Programme Specialist (Polio), P3, Fixed Term (1 year), Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, #113123 (Open to non-Afghan Nationals only)

Afghanistan country office is seeking an experienced Programme Specialist responsible to provide technical support for operationalizing a systematic, planned and evidence-based immunization strategy with a focus on Social and Behavioral Change as a key UNICEF accountability within the GAVI alliance as well as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative through communication and engagement, as well as the empowerment and participation of stakeholders, communities, children, civil society partners, and government counterparts, s/he promotes measurable behavioral and social change/mobilization as well as monitors the implementation of such interventions.

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, a future

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How can you make a difference?

Purpose for the job:

The Programme Specialist provides technical support for operationalizing a systematic, planned and evidence-based immunization strategy with a focus on Social and Behavioral Change as a key UNICEF accountability within the GAVI alliance as well as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Through communication and engagement, as well as the empowerment and participation of stakeholders, communities, children, civil society partners, and government counterparts, s/he promotes measurable behavioral and social change/mobilization as well as monitors the implementation of such interventions. This subsequently contributes to the achievement of sustainable and concrete results in improving children’s rights, survival and wellbeing in the country.

Summary of Key functions/accountabilities: 

1. Timely Analysis to support effective planning

• Contributes towards the preparation of the Situation Analysis by compiling, analyzing, and evaluating information and providing the technical input.
• Ensures the preparation of the Situation Analysis relative to Extended Programme on Immunization (EPI) interventions in the country and its periodic update.
• Prepares sectoral input to the Country Programme Document, and all related documents (e.g., Plan of Operations, Project Plans of Action, Country Programme Summary Sheet, Programme Summary Sheet) of the immunization programme.

2. Immunization strategy development & Implementation

• Collaborates with other UNICEF sectors, particularly Health, Nutrition, HIV, and programme communication to ensure integration of the immunization programme with other sectors.
• Participates with UNICEF, Government, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other partners in the development of the immunization strategies and approaches.
• Ensures achievement of strategic results in line with agreed Annual and Country Programme objectives and adopts corrective action to meet programme/project objectives.
• Contributes to the identification of new approaches for improving programme delivery with emphasis on project management, evaluation, sustainability of intervention and community participation based on Human Rights framework and cross sector approach to programming and Community Capacity Development.

3. Lead delivery of the joint EPI and Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) Plan.

• As Programme Specialist, exercises technical leadership for, and participates in, the development of the results-based sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for administration, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of sectoral project activity, consistent with the defined project strategies and approaches.
• Ensures objectives and targets are timely met and achieved, through full coordination between activities, by leading and supporting a team of professional and support staff.
• Meets with national and international agencies overseeing the management of programmes/projects.
• Participates in meetings with ministries responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements, and integration of gender mainstreaming across sectors.

4. Monitor project implementation

• Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes, as well as participates in periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners.
• Identifies necessary action for programme adjustments.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and implementing partners in the planning and management of the immunization programme and ensure sustainability of interventions.
• Support maintenance of information system for monitoring gender/sex disaggregated data.

5. Provide technical support and capacity building to government and NGOs

• Provides technical support to government and NGOs at the national and provincial levels in the planning, development, and implementation stages of the programmes/projects.
• Identifies training needs; plans, organizes, and conducts training and orientation activities for government personnel and beneficiaries, for the purpose of capacity building, sustainability of programme/projects and promotion/expansion of coverage of services.

6. Provide technical support for developing communication strategies, training, and monitoring tools for EPI and PEI

• Provide technical support towards development of PEI related communication tools and materials, support capacity building of Polio community structures in PEI and EPI and fully monitor implementation of polio campaigns and other activities.

7. Effectively account for resources

• Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring UNICEF and Government partner accountability.
• Certifies disbursements of funds, ensuring those activities are within established plans of action and programme budget allotments.
• Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored, and liquidated.
• Submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.

8. Maintain effective partnerships for advocacy, technical cooperation, and information sharing

• Coordinates activities and exchanges information and knowledge with other programmes to contribute to achievement of overall country programme objectives.
• Participates in establishing effective monitoring, knowledge database/network and reporting systems to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme information/data and contributes to the development of communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and community participation for the Immunization Programme.
• Maintains close working relationships to establish partnership and collaboration with external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, to improve the ability to collect and disseminate relevant data, exchange information on programme/project development and implementation. Ensures exchange of knowledge, information, experience, and lessons learned.

9. Provide strategic information to support Immunization Programme through effective monitoring

• In collaboration with monitoring and evaluation and program communication colleagues, conducts accurate and timely monitoring and data collection, and supports an integrated monitoring system.
• Participates in major evaluation exercises, programme mid-term review, annual sector review and preview meetings.
• Analyses and evaluates data to ensure achievement of objectives and recommends corrective measures as appropriate.
• Ensures the accurate and timely input of project information in the monitoring system, and issues status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

10. Prepare all programme reports timely per guidelines.

• Ensures the timely preparation of annual sector status reports in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.
• Participates in the preparation of all programmes reports for management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, and annual reports.

11. Maintain emergency preparedness and provide coordinated responses

• Collaborates in forming emergency preparedness plan relating to the areas of responsibility.
• In case of emergency, participates in monitoring and assessing the nature and extent of the emergency in the assigned area.
• Coordinates and aids the Country Office in identifying where support is required in terms of immediate response as well as long-term strategy and plan.

12. Effectively perform duties to lead, manage, and coordinate outpost activities and resources

Performs and delivers additional duties and services assigned by the supervisor which includes managing and maintaining the outpost station resources, proving oversight to other section programs and activities in the outpost province etc.

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

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Political Science, Public Health, Social Development, or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: social development programme planning, social and behavior change, communication for development, public advocacy, or another related area.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• 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, 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 candidate 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.

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.