Internal and External Vacancy Announcement: Programme Officer, NOA-Fixed Term Appointment, Juba South Sudan (For South sudanese Only)

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, Nutrition

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the close supervision of a supervisor, contribute to the total program commitment of a country office, and provide coordination in program formulation, design, planning, and management with a strategic focus on the achievement of UNICEF’s Organizational priorities.

Under the supervision of the Chief Nutrition provide professional technical assistance and support for program design, planning and implementation, management and evaluation of program/project activities, data analysis, and progress reporting, in support of achievement of program goals and objectives. The program officer will monitor the section budget and allocate incoming funds, and manage donor Grants within VISION (SAP). Further the programme officer will monitor fund utilization and progress reporting and capacity building.

KEY END-RESULTS EXPECTED

1. Technical contribution to and participation in effective knowledge management made to strengthen country programme management and activities, including data collection, analysis, and information sharing/exchanges.

2. Effective monitoring system administered and analysis of country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications provided for the identification of critical programme intervention point and measures; Changes in programme work plans and recommendations drafted or prepared as required.

3. Programme funds effectively monitored for optimum use.

4. Programme monitoring and evaluations effectively conducted to improve programme performance, and programme status report timely prepared.

5. Technical support and assistance provided to elevate the quality of rights-based projects /programmes, and add coherence, synergy and value to project management process by using results-based management.

6. Contribution and support provided to build and reinforce commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners.

7. Rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels incorporated in policy analysis for establishing and elevating UNICEF’s credibility in policy debates.

8.  Technical support and assistance are provided to enhance effective communication and networking through partnership and collaboration.

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. Knowledge Management for Programmes

Contribute to country programmes by supporting knowledge management through providing professional assistance in 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 with partners as well as in the development of training and orientation material by providing professional technical assistance.

2. Programme Development and Management

Provide professional technical assistance in the preparation of the Situation Analysis for programme development and management by collecting and analyzing data and monitoring implementation progress. Contribute to the identification of critical intervention points and measures by administering a consistent and transparent monitoring system; analyse country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects. Draft or prepare programme work plans as required. Propose adjustments/changes in work plans. Propose program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices for supervisor.

3. Optimum Use Of Program Funds

Monitors programme implementation progress and compliance.  Monitors the allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate recommendations or actions to optimize use of programme funds.

4. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

Undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action.

Collaborate with partners to carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation and participate in the major programme evaluation exercises in consultation with the Representative, the Operations Officer, the Evaluation Officer and others to improve efficiency and quality of programme delivery. Participate in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts.  Collaborate and prepare annual program status reports in a timely manner, as required. Oversee  management performance indicators; ensure all reporting requirements are fully met for the section; Ensure that monthly contribution management reports are being prepared  taking into consideration the increased demand of complex, analytical reports. Ensure quality information management through regular maintenance of contribution related information in VISION

5.  Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach

Support rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks. Collaborate with partners and assist in the strengthening of quality of child rights-based programmes consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and projects. Contribute to coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to programme planning and design.

Provide professional technical assistance in preparing 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.

6.  National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability

Provide government authorities with technical assistance and supports in planning and organizing training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.

Promote and maintain the building and reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners by identifying these partners and partnerships and providing continuous support, coordination, and collaboration for sustainability.

7. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community, and Family Levels

Analyze program-related issues and policies from a children’s and women’s rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels for elevating credibility in national policy debates. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through active advocacy and. communication. Participates in the preparation of all program reports for management, donors, budget reviews, program analysis, and annual reports as required.

8.  Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration.

Facilitate partnership 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. Establish and maintain linkage to the Regional Programme Knowledge Network to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme 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.  Approve allocation and disbursement of funds ensuring they are properly coordinated, monitored, and liquidated under the program budget allotments (PBA).

Maintain close collaboration with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers for overall coordination.

Provide professional support 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 UNICEF programme.

QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES 

1.    Education

University degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or other relevant disciplines, with specialized training in conflict resolution.

2.  Work Experience

A minimum of one year of relevant professional work experience.

Developing country work experience (for IP) or field work experience (for NO) Background/familiarity with Emergency.

3.     Language Proficiency

Fluency in English and another UN language (IP), or local working language of the duty station (NO).

4.  Competency Profile ( For details on competencies please refer to the “UNICEF Professional Competency.”)

i)  Core Values (Required)

Commitment

Diversity and Inclusion

Integrity

iii)  Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Results

ii)Functional Competencies (Required)

• iii)  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 programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.

  •   Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP)

  b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (the job group)

  •   Methodology of programme/project management

  •   UNICEF programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies.

  •   Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically regarding children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches.

  •   UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues, particularly concerning conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.

  •   UNICEF emergency programme 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.

  •   UNSECORD training for members of the Security Management Team.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of;

• Care,
• Respect,
• Integrity,
• Trust,
• 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.

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 promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. 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 cancelled.

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 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.