Careers at UNICEF

Programme Specialist

Jobe Code: Unps
Location: Jaipur
Closing Date: 10th March 2010 

Purpose of the post:

Coordinate the operational aspects of the programme for efficient and effective programme implementation. Leverage the coordination of convergent districts and presence of the District Facilitators to give better results for women and children.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:-

1. Supervises the day to day programme management of the Programme Sectors both on State as well as on District Level. Establishes programme work plans, monitors compliance and provides training, support and guidance to the programme team in order to meet objectives. Identifies human resources requirements and ongoing staff development needs.

2. Leads the integration of programming in the convergent districts. Provides guidance and direction for convergent programme planning, implementation and analysis through ongoing consultations with various units, especially on general policy direction and influencing as well as programme management.

3. Represents UNICEF in meetings with senior state government officials as well as multi-lateral and bi-lateral agencies, to influence policy development, advocate and promote UNICEF programme goals and objectives, and communicate with major partners on organizational policies.  Participates in tripartite and other meetings with ministries responsible for programme/project development and reviews, and follows up on the implementation of recommendations and agreements.

4. Approves and monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated in accordance with the Programme Budget Allotments (PBA). Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds.

5. Reviews and evaluates the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of programme/projects in collaboration with Government and other partners. Undertakes field visits and surveys to monitor and evaluate implementation, identifies problems and proposes remedial action. Identifies or decides on alternative courses of action to accelerate/improve programme delivery and ensure capacity building and programme sustainability.

6. Supervises the preparation of relevant programme reports required for management, the Executive Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

7. Deputizes for the Chief of Field Office. Supports overall management through participation in management meetings to review office operations, human resources, programme and administrative budgets. Acts as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Chief of Field Office and represents him/her in meetings in fields of social and development policy with full authority to take decisions in non-policy issues. Advises the Chief of Field Office on the overall direction of the programmes and operations, and assists in discussions with    Delhi on ICO overall policy and programme direction. 

Qualifications, Experience and competencies required:

• Advanced university degree in any of the following: Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Health, Education, or other fields related to the work of UNICEF.
• Eight years of professional work experience at the national/state level in social development, management or monitoring and evaluation.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability for management for results and ability to manage change
• Drive for Results
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in development cooperation. 
• A strong familiarity as to how public administration systems affect delivery of results for children
• Understanding of social mobilization, social inclusion and behavior change communication
• Understanding of the importance and role of partnerships
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills.
• Ability to manage, supervise and direct a team of professional staff.
• Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.

Application consisting of a cover letter and an up-to-date CV should be sent to spenta@airtelmail.in before 10th March 2010. In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the Job Code of the post and location in the subject line of your e-mail.

For more details of the posts and full job descriptions, visit the UNICEF India website at www.unicef.in and click on “Careers at UNICEF” at the bottom of the page. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged.

These vacancies are open to Indian Nationals only. ."Those who applied against our advertisement on www.devnetjobs.org need not apply again."

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