Internal & External Vacancy Announcement : Programme Officer P2 TA Bamako # 42115

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

The Deputy Representative will provide day-to-day supervision and guidance, P5. The supervisor will also provide on-the-job training based on an agreed work plan. An individual annual work plan is prepared through discussion between the supervisor and supervisee and forms the basis of performance measurement. Supervision will be done within the framework of the UNICEF performance appraisal system under which staff members meet with the direct supervisor at least three times a year to review overall performance. The Programme Officer will also participate in regular unit meetings where the members discuss progress in work plan implementation. There will be regular all-staff unit meetings to help identify priorities for the month and plan for them. Weekly tasks will be identified in collaboration with the supervisor. In addition, there will be regular meetings with the other units, where progress reports will be shared for better management of work plans, particularly regarding inter-unit collaborative efforts. The Programme Officer is expected to participate and contribute to all these meetings

Under the supervision of the Deputy Representative, the Programme Officer will work 50% of her/his time to provide overall coordination support, with a focus on multi-sectoral programmes. This will include support to the Country Office’s budget unit related to specific multi sectoral programmes, i.e., effective programme and financial management, monitoring and reporting of Office-wide multi-sectoral grants. She/he will work in close collaboration with Programme sections, the Partnerships & Resource Mobilisation Team, Cross-sectoral sections and units at Bamako and Field Office levels. Furthermore, the Programme Officer, under the supervision of the Deputy Representative, will engage with other UN agencies, Technical and Financial Partners whenever necessary (including active engagement in coordination mechanisms such as the Thematic Group on Human Capital and Basic

Social Services). Interaction with Implementing Partners as required, to exchange information and support programme delivery and results for children.

For the remaining 50% of her/his time, the Programme Officer will work under the guidance of the Chief of Education, to provide coordination and management support for the implementation of the Education Dialogue Group workplan. Additionally, the Programme Offer will assist the Education team, under the direct guidance by the Chief of Education, with tasks related to risk-informed planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation related to UNICEF’s leadership of the Education Dialogue group and/or related to UNICEF supported Education programmes and project (access, quality of Education) as relevant

How can you make a difference?

          1- Support to programme coordination, development, and planning (Programme Coordination and Management

1. 1. Support the Deputy Representative in coordinating and managing multi-sectoral programmes to successfully implement the lifecycle approach and reach the Office’s objectives.
   2. Participate in strategic programme discussions on the planning of multi-sectoral programmes with a focus on strategies to strengthen programme implementation.
   3. Support leading implementation of strategic programme design, evidence generation, partnership coordination and representation of multi-sectoral programmes and/or projects.
   4. Support with the formulation, design and preparation of management structures, documents, workplans, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for the designated multi-sectoral programmes/projects in collaboration with relevant sections.
   5. Ensure close coordination with sections for effective implementation of the assigned projects, with a focus on ensuring ownership, mainstreamed implementation, and overall programmatic coherence.
   6. Ensure convergence among programmes, cross-sectoral sections, and pillars through the promotion of joint implementation, innovative thinking, and adequate guidance.
   7. Develop, implement, and monitor, with the participation of sections and field offices, the annual work plan for identified multisectoral programmes implementation to ensure the achievement of results according to targets and performance standards Assist with the development and review of good quality multi-sectoral, equity-focused operational plans.
   8. Develop, implement, and monitor, with the participation of sections and field offices, the annual work plan for identified multisectoral programmes implementation to ensure the achievement of results according to targets and performance standards
   9. Work closely with relevant colleagues, UN agencies, bilateral, multilateral and implementation partners as well as Government counterparts to develop and manage assigned programmes/projects
   10. In close collaboration with the PME team, support the ongoing process for efficient preparation and development of the Country Programme (2025-2029) and other planning, monitoring, and reporting activities as needed.
   11. In collaboration with the Budget Unit, ensure the integrity of financial management and overseeing the administrative, financial, and budgetary aspects related to multi-sectoral programmes/projects
   12. Draft briefing notes, talking points, speeches, articles, and other contents related to multisectoral programmes/projects as necessary and as required, in line with corporate and programme strategy.
   14. 2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results.

1. 1. 1. Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurements to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence, and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the multi-sectoral programmes/projects.
      2. Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
      3. Support sections to ensure quarterly fund allocations based on utilization and compliance with achievement of programmatic and accountability framework goals for the implementation of assigned programmes/projects and plans.
      4. Ensure timely implementation of the assigned multi-stakeholder, cross-cutting programmes of the Mali country office focusing on supporting the designing, planning, implementing, and monitoring workplans to deliver measurable results.
      5. Ensure the monitoring framework of key results is regularly updated and key deliverables are achieved.
      6. Use firsthand experience to generate and utilize both primary and secondary data to inform program design, improvement and/or redesign.

              g.   Communicate progress, bottlenecks and issues arising with programme delivery and assist in issuing   recommendations and solutions to the Deputy Representative  

   2. 3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation
   4. a- Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices and approaches on education and related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation, and delivery of results
   5. b- Participate in programme meetings, including education programme meetings, including programme development and contingency planning to provide technical and operational information, advice, and support
   6. c- Support the documentation, reporting and sharing of innovations, success stories and programme activities related to multi-sectoral and education programme implementation.
   8. 4- Advocacy, Networking, and partnership building
   10. a- Support partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate multi-sector programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve and sustain programme results.
   12. b-Contribute to effective close working partnerships with education sector and non-education sector (i.e., State Ministry of Planning and Budget), government counterparts, national stakeholders, as well as global partners, allies, donors, and academia.
   13. c-  Support collaboration with the Development Partners through existing coordination and cooperation framework (Thematic Group, Dialog Group etc.) as required
   14. d-  Support the Education section in leading the Education Dialog Group of the Technical and Financial partners
   15. e-Contribute to communication and information materials for programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and support fund raising for programmes.
   16. f- Participate in appropriate inter-agency discussions on education and related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNSDCF planning and preparation of programmes/projects ensuring organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNSDCF process in development planning and agenda setting
   18. 5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
   20. a-Participate in innovative approaches to the capacity building of partners and stakeholders and support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results
   21. b- Support capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on education-related programmes/projects
   22. c-Support the coordination of relevant operational research, thus contributing to the knowledge base in education systems and innovation.
   23. d- Contribute to the Dissemination of relevant academic research findings, publications, presentations, and reports
   24. e-Support the documentation, reporting and sharing of innovations, success stories and programme activities.
   25. f. Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects

2. Impact of Results:

   The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Programme Officer to programme preparation, planning and implementation contributes to the delivery of concrete and sustainable results that directly impact the improvement of basic social services of the most marginalized and vulnerable children and women in the country as well as learning outcomes and universal access to quality, equitable and inclusive education. This in turn contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide programme services to protect the rights of children and to promote greater social equality to enable them to survive, develop and reach their full potential in society

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

Education

A university degree in Social Sciences, Education, International Relations, Project Management, Business Administration, Economics, public financial management, or closely related field is required

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the management of projects within national/international settings
• Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated knowledge of and professional experience in at least three of the following areas:
  • Management of multi-sectoral programmes/projects
  • Project/Programme management, planning and monitoring or advisory support at national or/and international level.
  • Introduction of innovations in complex contexts
  • Experience and knowledge of the Malian context
  • Experience working in a UN agency or organization, or in a global education initiative or development bank
  • Experience working in the coordination of inter-agency initiatives is considered an asset
  • Skills:
    • Ability to resolve difficult, complex, and sensitive situations often under pressure.
    • Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment.
    • Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form
    • Ability to allocate appropriate time and resources for successful achievement of goals, and foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning.
    • Ability to implement clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identify priority activities and assignments, adjust priorities as required
    • Ability to work strategically to realize organizational goals, develop strategies, set clear visions
    • Advanced communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders
    • Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes
    • Excellent advocacy skills particularly in relation to advocating for education provision
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Language Requirements:

Fluency in French and English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

• For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values

Care

Respect

Integrity

Trust Accountability

Sustainability 

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

Builds and maintains partnerships

Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

Drive to achieve results for impact

Innovates and embraces change

 Manages ambiguity and complexity

Thinks and acts strategically

Works collaboratively 

Functional Competencies

Analysing 

Planning and organizing 

Learning and Researching 

Following Instructions and Procedures 

Formulating strategies and concepts 

Applying technical expertise 

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:

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is:a role with direct contact with children, works directly with children, is a safeguarding response role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) applies.

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

 Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. 

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 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.

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Eligible UNICEF International Professional (IP) Staff Members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to a Temporary Appointment, which is dedicated to L3 (or L2) Response, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and their current tour of duty, and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.