Programme Specialist (Sub-Regional Coordinator), (NO-3), Fixed-Term, Termez, Uzbekistan #130947

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Representative – Programme, the Programme Specialist (Sub-Regional Coordinator) for Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions, is responsible for overall coordination , implementation and monitoring of the annual work plans and programmes in these regions while serving as the liaison officer between UNICEF and other key stakeholders including UNICEF Logistics Hub Office (outposted staff of Afghanistan Country Office), the UN entities operating in the hub, Regional governors, district Khokims and leadership of NGOs and Civil societies.

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.

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For every child, safety!

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Representative – Programme, the Programme Specialist (Sub-Regional Coordinator) for Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions, is responsible for overall coordination , implementation and monitoring of the annual work plans and programmes in these regions while serving as the liaison officer between UNICEF and other key stakeholders including UNICEF Logistics Hub Office (outposted staff of Afghanistan Country Office), the UN entities operating in the hub, Regional governors, district Khokims and leadership of NGOs and Civil societies.

KEY END-RESULTS

1. Effective knowledge management and systems developed and utilized to strengthen area/country programme management.
2. Regional Profiles prepared/updated, critical programme intervention points/measures identified, and programme work plans/recommendations/reports prepared.
3. Programme funds optimally used.
4. Programme monitoring and evaluations effectively conducted to improve programme performance, and programme status report timely prepared. Gender/sex disaggregated data and inputs relevant to country programme provided as integral part of programming.
5. Rights based and results based programming approach fully incorporated into all phases of programme and projects processes.
6. Commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners effectively gained and established.
7. Rights perspective and advocacy at the national, community and family levels incorporated in policy analysis for establishing and elevating UNICEF’s credibility in national and international policy debates.
8. Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme development/management/coordination, information sharing and networking.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS 

1.  Knowledge Management for Programmes

Ensure that area/country programmes are strengthened by knowledge management through updating of regional profiles, data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting as well as contribution to the Programme Knowledge Network system of “lessons learned” and other corporate-level databases.

Contribute to information exchange through donor and media visits as well as in the development of training and orientation materials.

2. Programme Development and Management

In collaboration with Heads of Sections develop a consolidated workplan based on specific outputs and outcomes of the country program earmarked for earmarked for Surkandarya and Kashkadarya  and from PCAs/PDs for engaged CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) implemented in the two regions.

3. Optimum Use of Programme Funds

Ensure that the consolidated workplan and budgets from contributing programmes for achieving the sub national results and targets are proposed, agreed, and included in rolling work plans and program documents.

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 the major programme evaluation exercises in consultation with the Representative, the Deputy Representatives, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and others to improve efficiency and quality of programme delivery.

Participate in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. 

Contribute and facilitate preparation of periodic reports as per established schedule.

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.  Coordination and Reporting

Act as the main liaison officer between UNICEF and Regional Governors including government officials and representatives of civil society organizations at the district level. 

Coordinate across programme sections, cross-sectoral areas, operations, and the identification, implementation and monitoring of high impact, catalytic, intersectoral strategies, approaches, and actions that will lead to the achievement of the program results. Coordinate field missions from Tashkent as per approved field missions SOP (standard operating procedures).

Consolidate reports at sub national level capturing achievements, constraints and lessons learned, and report regularly (at least quarterly at the start) to the Program Management Team (PMT), on progress in overcoming barriers and moving towards identified changes through agreed intersectoral approaches, and ultimately to the CMT (Country Management Team). 

Facilitate systematic and timely information exchange among all programs, on the implementation and progress made on overcoming barriers and accomplishing expected changes.

7. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community and Family Levels

Conducts policy analysis from a children’s and women’s rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels for credibility in national and international policy debates. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue.

8. 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 Country Office technical staff, operations staff and Deputy Representatives for effective overall coordination on programmes.

Plans, develops and implements sectoral programme(s) by collaborating with the government and other partners. Provide leadership in provision of technical advice, negotiation, advocacy and promotion of area/country level goals, leading to agreement on practicable and priority actions to be supported by UNICEF programme and country level cooperation.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or another relevant technical field.
• Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience is required; Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset; Background/familiarity with emergency is considered as an asset; Prior experience in the specified regions and/or with United Nations is an asset.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Uzbek is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.
• Skills:
  • Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
  • UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
  • Methodology of programme/project management
  • UNICEF programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies.
  • Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNCEF position and approaches.
  • UNICEF policies and strategy to address on national and international issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
  • UNICEF emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.
  • Gender equality and diversity awareness
  • UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
  • UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
  • UN security operations and guidelines.
  • UNSECORD training for members of Security Management Team.

• Desirables: Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

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…

(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 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility UNICEF.

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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. 

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.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.