Programme Specialist (MONUSCO Withdrawal), P-3, Temporary Appointment (6 months), based in Goma, DRC

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, Protection.

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) was established in 1999 by UN Security Council Resolution 1279 to observe and monitor a ceasefire in the DRC. Over the past two decades, both MONUSCO and its predecessor, the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), have played critical roles in various areas including civilian protection and peace restoration.

In September 2023, the DRC Government demanded the accelerated withdrawal of MONUSCO. A phased disengagement plan was signed, outlining a gradual withdrawal from the east, starting with South Kivu province in mid-2024.

Gradual Transfer of Responsibilities: MONUSCO and the Congolese government are ensuring an effective transfer of tasks and responsibilities related to security and civilian protection. Successor arrangements with the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) have been identified according to transition priorities but are expected to have an impact on the UNICEF Country Office (CO). As such, several critical aspects need to be addressed to ensure a smooth transition and mitigate potential risks as the missions draws down.

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the Chief of Field Operations (Level P-5) and in close coordination with the Chiefs Field Offices (Bukavu, Goma and Bunia), the Programme Specialist based in Goma will support the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the recommendations and strategies developed to address the financial, operational, and humanitarian implications of MONUSCO’s withdrawal in South Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri provinces, with a focus on maintaining continuity of support.  

The Programme Specialist will support CFOs and CO management in identifying areas of prioritization and urgent actions to be undertaken. She/He will also support CFOs at the provincial level to represent UNICEF in all instances and discussion forums related to this issue.

The Programme Specialist will also support preparedness activities and operation oversight related to MONUSCO withdrawal, as well as follow up on the implementation of the contingency plan.

The position includes between 60-75% missions to the field and FO outside of the Duty Station.

Key functions and accountabilities:

Support to programme development and planning 

• Participates in support of the Chief of Field Offices in all meetings and technical discussions related to MONUSCO withdrawal and provides a summary to ensure appropriate response and a consistent flow of information are effectively maintained within the CO.
• Emergency preparedness is effectively arranged as per provincial contingency plans developed related to MONUSCO withdrawal.
• Emergency plans of action related to MONUSCO withdrawal are monitored for an effective and efficient implementation, and compliance and coordination of all sectors with the plans are implemented.
• Works closely with the Executive Specialist to ensure coordination and management of preparedness related to MONUSCO withdrawal at Field office and National levels

Programme management, coordination, monitoring and delivery of results.

• Support is provided for preparation of appeals and project proposals specifically related to MONUSCO withdrawal.
• Continuous, effective, and strategic coordination, communication, consultation, and liaison are maintained with Government, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and allies in support of the special needs of children and women based on the Core Commitment for Children.
• Management is kept informed of developments, potential threats, and opportunities/issues.

Networking and partnership building

• Prepares communication, briefing and information materials for CO Programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and support fund raising for the MONUSCO withdrawal in emergencies.

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

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social sciences, public administration, law, international relations, business administration or other related disciplines. Preferably a combination of management, administration, and relevant technical fields. 

Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in context analysis, programme/project development and management, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and administration.

A minimum of two years’ experience working in a complex emergency or protracted crises situations is required.

Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. 

Fluency in French and English is required.

Knowledge of another official UN language 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 are encouraged to apply.

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.