Overview
Leads the programme pillar on ECD and Human Capital, driving strategic development, coordination, and implementation of integrated programmes with a focus on early childhood development. Promotes systems-strengthening approaches to improve quality, equity, and coverage across health, nutrition, education, and social protection.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure programmes are strengthened by knowledge management through data collection and analysis, reporting, and participation in corporate databases.
- Participate in information exchange through donor and media visits and development of training materials.
- Contribute to Situation Analysis for programme development and administer a monitoring system.
- Support preparation of programme work plans and program recommendations.
- Assist in establishing programme work plans and monitor progress and compliance.
- Help manage allocation and disbursement of programme funds.
- Undertake field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation.
- Carry out rigorous and transparent evaluation and participate in major programme evaluation exercises.
- Participate in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts.
- Ensure timely preparation of annual programme status reports.
- Assure quality of child rights-based programmes through planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Bring coherence, synergy, and added value to programming planning and design using a results-based management approach.
- Ensure viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, and optimal resource utilization.
- Provide government authorities with technical support and guidance for capacity building and programme sustainability.
- Ensure building or reinforcing of commitment and institutional capacities of national and local partners.
- Conduct policy analysis from a children's and women's rights perspective and advocacy.
- Promote organization goals through advocacy and policy dialogue.
- Develop partnerships and collaboration with internal and external counterparts.
- Establish and maintain linkage to the Regional Programme Knowledge Network.
- Collaborate with the Operations Section for sound internal controls and financial/supply management.
- Maintain collaboration with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers for effective coordination.
- Plan, develop, and implement sectoral programme(s) by collaborating with the government and other partners.
- Provide leadership in technical advice, negotiation, advocacy, and promotion of area/country level goals.
- Provide strong leadership and strategic direction to the team.
- Strengthen team capacities through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
- Promote cross-sectoral collaboration within the office.
- Model UNICEF values and contribute to a positive organizational culture.
Required Experience
- A minimum of Five years of relevant professional work experience is required in one or more of the following areas: public health/nutrition, ECD, social policy, planning and management or finances.
- Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
- Background/familiarity with emergency is considered as an asset.
- Relevant experience in an UN system agency or organization is considered an asset.
Qualifications
An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Social Sciences, Public Health/Nutrition, Early Childhood Development, Health research, health policy and/or management, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or another relevant technical field.
