Programme Specialist (District Support)
Purpose Of The Post
Under the overall guidance of the Section Chief, and supervision of Programme Manager (District Support), NO-D, responsible for technical advice to the Government counterparts as well as support in the provision of technical advisory services to the State Offices where UNICEF has a convergent programme or presence.
Lead capacity building initiatives of the UNICEF supported district presence in high IMR districts. Monitor and provide support to the UNICEF supported district presence.
Collecting and sharing knowledge, highlighting best practices and pro-actively problem-solving at district, state and national level, thereby effectively contributing to MDG attainment in the most difficult districts in India..
Section/Division: Social Policy Prevention Monitoring and Evaluation(SSPME)
Duty Station: New Delhi
Applications consisting of cover letter and an up-to-date resume should be sent to indiahr@unicef.org before 27th may 2009. In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, clearly mention the title of the post on the subject line of your email/application,
The application of only the short listed candidates will be acknowledged . This vacancy is open to Indian nationals only
Major Duties And Responsibilities
- Provides technical advice to Government of India counterparts as well as support in the provision of technical advisory service at the State Level both internally and externally with the objective of providing the country with most current information on best practice in the country and around the world, technical development emerging in the literature, relevant to the country and the state for attaining the MDGs in the UNICEF supported districts. (20%)
- Assists Country Office to plan and organize capacity building in the area of policies, planning and programming, management, monitoring and evaluation of child related programmes at district level. Identifies training needs for the purpose of capacity building and sustainability of programme/projects at district level.(20%)
- Through State Office provide regular advice and guidance to UNICEF supported district resource person. Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes to provide on-site support. Identifies necessary action for programme adjustments. Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning and management of programme/projects.(25%)
- Build and nurture partnerships with key development training institutions in India to assist UNICEF supported district presence (10%)
- Effects learning exchanges among Indian Leaders and Practitioner in the area of children’s programmes, both with in India and outside the country with focus on learning from and among districts in the most disadvantaged States; Meets with national and international agencies covering the new innovations of the programme. Participates in meetings with Ministries responsible for national programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements. Assists in the development and/or introduction of new approaches.(10%)
- Participates in inter-sectoral collaboration with other programme colleagues. Assists in development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate programme development.(10%)
- Writes programme /reports required for management Board, donors, budget review, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.(20%)
Working Conditions
The post is office-based, with frequent travel within the country and occasionally outside.
Qualifications, Skills and Attributes
Education
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.
Work Experience
Five years progressively responsible professional work experience in social development, project administration, monitoring and evaluation, some at the international
Languages
Fluency in English essential. Knowledge of another UN language, an asset. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station an asset.
Other Skills and Attributes
- Current knowledge of development issues and policies, as well as programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation, specifically of the respective sector.
- Analytical, influencing, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
- Report Writing
- Training ability.
- Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
Independence
In accordance with an approved plan, the post functions independently under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of the Section within the framework of established objectives and guidelines. Programme design, objectives and workplan are reviewed and approved by the Chief of the Section
Guidelines
- UNICEF programme manuals and policy guidelines
- UNICEF Board Policy Paper, PRO's and Executive Directives
- UNICEF Country Programme Plans
- UNICEF personnel, financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations and manuals
- Office Workplan
- Technical literature or related programmes
- Cooperating Agencies guidelines and manuals.
- Government development plans and policies
- CRC and various resource documents related to child rights Cooperating/donor agencies’ guidelines and manuals
The incumbent is required to interpret and apply guidelines. The incumbent is expected to make recommendations when deviation from the guidelines is necessary.
Impact and Consequence Of Error
- Makes decisions in consultation with Section Chief on capacity building programmes for Government counterparts
- Makes recommendations on new innovations in the Sector to be piloted or roll out in State-level programmes to improve efficiency and effectiveness of programme delivery coverage.
- Make recommendations on programme/project activity feasibility and implementation; linkages with other sectors of UNICEF intervention;
- Lack of understanding of local conditions and an incorrect technical advice would lead to ineffectiveness of programme delivery.
- Incorrect programming thrusts will lead to misdirection in the programme and to confusion among state colleagues thus impeding the achievement of goals and objectives, as well as the misuse of financial resources.
- An inability to provide ‘cutting edge’ support to UNICEF colleagues and governmental and other partners could result in the loss of UNICEF’s ‘access’ (as mentioned in b above).
- Ineffective interaction with Government and other partners will negatively affect the implementation and acceptability of UNICEF intervention.
UNICEF makes special efforts to recruit qualified women into its professional ranks. Applications from qualified women are encouraged. UNICEF also endeavours to expand the geographical representation of its staff.
UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment.
