Chief Field Office (Atbara) – UNICEF
Job Description
| Job no | 567861 |
| Contract type | Fixed Term Appointment |
| Location | Atbara |
| Level | NO-2 |
| Categories | Programme Management |
| Advertised | 30 Nov 2023 E. Africa Standard Time |
| Deadline | 08 Dec 2023 E. Africa Standard Time |
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.
For every child, Support
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.
How can you make a difference? SUD23003 Chief Field Office NOD Atbara.doc
*Fixed term Appointment up to 31 Dec 2025 with possibility of extension.
KEY END-RESULTS EXPECTED
1. Effective management of UNICEF presence, staff, and assets in the Area of Responsibility
2. Effective knowledge management systems adopted and utilized to strengthen area/country program management.
3. Situation Analysis prepared and updated; critical program intervention points and measures identified; and program work plans, recommendations, and reports prepared.
4. Programme funds optimally used.
5. Programme monitoring and evaluations are effectively conducted to improve program performance and program status reports timely prepared. Gender/sex disaggregated data and inputs relevant to the country program is provided as an integral part of programming.
6. Rights-based and results-based programming approaches fully incorporated into all phases of program and project processes.
7. Commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners effectively gained and established.
8. Rights perspective and advocacy at the national, community and family levels incorporated in policy analysis for establishing and elevating UNICEF’s credibility in national and international policy debates.
9. Effective partnerships and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, program development/management/coordination, information sharing, and networking.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS
Within the delegated authority and the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be responsible for all or most of the following areas of major duties and key results.
1. Effective management of UNICEF presence, staff, and assets
Represent UNICEF in the region, by participating in meetings and events, moving forward the agenda for children.
Facilitate, take, and implement measures to ensure the safety and security of UNICEF staff and assets.
Effectively lead the Field Office team and manage the performance and conduct the staff members to deliver results for children
2. Knowledge Management for Programmes
Ensure that area/country programs are supported by knowledge management through data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting as well as participation in the Programme Knowledge Network system of “lessons learned” and other corporate-level databases.
Participate in information exchange through donor and media visits as well as in the development of training and orientation material.
3. Programme Development and Management
Identify critical intervention points and measures by administering a consistent and transparent monitoring system; analyze country-level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programs and projects.
Draft changes to/or prepare program work plans as required. Prepare program recommendations for inclusion in formal program documentation, and new approaches, methods, and practices.
Establishes program work plans, monitors compliance, and provides training, support, and guidance to the program team to meet objectives. Identifies human resources requirements and ongoing staff development needs.
Reviews and evaluates the technical, institutional, and financial feasibility and constraints of programs/projects in collaboration with the Government and other partners.
Prepares relevant program reports required for management, donors, budget reviews, program analysis, annual reports, etc.
4. Optimum Use of Program Funds
Establish and supervise program work plans and monitor progress and compliance. Monitor the overall allocation and disbursement of program funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored, and liquidated. Take appropriate actions to optimize the use of program funds. Ensure program efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to program planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
5. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations
Undertakes field visits and ensures that his/her staff conducts field visits to monitor and assess program implementation and decides on required corrective action.
Carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluate and participate in the major program evaluation exercises in consultation with the Representative, the Operations Officer, the Evaluation Officer, and others to improve the efficiency and quality of program delivery. Participate in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. Ensure the timely preparation of annual program status reports.
6. Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach
Adopt a rights-based programs approach in the formulation of program goals and objectives and the development of strategies and implementation frameworks. Formulate consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and/or evaluation of programs and projects. Bring coherence, synergy, and added value to the programming planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to program planning and design.
Prepare and submit viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfillment of the rights of children and women, and recommendations on programs, new initiatives, and management issues to ensure achievement of stated objectives.
7. National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability
Provide authorities and service providers with technical support and guidance to plan and organize training programs for capacity building and program sustainability.
Ensure the building and reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners starting with taking a strategic approach to the identification of these partners and partnerships.
8. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community, and Family Levels
Conduct policy analysis from a children’s and women’s rights perspective and advocacy at the government, community, and family levels for elevating credibility in national and international policy debates. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through active advocacy and communication in line with UNICEF national advocacy guidelines and strategy.
9. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration
Develop partnerships and collaboration with internal and external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, to improve the ability to collect and disseminate development data and information, exchange information on program/project status and implementation, and movement/distribution of supplies. Linkage to the Regional Programme Knowledge Network to ensure the availability of current and accurate program data.
Collaborate with the Operations Section to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of programming endeavors and to coordinate financial and supply management requirements and accountability.
Maintain close collaboration with heads of sectoral programs in the CO, Regional, and HQ advisers for effective overall coordination on programs.
Plans develops, and implements sectoral program (s) by collaborating with the government and other partners. Provide leadership in the provision of technical advice, negotiation, advocacy, and promotion of area/country-level goals, leading to agreement on practicable and priority actions to be supported by the UNICEF program and country-level cooperation.
POSITION GRADE FACTORS
P4 Grade
- The scope of the job is to provide leadership and overall coordination/supervision of the total program commitment of a medium size Field Office with a broad range of projects. The job requires commitment and a strong drive for results for the achievement of overall program delivery and contribution to the established goals and objectives.
- As a manager, manage the program function by leading a team of Programme Officers and/or the section consisting of a group of professionals and support staff.
- Work requires expertise as a technical specialist, or expert for technical project/program management, requiring initiative, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.
- Technical leadership, sound judgment, planning, resource management expertise, and creative approaches are required for advising management and making recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, optimal utilization of resources, and recommendations on new program initiatives and management issues to ensure the achievement of stated objectives.
- Decision-making includes timely and effective decisions on situation analysis, program strategy, planning, implementation, evaluation, and human resources, requiring conceptual/analytical thinking, judgment, planning skills, decisiveness, flexibility, resource management, and communication.
- Formulate and/or represent UNICEF’s position to external partners. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue through effective communication and influence. Make sound recommendations on policy based on situations in the locality.
- The work makes resource management and planning & monitoring expertise essential for managing the overall allocation and disbursement of funds to ensure they are properly coordinated, monitored, and liquidated by the program budget allotments.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
QUALIFICATION AND COMPETENCIES (indicates the level of proficiency required for the job.)
- Education An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social sciences, international relations, public administration, 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 work experience in program management, planning, monitoring and evaluation, project administration, or another relevant area is required
- Experience working in a developing country is considered an asset.
- Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset.
- Familiarity/ background with emergencies is considered an asset.
3. Language Requirements
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.
4. UNICEF values and competency Required (based on the updated Framework)
i) Core Values
- Care
- Respect
- Integrity
- Trust
- Accountability
- Sustainability
ii) Core Competencies (For Staff with Supervisory Responsibilities) *
- 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)
- Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
- Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)
The 7 core competencies apply to all employees. However, the competency of nurturing, lead,ing and Managing people is only applicable to staff who supervise others.
Technical Knowledge:-
a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required
(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.)
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
• UNICEF program policy, procedures, and guidelines in the Manual.
b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)
• Methodology of program/project management
• UNICEF programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies, and strategies.
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
• UNICEF emergency program policies, goals, strategies, and approaches.
• Gender equality and diversity awareness.
c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)
• UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
• UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
• UN security operations and guidelines.
• Security Management training for members of the Security Management Team.
• UNICEF policies, and strategies promoting and supporting gender equality and diversity
During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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 is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children.
Remarks:
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable females are encouraged to apply.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Advertised: 30 Nov 2023 E. Africa Standard Time
Deadline: 08 Dec 2023 E. Africa Standard Time
