Technical Specialist, Humanitarian Cash Transfers – P3  

Under the supervision of the chief of CIU, this position will provide support to UNICEF country office to prepare cash response and intervention to existing and new or suddenly deteriorating humanitarian situations, through deployment to affected areas. The position will lead the preparation, design and implementation of HCT programmes across the project cycle. The position will work in close collaboration with the program teams, and field offices. The technical specialist is responsible for leading the HCT programs; planning, implementation; monitoring to ensure the achievement of concrete HCT program results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM) and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework
 

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, a chance.

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.

Job organizational context: The Technical Specialist (HCT) GJP is to be used in a Country Office (CO) where emergency response in cash through shock responsive social protection scheme and various type of emergency cash interventions under L2, L3 emergency country.

How can you make a difference? 

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Programme Development & Management
• Programme Monitoring
• Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach
• Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration
• Optimum Use of Program Funds for cash transfer programme

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.

Programme 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.

IV. Impact of Results

By fulfilling the above-mentioned tasks, this position will contribute to allow UNICEF to comply with its commitment to scale up cash programming, to foster collective synergies and complementarities with other UN agencies HCT programme, and to provide adequate level of risk management and quality assurance in HCT programmes. This post will support UNICEF to comply with its commitments in the CCCs and in the Strategic Plan 2024.

For more info, on the Job Description

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

QUALIFICATION AND COMPETENCIES

1. Education

• 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.

2.  Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience In managing humanitarian cash programming. Developing country work experience especially in fragile, emergency contexts. Background/familiarity with Emergency and Humanitarian Cash Transfers.
• Familiarity with emergency is 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

3.  Skills

• Diplomatic 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.
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation. 
• In-depth knowledge of public partnership development and resource mobilization.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate new approaches in respect of resources management and outreach- related activities.
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes.
• Demonstrated ability in donor reporting
• Demonstrated ability to support media and communications functions
• Excellent communications skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to conduct sound policy analysis.

4.Language Requirements

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

ii) Core Competencies (For Staff with Supervisory Responsibilities) *

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

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, 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:

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

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.

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

 UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

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