Careers at UNICEF

District Support Manager

Job Code – 101
Location: New Delhi 
Closing Date: 9th December 2009 

Purpose of the post:

Under the guidance of the Chief Social Policy & Planning Monitoring & Evaluation (SPPME) Section, responsible for the coordination of two major initiatives related to improving the status of women and children in India according with the Millennium Development Goals (in 17 integrated districts and a still to be specified number of disadvantaged districts in seven focus states).

This includes the conceptualisation and operationalization of the roll out in the new UNICEF support districts in seven states as well as consolidation and advocacy for tested approaches in the integrated districts.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:-

1. Analyze existing policy environment, political climate and administrative systems which facilitate or hinder the process of improving efficiency and effectiveness of the public administration system and recommend corrective actions to be taken by the State Offices and Sections of UNICEF, India Country Office in the eight disadvantaged states under the overall guidance of the Chief SPPME. Interact, negotiate and advocate for policies and changes in policies and programmes and resources on behalf of UNICEF with high level and senior government officials as well as multi-lateral, bilateral agencies and NGOs with the view of improving the district level public administration especially around children.

2. Working with the Chief SPPME, Chief of Field Services and the State Representatives, provide overall conceptual leadership, guidance and direction for district based work of UNICEF India including formulation of goals and monitoring of progress through ongoing consultations and inter-sectoral exchanges and coordination of activities, information and experience to achieve programme objectives.

3. Formulate programme goals and objectives as well as the relevant indicators to monitor progress and develop strategies and implementation framework. Establish the overall framework for programme workplan, monitor compliance and performance standards, and provide support and guidance

4. With SPPME establish the monitoring system to follow up the progress of the district based programme of the India Country Office including the conduct of systematic field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decide on required corrective action. Supervise and guide field level activities to ensure that programme objectives are met.

5. Keep up to date with social development at the international and national level which are relevant to UNICEF policy directions and programme thrusts at district level. Develop methodologies and identify new approaches for effective programme delivery and ensure that goals/objectives for district work are met. Write position papers on district planning and children for use in the development of UNICEF global/regional/national programme policy.  Participate in relevant international/regional and national meetings and workshops.

6. Build strong partnerships between UNICEF, UN, Government, CBO and NGO counterparts at national, state and district level and promote the strengthening of interdepartmental coordination related to planning for children    at the district level.

7. Document lessons learned and serve as a knowledge base related to the district-based work of UNICEF.

8. Any other duties as required.

Qualifications, Experience and competencies required:

• Masters degree in Social sciences, development planning, statistics or related technical fields, preferably with training and specialization in research and evaluation methodologies.
• Eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national levels in planning, monitoring and evaluation of large national programmes with emphasis on strategic planning and district based interventions. Experience with, and understanding of, government systems, procedures and processes at all levels (especially district) will be an added advantage.
• Fluency in English required.  Knowledge of Hindi/regional language desirable
• Current knowledge of development issues, policies as well as social programme policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas as well as to transfer knowledge and skills.
• Supervisory, managerial skills with abilities to catalyse teamwork.
• Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Excellent knowledge of various computer applications related to planning and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Drive for result.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team.

Candidates meeting the above requirements may send their application consisting of a cover letter and an up-to-date CV by e-mail to nonprofitjobs@abcconsultants.net before the closing date.

In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly indicate the Title of the Post and Job Code in the subject line of your e-mail/application.

Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. This vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only.

UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment. Applications from qualified women are encouraged.