Technical Specialist – Humanitarian Cash Transfers (HCT) – UNICEF

Job Description

Job no	553421
Contract type	Temporary Appointment
Location	Sudan
Duty Station	Khartoum
Level	P-3
Categories	Social Policy, Operations, Financial Management
Advertised	27 Jul 2022 E. Africa Standard Time
Deadline	10 Aug 2022 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, Hope

Sudan, surrounded by the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Libya and South Sudan, positioned next to East, West, South and North Africa, is surrounded by complex conflicts in an unpredictable, volatile and rapidly evolving region. Sudan is by size the third biggest country in Africa, with a diverse population of around 42 million people. Sudan’s children make up half of the total population, and the past two decades have seen their lives significantly improve: fewer girls and boys are dying before their fifth birthday, primary school attendance is increasing, immunization coverage is high and the country remains polio free. Still, millions of children continue to suffer from protracted conflict in Darfur, the Kordofans, and Blue Nile, from seasonal natural disasters, malnutrition and disease outbreaks, and from under-investment in basic social services. More than three million of Sudan’s school aged children are not in the classroom. UNICEF has been in Sudan since 1952 and continues with a presence in 12 of Sudan’s 18 states.

How can you make a difference?

Under the direct supervision of the CIU Team Leader, the Specialist would be responsible for:

Programme Development & Management

• Develop, review and maintain work plans with time frames and deadlines for key activities; based on its changing and emerging needs; ensure standard operating procedures are developed for cash operations.
• Support relevant colleagues, remotely and in person to manage UNICEF Implementing partners in the field.
• Conduct cash feasibility assessments in partnership with relevant section, operations and field teams.
• Technically and operationally assist the formulation, preparation and implementation of HCT programs including assessment and analysis, the choice of objectives, activities, transfer modalities, and the deployment and testing of innovative approaches on cash.
• Coordinate and work closely with field staff to support effective and timely implementation of cash programmes.
• Build capacity of field teams on implementing cash programmes at scale across sections.
• Provide technical backstopping for any specific troubleshooting requests on cash programming by field offices.
• Conduct regular operational analysis of the programme, identify areas of poor performance, bottlenecks, and identify solutions such as design improvements, additional trainings and technical support.
• Prepares relevant programme reports required for management, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc. 

Monitoring

• Works closely with the relevant colleagues to implement a sound monitoring and evaluation system for the cash transfer programme; undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action.
• Provide guidance to the relevant colleagues on the integrated use of a diversified set of data collection tools and methodologies including leveraging existing implementing partner systems,
• Produce relevant knowledge management products on the cash transfer programme through data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting as well generating and documenting lessons learned;
• Ensure the timely preparation of annual program status reports.

Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach

• Adopt rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks.
• Formulate consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and projects.
• Bring coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to programme planning and design.
• Prepare and submit viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfilment of the rights of children and women, and recommendations on programme, new initiatives and management issues to ensure achievement of stated objectives.

Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration

• With guidance from CIU Team Leader, support partnership and collaboration with internal and external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, in order to improve the ability to collect and disseminate development data and information, exchange information on programme/project status and implementation and movement/distribution of supplies.
• Collaborate with the Operations Section to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of programming endeavours and to coordinate financial and supply management requirements and accountability.

Optimum Use of Program Funds for cash transfer programme

• Prepare cash 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.

Ensure all applicable Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) risk management measures are implemented.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in international development, social sciences, public policy, public health, or relevant 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 5 years of relevant professional experience. Developing country work experience especially in fragile, emergency contexts. Background/familiarity with Emergency and Humanitarian Cash Transfers.
• Familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic would be considered an asset.

• Demonstrated knowledge in use of cash in emergencies.
• Experience of managing and implementing humanitarian cash transfers programmes.
• Experience in emergency programme implementation.
• Experience in government owned social assistance programmes is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Familiarity with UNICEF’s programmes in emergency contexts preferred.
• Experience in multi-stakeholder co-ordination and facilitation.
• Excellent communication & presentation skills (written & verbal) across multiple audiences with the ability to influence others while working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• High motivation, and dedication to deliver results within strict timeframes.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability (CRITA) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

Core Competencies:

(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. (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

Functional Competencies:

Leading and Supervising [II]. Fomulating Strategies and Concepts [III]. Analyzing [III].

Relating and Networking [III]. Deciding and Initiating Action [II]. Applying Technical Expertise [III]. Communicating [III].

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 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.

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 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:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.

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 may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). Government employees that 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.

Advertised: 27 Jul 2022 E. Africa Standard Time
Deadline: 10 Aug 2022 E. Africa Standard Time