional services activities including distribution, monitoring supply inputs, and inventory. 5) Participates in the preparation of all programme reports for management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

Qualifications of the Successful Candidate
Education:

• Advanced University Degree in Supply Chain Management or Public Health or Program Management, or other academic qualifications in similar areas, and relevant experience.
• A first University degree (Bachelor's Degree) in the above fields of studies, combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• Eight years of work experience in logistics, cold chain or related areas; of which at least 2-4 years in developing countries.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English required. Working knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.

Competencies Of The Successful Candidate
Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies:

• Communication
• Drive for Result
• Working With People

Functional Competencies:

• Applying Technical Expertise
• Deciding and Initiating Actions
• Following Instructions and Procedures
• Leading and Supervising
• Planning and Organizing

Technical Knowledge:

• Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
• Sets high standards for quality and consistently achieves project goals.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
• Adjusts team or department's approach to embrace changing circumstances.
• Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates team- and department-wide activities.
• Ensures that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures.
• Has excellent leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
• Sets clearly defined objectives and plans activities for self, own team or department

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Purpose of the Assignment

• Nigeria is Polio free for nearly two years; with the great strides made by Nigeria in the polio eradication drive, the Government of Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to ensure that the gains are sustained and it ultimately receives its much anticipated certification as a polio-free nation.
• As a key partner in the effort to achieve this, UNICEF has the lead role in communicating to families and communities in the endemic and other areas about the importance of taking the oral polio vaccine to prevent polio until global certification achieved.
• Beyond this, there is a push for integrating other child survival issues and messages in the basket of behaviours being promoted by the enlarged partnership working on the Polio Endgame.
• Key additional areas of engagement include full immunization for the child, promoting Ante-natal care as an entry point to proper health-seeking among pregnant women, Hand washing at critical times, management of basis childhood illnesses and delivery by skilled birth attendants.
• UNICEF is currently consolidating its human resource capacity in 8 of the high risk states of the country where polio were endemic and risk of importation is there and high probability of vaccine derived polio virus.
• Over 16000 volunteer community mobilizers, volunteer ward supervisors, Polio Survivors, LGA social mobilization supervisors and state social mobilization supervisors have recently been hired to support intensified communications activities in the field.
• The programme has an urgent need to have intensified and sustained social communication technical support with particular focus on ensuring improved coordination and partnership with key community leaders of underserved populations in the very high risk States.  
• One of the key approaches in community mobilization is the identification, sensitization and engagement of prominent influencers in the underserved and mobile communities.
• Intensified engagement with the religious institution in Nigeria is critical to addressing the current communication challenges that the programme is facing.
• There are still lingering challenges with small religious groups (sects) predominantly in Northern Nigeria; these groups culminate into non-compliance with an attendant high number of children being missed.
• UNICEF hires international consultant; the consultant will mainly be located at State level with frequent trips to all the LGAs with high numbers of missed children in some key wards, high noncompliance due to high mobile population and underserved communities

Assignment Tasks

• Coordinate with State team on planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of supplemental immunization activities, especially the advocacy and social communication component; and support targeted social mobilization activities while providing direct oversight for Third Party State Social Mobilization contractors recruited and deployed by UNICEF and the STOP team members deployed at state level.
• The incumbent will ensure intensified actions at State, LGA and community levels with a special emphasis on overcoming refusal of vaccination by building public trust in the safety and need for OPV and other antigens and improving their acceptance. Identify constraints, challenges and opportunities for program delivery with State Team and State Social Mobilization Working Group.
• Adapt and use appropriate communication models at community level in all high risk LGAs in State. Monitor all UNICEF funded activities related to advocacy, social mobilization, logistics of polio eradication and supplemental immunization. Establish and maintain coordination with the work of other partners in the assigned State.
• Provide technical guidance in the design, preparation and use of targeted communication materials in appropriate languages for Government frontline health workers/media networks, traditional and religious opinion leaders, village development/community groups and households.
• Strengthen house to house strategy of IPDs, other related campaigns, and the Intensified Ward Communication Strategy with massive media campaign and targeted application of social marketing strategies.
• Support assigned State to develop community communication packages for polio eradication and other supplemental immunization activities and inter-sectorial programmes for use at State level.
• Support State Governments and State teams to prepare micro plans and make other arrangements to ensure good quality SIAs and other interventions
• Mobilize support for PEI through advocacy, training and awareness building programmes targeting a variety of groups to include State Governments, media, public relations networks, and traditional, religious and other s and community networks. Facilitate State & LGA Social Mobilization Working Group and Committees and ensure holding of the committee meetings before each IPD by using social data for planning.
• Provide leadership and direction in the application and use of social data for developing strategies for IPD and for in between rounds activities.
• Monitor and evaluate implementation activities by regularly analyzing and using social mobilization data, undertaking field visits and other existing study/surveys. On the basis of these to identify problems and propose remedial action, identifying alternative courses of action to accelerate/improve service delivery.
• Contribute implementing national Communication for Development strategic Framework and Polio legacy in action priorities.
• Participate in the preparation of all programme reports required by the State. Share information regularly with the Chief & other members of the Communication for Development section and Field Office.
• Undertake other tasks related to communication that might be required by the Chief, Communication for Development Section.

Expected Deliverables

• A detailed work plan at the beginning and monthly work plans thereafter (1st week of each month):
• Monthly report of activities, outcomes, mission reports and Notes for the Record (NFR) on meetings etc. (monthly)
• One report after each IPD by using a supplied template on intervention and other social mobilization indicators
• One end of contract, PowerPoint presentation to be used in debriefing Chief of Field Office, Communication for Development Team and other relevant staff members.
• One end of contract Report

Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Education:

• Master's Degree in Social Sciences/Public Health/Communication/Statistics or related technical field preferably in Communications and social mobilization. Working experience in Polio and data management or research will be an added advantage.

Years of relevant Experience:

• At least five (5) years progressively responsible professional work experience at national and particularly international levels in programme planning, management, monitoring and evaluation in Immunization Programmes.
• Fluency in English, knowledge of another UN working language is desirable. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station an asset.
• Experience polio eradication will be an added advantage.

Competencies of Successful Candidate:
To view our competency framework, please Click here in PDF file

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Purpose of the Position

• The Deputy Representative (DR) reports to the Country Office (CO) Representative for general supervision and direction.
• The DR serves as principal support and adviser on the overall management of the CO, development of CO policies and strategies; and under delegated authority, for coordinating and managing all phases of the Country Office Program from formulation to delivery of results in accordance with the UNICEF Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework, ethics and integrity.

Key Expected Results
CO program planning and development:

• Coordinate the planning and conduct of situation analysis by the various sectors in the CO to establish comprehensive and current data and information for program development planning, management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Provide advice to the Representative on strategies, direction and planning of programs and projects to translate analytical data/information (from situation analysis) and national priorities and goals into concrete country programs and projects that advance UNICEF goals in the country on child rights, survival and development.
• Guide and advise the various sectoral teams throughout the process of program formulation, planning and preparation of the Country Program 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 teams, as delegated by the Representative, throughout all stages of the programming process to ensure cooperation, collaboration and harmonization of programs and projects.
• Coordinate necessary technical programming support from PD/Regional Office.
• Review the Country Program recommendation before approval by the Representative to ensure the quality of the Country Program recommendation and alignment with the UNICEF Strategic plan, compliance with policies and procedures and that documentation materials are completed accurately and comprehensively to facilitate Executive Board review and approval.

Support to the Representative on managing the CO:

• Serve as officer in charge in the absence of the Representative.
• Monitor and assess programs 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 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 individual 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 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.

Monitoring and quality control of programs:

• Participate in meetings/events and annual/mid term reviews with government and other counterparts/stakeholders to contribute to strategic program discussions, planning and assessments.
• Evaluate overall program 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 program 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 program and operational reports. Confirm accuracy of reports prior to approval by the Representative.

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 the 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 programs/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.

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.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• An Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government and Public Relations, Public or Social Policy, Sociology, Social or Community Development or other related fields, is required.
• 10 years of relevant work experience that combines technical and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level, some of which served in a developing countries is required.
• Relevant professional experience in any UN system agency or organization is an asset.
• Oral and written proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate
Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies:

• Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Results

Functional Competencies:

• Formulating strategies/concepts (III)
• Analyzing (III)
• Relating and networking (III)
• Deciding and initiating action (III)
• Persuading and influencing (III)
• Leading and supervising (III)

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Purpose of the Position

• Under the overall direction of the Chief of Field Office, Maidugiri and with technical guidance from the Chief of WASH, UNICEF Abuja, provide leadership and facilitate the processes that will ensure a well-coordinated, strategic, adequate, coherent, and effective response by participants to WASH in Emergency (WiE), especially in the state of Borno. The candidate will also manage the implementation of assigned projects.

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks
WiE Sector Coordination in Maidugiri (approx. 30 to 40% of the time):

• Collect, analyze and report on WiE working group activities and resources using existing tools (5W, gap table…) or develop new coordination tools if requested. Train the partners on their use
• Establish and maintain information databases that consolidate, analyse and report/disseminate information including development of maps, critical to decision making.
• Facilitate joint needs assessment with WiE sector partners to determine WASH sector priorities and an appropriate intervention by UNICEF based on the local emergency situation affecting children, their families and community.
• Timely delivery of assistance and supplies is provided, urgent staffing requirements are identified, and the appropriate use of UNICEF resources is monitored for effective project delivery.
• Lead on the preparation of SitRep inputs for Maidugiri Field Office with emphasis on WiE Working Group plans, targets and achievements. Monitoring and reporting the implementation of the WiE Working Group strategy and results; recommending corrective action where necessary.
• Ensure that there is effective communication, reporting, engagement and coordination between the WiE working groups at the national and sub-national levels.
• Represent the WaSH sector in coordination meeting with OCHA and participate to coordination efforts leaded by OCHA (Information Management, multi-sectorial Emergency preparedness plan, multi-sectorial assessment).
• Provide support to Yobe's State to strengthen coordination efforts.
• In coordination with the Ministry of Water Resources, co-lead and prepare coordination meetings according to guidelines.

Effective Management of Assigned UNICEF WiE Projects (40 to 50%):

• Identifies implementing/operational partners and establishes implementing arrangements including preparation of needed documents for implementing the assigned projects.
• Implements and manages project activities. Undertakes field visits to emergency project areas, to assess local conditions and monitor project progress. Makes technical decisions on project administration (e.g., activates, requests or re-programmes allocation of emergency funds).
• Ensures that the project funds are managed and reported duly considering UNICEF procedures and internal timelines.
• Ensures that the funds are utilized in accordance with the approved project documents and any deviation is notified in advance for approval by the donor.
• Contributes to the preparation of quality reporting on the project progress and completion including identification of potential human interest stories.
• Ensures that adequate attention is paid to promote donor visibility in-line with the project requirements.

Other Tasks as Needed (10%-15%):

• Emergency preparedness and response strategies are mainstreamed in the Field office's work plans.  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.
• Support the National office in the preparation of Emergency appeals and project proposals (Flash Appeal, CAP, ERF/CHF, CERF), and concerted efforts are put forward to mobilize donor response and recovery/rehabilitation-related funding.
• Substantive improvements are made in the emergency preparedness and response capability of implementing partners through conduct of effective training activities.
• Manage an inventory of relevant documents on the humanitarian situation.
• Communicates and advocates on the situation and needs of children through local and international media, as appropriate.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• University degree and equivalent experience in a subject area relevant to the cluster required. Advanced University degree preferred. Extensive work experience relevant to this post may be considered as a replacement for formal qualifications. Formal training in cluster coordination an advantage.
• At least 5 years progressively responsible humanitarian work experience with UN and/or NGO, including programme management and/or coordination in the first phase of a major emergency response relevant to the cluster.
• Understands key technical issues for the WiE Working Group sufficiently well enough to be able to: engage with WiE Working Group participants; make full use of their experience and knowledge; guide strategy and plans; communicate and advocate on important issues.
• Understands the rationale behind Humanitarian Reform, its main components and recent developments including the Transformative Agenda.
• Communicates, works and networks effectively with a wide range of people to reach broad consensus on a well-coordinated response, and demonstrates leadership where required.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset.