Programme Manager – P4

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job ? it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

 

For every child, an education!

Ethiopia is situated in the Horn of Africa and is the second most populous country on the continent with an estimated population of 115 million. It borders six African countries: Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan, and covers 1,104,300 square kilometers. Approximately 85 percent of the population lives in rural areas. Ethiopia represents a melting pot of ancient cultures with Middle Eastern and African cultures evident in the religious, ethnic, and language composition of its people.

Over the past two years, children and their families across Ethiopia faced multiple and complex emergencies, such as the conflict in the northern Ethiopia and the drought, which resulted in millions of people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. UNICEF has programmes in Child Protection, WASH, Health, Nutrition, Social Policy, and Education and serves over 15 million children in Ethiopia. Join UNICEF Ethiopia to contribute to improving the lives of children and women.

 

How can you make a difference? 

1. Overall supervision and management of the UNICEF Ethiopia’s STEP for Girls and Learning Programme funded from GPE’s STG and GEA at national, regional and targeted districts level.

• Management of accelerated planning, implementation, monitoring and results-based reporting of the three results and the thirteen outputs ensuring quality programming towards timely delivery ? national and regional level curriculum reform, School leaders development programme, with a focus on female leaders, Capacity Development for CTE to provide school based CPD, Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) for out of school and at-risk children, Reconstruction of Secondary schools and equipping them with climate smart, gender, and disability responsive facilities, Rehabilitation and upgrading of school WASH and MHM facilities and provision of MHM supplies, More supportive, gender responsive and inclusive teaching practices and learning opportunities for girls, Prevention of Based Violence (SRGBV) child and early marriage, FGM/C and other harmful practices, Social and Behavior Change activities to create demand for education especially for girls and children with disabilities, Roll out of digitized EMIS and integration of EMIS and national Learning Assessment databases for evidence-based decision making, Gender hardwired into sector analysis, planning and management, Teacher policy reforms, Support for national school meals system, etc.
• Work closely with and timely collaboration with government partners at national and regional level, including the Ministry of Education, Regional Education Bureaus, District Education Offices, Colleges of Teacher Education, Local Education Group Members, GPE Coordinating Agencies and Civil Society Organizations, etc.
• Strong engagement with Education Donor Partners specifically the World Bank, EU, FCDO, ECW, JICA, etc.
• Ensure integration of STEP for Girls and Learning Activities into MoE and REBs Rolling Work Plans with clear breakdown of targets, budget, micro plans and M&E framework as well as financial oversight of STG and GEA grants, including HACT risk assurance activities and DCT management.
• Ensure timely preparation, high-quality review of periodic reports, programme monitoring and reviews for the STEP for Girls and Learning reports due for GPE on a timely manner.

2. Management and advisory support to the Chief: 

• Provide technical advice to the Chief in establishing the annual work plan, including developing strategies, determining priorities, and performance measurements for GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning.
• Coordinate work progress monitoring and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards, and report to Chief critical issues for timely action in relation to GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning.
• Provide technical assistance and advice to colleagues in the Education Section and UNICEF Field Offices on all aspects of programming and implementation, covering both systems strengthening and humanitarian work, to enable them to achieve performance objectives for GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning.
• Perform other duties given by the Chief of Education or the incumbent`s OIC.

3. Programme Leadership, Development and Planning:

• Advise the Chief on the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the education programmes to ensure that current and comprehensive data on education issues is available to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy, advocacy, intervention and development efforts on education programmes.
• Advise the Chief in setting priorities, strategies, design and implementation plans. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery.
• Participate in strategic programme discussion on the planning of education programmes. Formulate, design and prepare programme proposals for the sector, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and Country Programme and coherence/integration with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.
• Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies and implementation plans for the sector using results based planning terminology and methodology (RBM) linked to GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme. Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval for GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Work closely and collaboratively with internal colleagues and partners such the Ministry of Education, Regional Education Bureaus, Civil Society Organizations, Local Education Group, GPE Secretariate, to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results outlined in the GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes and to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated with the STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.

4. Programme Management, Monitoring and Quality Control of Results

• Plan and collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector on education programmes with a focus on STEP for Girls and Learning.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results outlined in the GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and weaknesses in programme management in relation to GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals set out in the GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits and surveys, and exchange information with stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution for enhancing attainment of results defined in the GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources disbursed for STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Prepare regular and mandated programme reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress against the GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.

5. Advisory Services and Technical Support

• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and country office partners and donors on interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices and approaches on education and related issues to support programme management, implementation and delivery of results set out in the GPE funded STEP form Girls and Learning Programme.
• Arrange/coordinate availability of technical experts with Regional Office/HQ to ensure timely and appropriate support throughout the programming process linked to the GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Participate in strategic discussions to influence policy and agenda setting for combating poverty and all forms of discrimination against women/children by advising on and advocating strategies and approaches to promote universal access to quality, equitable and inclusive education for children in the country in general and in accelerating implementation of GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme in particular.
• Participate in education programme meetings including programme development and contingency planning to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.
• Prepare policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and consideration for enhancing attainment of results set out in the GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.

6. Advocacy, Networking and Partnership Building: 

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through networking and advocacy with local/national governments, UN system agency partners, donors, internationally recognized institutions, NGOs, funding organizations, research institutes and private sector to reinforce cooperation and/or pursue opportunities to promote goals and achieve sustainable and broad results on education.
• Prepare communication strategies and implementation plans and activities for maximum communication impact and outreach to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances for sustainable results and support fund raising for UNICEF Country Office education programmes focusing on both systems strengthening and emergency interventions.
• Participate and/or represent UNICEF in inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on education and related issues to ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNSDCF process in development planning and agenda setting. Collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNSDCF planning and preparation of programmes/projects including emergency preparedness.

7. Innovation, Knowledge Management and Capacity Building:

• Promote critical thinking, innovative approaches and good practices for sustainable education programme initiatives through advocacy and technical advisory services.
• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results set out in the GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, introduce and implement best and cutting-edge practices on education management and information systems. Institutionalize and disseminate best practices and knowledge learned from GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures and introduce innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects. Share strategies and innovations of examples on best practices in linking humanitarian and development work for sustainable results.
• Organize, plan and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on education related programme s/projects with a focus on GPE funded STEP for Girls and Learning Programme.

 

Impact of Results: 

The strategic and effective advocacy, planning and formulation of education programmes/projects and the achievement of sustainable results, contributes to the achievement of goals and objectives to improve learning outcomes and universal access to quality, equitable and inclusive education in the country. Achievements in education programmes and projects in turn contribute to maintaining/ enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide programme services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality in the country.

 

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education:  An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: education, economics, psychology, sociology or another relevant technical field.
• Work Experience: At least (8) eight years of professional experience in programme planning, management, and/or research in education with proven GPE programme planning and management experience is required.
• 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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are?

Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)

Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (2)

Works collaboratively with others (2)

Builds and maintains partnership (2)

Innovates and embraces change (2)

Thinks and acts strategically (2)

Drive to achieve results for impact (2)

Manages ambiguity and complexity (2) 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

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 measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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. 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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be 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.

 

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

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

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

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

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

 

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