Programme Specialist (Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation), P-3, Fixed Term, Polio Eradication Programme, New York, USA

Note: The Programme Group is currently undergoing organizational changes, therefore the exact location of the post is still under consideration. As such, the selected candidate may have the option of starting the assignment remotely or should the candidate move to New York, s/he would be expected to relocate to another location as the case may be, during the contractual period.

 

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

 

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries.

 

To continue deliver results for women and children UNICEF is facing a need to adjust strategies in ever more rapidly changing and increasingly more complex social environment and contexts. UNICEF is looking for innovative, action oriented, compassionate leaders and practitioners, who are able to work and collaborate with teams across a broad range of technical fields and disciplines commensurate to the complexity of challenges faced in the modern world.

 

How can you make a difference?

 

Under the guidance of the Deputy Director, Polio Eradication Programme, you will be accountable for programme planning, design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration of specific projects within the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), in accordance with the achievement of UNICEF’s accountabilities within the partnership and within the UNICEF Strategic Plan Health outcome under Goal Area 1.

 

Key functions and accountabilities include the following: 

 

1. Knowledge Management:

• Ensure that Polio teams are strengthened by internal information flow, ensure knowledge management initiatives are aligned, data collection is achieved using corporate systems, polio lessons learned exchanges and other organizational KM initiatives are in line with UNICEF supported systems.
• Liaise as needed with relevant ICTD and KM Sections for strategy and implementation support.

2. Programme Development and Management

• Contribute to the preparation of the Situation Analysis for programme development. Administer a consistent and transparent monitoring system; providing accurate analysis of country level socio-political economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects.
• Support preparation of programme work plans as required. Responsible for preparation of program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices.
• Prepare and provide quality review (content and format) of draft briefing notes, comments, and reports under the authority of senior management participation in GPEI meetings and for Programme oversight. Support the Deputy Director in identifying and optimizing collaborative opportunities with internal groups. Facilitate internal information flow between sectors of the Polio programme at HQ, RO and CO, as part of the GPEI, and as requested by the Deputy Director

3. Optimum Use of Programme Funds

• Assist in establishing programme work plans and monitors progress and compliance.
• Help to manage allocation and disbursement of programme funds, ensuring that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds.
• Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

4. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

• Undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action.
• Carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation and participate in major programme evaluation exercises in consultation with the Deputy Director, PMT, the M&E Specialist, relevant Operations focal point in PG, DAPM and others to improve efficiency and quality of programme delivery.
• Participate in annual sector review meetings with counterparts. Ensure the timely preparation of annual internal programme status reports.

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

• Assure the quality of child rights-based programmes through 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 design.
• Ensure 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 new programme initiatives and management issues to ensure achievement of stated objectives.

6. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration

• Develop partnerships 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.
• 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 endeavours and to coordinate financial and supply management requirements and accountability.
• Maintain collaboration with Regional Advisers and HQ for effective overall coordination on programmes, as needed.

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

 

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in any of the following fields: Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in Programme Planning & Monitoring and Evaluation.
• Experience of working in a developing country.
• Experience of working with UNICEF or any UN agency, as an asset.
• Background/familiarity with emergency, as an asset.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered as an asset.

For every child, you demonstrate…

 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

 

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

 

Competency areas:

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
• 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)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Functional Competencies:

• Analyzing (II)
• Persuading and influencing (II)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

 

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

 

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

 

Remarks:

 

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

 

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