Fresh Careers at United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Dec. 2016

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief, Child Protection, P-5

Job Number: 501806
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Work Type: Fixed Term Staff
Purpose of the Position

• The Chief, Child Protection Section reports to the Deputy Representative for general guidance and direction.
• The Chief is responsible for managing and leading all stages of child protection programs/projects, including strategic planning and formulation and funds mobilization, to achieve concrete and sustainable UNICEF contribution to national and international efforts to create a protective environment for children against all harm and to protect their rights to survival, development and well being as established under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, international treaties/framework and UN intergovernmental bodies.
• The Chief is also responsible for ensuring a comprehensive and effective child protection in emergencies response.
• The Chief is responsible for leading and managing and establishing the plans of action to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable programs/projects results according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM) and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework.

Key Expected Results
Managerial leadership:

• Establish the Section’s annual work plan with the child protection team; set priorities/targets and performance measurement. Monitor work progress and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Establish clear individual performance objectives, goals and timelines; and provide timely guidance to enable the team to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently. Plan and ensure timely performance management and assessment of the Team.
• Supervise team members by providing them with clear objectives and goals, direction and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.

Program development and planning:

• Lead/support the planning and conduct/update of situation analysis to ensure that current comprehensive and evidence based data on child protection issues are available to guide UNICEF’s strategic policy advocacy, intervention and development efforts on child rights and protection and to set program priorities, strategies, design and implementation plans.
• Keep abreast of national/regional/international development priorities on child protection and rights to leverage UNICEF position and competencies with donors, national governments, communities and constituents to advocate/promote child protection interventions and policies and social change to achieve goals on child’s right, protection, survival and well being as productive members of society.
• Lead, coordinate and supervise the development of child protection programs/projects (as a full component of the CO and/or UNDAF programs). Establish plans of action, program goals and results, using results-based planning methodology and terminology (RBM).
• Oversee the timely preparation of program recommendation and related documentation for inclusion in the Country Office Program recommendation ensuring alignment with the overall UNICEF’s Strategic (Child Protection) Plans, regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.
• Consult and collaborate with national/global colleagues/partners/allies to develop partnerships framework to address specific needs and to leverage resources for enhancing/scaling up child protection programs/projects. Ensure synergy, integration, coherence, and harmonization of programs/projects with UNICEF Strategic Plans and priorities, donors’ development strategies/policies, national priorities/competencies and UN System development interventions/initiatives.
• Ensure a comprehensive emergency response for child protection and ensure emergency preparedness is contained in national programs/projects to ensure the protection and well being of children in cases of armed conflict and natural disasters and other emergency situations.

Program management, monitoring and quality control of results:

• Coordinate, plan and/or collaborate with monitoring and evaluation initiatives to establish benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators, to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results in child protection programs.
• Participate in major monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews and annual reviews with government and other counterparts to assess progress and to engage stakeholders to take required action/interventions to achieve results.
• Assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths/weaknesses in program and management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Monitor programs/projects to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Plan, approve, monitor and control the use of program resources (financial, human, administrative and other assets) certifying/verifying compliance with organizational rules, regulations and procedures, donor commitments and standards of accountability and integrity. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Submit program/project reports to donors and other partners to keep them informed on program progress and critical issues.

Advisory services and technical support:

• Provide technical advice to key government officials, NGO, UN system and other country office partners on strategies and best practices to influence approaches/policies and to support social/economic/political/legal development planning, implementation and delivery of results on child protection, human rights and other related issues.
• Coordinate/ensure the availability of technical experts (with Regional Office/HQ) to ensure timely support throughout all stages of programming/project processes.
• Participate in strategic discussions to influence policy and agenda setting for combating poverty and all forms of discrimination against women/children by advising on and advocating strategies and approaches to promote/catalyze social changes for a protective environment for child survival, development and well being in society.
• Lead in country discussions on child protection emergency preparedness, programming and contingency planning to ensure proactive and appropriate response are in place to meet onset of emergencies nationally or other designated locations.

Advocacy, networking and partnership building:

• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships through networking and advocacy with local/national governments, UN system agency partners, donors, internationally recognized institutions, NGOs, funding organization, research institutes and private sector to reinforce cooperation and/or pursue opportunities to promote goals and achieve sustainable and broad results on child protection.
• Develop communication strategies and implementation plans and activities for maximum communication impact and outreach to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances for sustainable results and support fund raising for UNICEF and Country Office child protection programs and emergency interventions.
• Participate and/or represent UNICEF in inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on child protection and related issues to ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting.
• Collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues UNDAF planning and preparation of programs/projects including emergency preparedness.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building:

• Promote critical thinking and innovative approaches and good practices for sustainable child protection programs/projects initiatives through advocacy and technical advisory services.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, introduce and implement best and cutting edge practices on child protection management and information systems. Institutionalize and disseminate best practices and knowledge learned.
• Lead and/or develop policies and procedures and introduce innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programs and projects.
• Lead/plan/implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders to promote sustainable results on child protection and related programs/projects.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Education:

• An Advanced University Degree in International Development, Human Rights, Psychology, Sociology, International Law or other Social Science field is required.
• First university degree with additional two-years of relevant work experience is acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in social development planning and management in child protection and/other related areas at the international level some of which preferably were served in a developing country is required.
• Relevant experience in child protection and related areas, program/project development and management in a UN system agency or organization is an asset. Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is essential.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset

Competencies of Successful Candidate
Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies:

• Communication (III)
• Working with people (III)
• Drive for results (III)

Functional Competencies:

• Leading and supervising (III)
• Formulating strategies/concepts (III)
• Analyzing (III)
• Relating and networking (III)
• Deciding and initiating action (III)
• Persuading and influencing (II)

How to Apply
 Click here to apply online



Job Title: Supply & Logistics Specialist, P-3
Job Number: 501807
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Work Type: Fixed Term Staff
Purpose of the Position

• Under the direct guidance of the Supply Manager, the incumbent manages the supply and logistics operations of a complex nature with significant impact on programme delivery, services, supply and logistic, processes and systems, requiring advanced professional technical mastery and expertise in support of operations and programme objectives.
• Accountable for effective planning, contracting, procurement, distribution, inventory management of UNICEF’s supplies, in support of the Country Programmes.
• Collaborate with institutional partners and other UN agencies to accelerate implementation of the Harmonized Business practices for supply and logistic initiatives in line within Reform/coherence.

Key End-Results

• Rapid and relevant responses provided to evolving supply needs and situations, including emergency situations, with a priority on achieving value for money.
• The highest level of integrity, standards and accountability maintained by implementing sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular and accurate reporting.
• Technical leadership, support, coaching and training provided to capacity-building in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely delivery of supplies. UNICEF, Government and all implementing partners; accountability is ensured for supply assistance Government counterparts and implementing partners are orientated and trained in UNICEF supply assistance policies and procedures.
• Effective procurement of program supplies conducted to contribute to program results.
• Effective collaboration and partnership in supply/logistics with internal and external counterparts developed and maintained through better coordination, communication and networking. Effective partnership standby agreement concluded to ensure timely procurement, delivery, utilisation and monitoring of quality and movement of supply assistance.

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks
Provide rapid and relevant responses to evolving supply and logistics needs and situations facing children and families, including emergency situations, with a priority on achieving value for money:

• Responsible for logistics/supply planning through coordination with Operations/Programme Sections. Provides technical advice on supply and logistics arrangements facilitating cost-effective efficient supplies mobilisation, customs clearance, inventory management and distribution of supplies and equipment, in support of the country programme implementation.
• Participate in the Country Programme strategy planning preview and reviews to advice on supply/logistics requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans… Develops Supply/Logistics component of the Country Programme, including systems for storage and distribution of supplies to all project sites.

Ensure sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards and accountability:

• Establish and maintain contacts with the Supply Division in Copenhagen on supply procurement and shipping policies. Interprets and advises the country office on policies and procedures impacting on offshore and local procurement and delivery. Maintains links with Copenhagen on transnational shipments, deliveries, claims and appropriateness of supplies.
• Establish and maintain a system of contact with customs and port/airport immigration authorities at national ports of entry on the clearance of UNICEF supplies, in keeping with established protocol. Conclude standby agreements with relevant private business companies for cost effective mobilisation of third party logistics services and emergency supplies as well as for fielding of supply assistance to projects sites/End users
• Ensure preparation of supply and logistics reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, appeals, etc.
• Regularly create and communicate accurate inventory tracking, inventory aging and incoming supplies information.

Ensure that effective support UNICEF and Government capacity-building efforts are provided in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely supply delivery:

• Plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF’s staff/consultants and counterparts in supply management, customs clearance, distribution and inventory management of supplies and equipment in order to maximize supply delivery. Provide effective coaching to the staff/consultants as required. Develop and implement a strategy to strengthen states last mil logistics.

Supervise and manage effective procurement, local and/or offshore, with a goal to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality:

• Conduct local procurement through issuance of tenders, bid adjudication and contract management… Conduct market research, identify and recommend potential local suppliers. Gather and maintain data on and evaluate local supply sources’ overall performance, (competitive pricing, cost-effectiveness, product quality and timely delivery,). Monitor and assess supply operations and control mechanisms and advises on appropriate actions to take.
• Monitor progress of offshore and/or regional procurement through regular contacts with the Action Office(s). 
• Communicates and reports quality issues with respect to supplies and/or service agreements.

Collaboration and Partnership:

• Coordinate with the Programme Section on supply planning, providing technical advice on procurement specifications and supply administration as well as providing advice on supply requirements in the development of the supply component of the Country Programme.
• Provide advice to the Country Office, Government (at federal and states level) and implementing partners on offshore and/or local procurement policies and procedures, delivery and utilization of UNICEF supplies and equipment; coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on supply policy and/or activities.
• Team with the Programme Section to facilitate mobilisation as well as efficient customs clearance, storage and distribution of supplies and equipment; to strengthen states capacities to implement last mile logistics; and to monitor effective delivery and use of program supplies.
• Develop and maintain partnership and collaborative relations with UNICEF, Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts in supply and logistics activities including distribution, monitoring supply inputs, and inventory.
• Inform Programs of slow moving inventory, upcoming field distributions or deliveries, incoming materials and quality issues to ensure maximum use of available transportation, warehousing space, manpower and other resources.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Education:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, International Economics, Engineering, International Development, Contract/Commercial Law or specialization in directly related areas including credited courses in supply, logistics, purchasing or contracting. Equivalent educational qualification in relevant areas (transport or logistics operations/management, supply management, etc.)
• First university degree with additional two-years of relevant work experience is acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• Five years of relevant professional work experience.
• Both national and international work experience in supply, logistics, purchasing, contracting, administration and/or other related fields.
• Work experience in emergency duty station.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required and another UN language is desirable

Competencies of Successful Candidate
Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies:

• Communication [II]
• Drive for Result [II]
• Working With People [II]

Functional Competencies:

• Applying Technical Expertise [II]
• Deciding and Initiating Actions [II]
• Following Instructions and Procedures [II]
• Leading and Supervising [II]
• Planning and Organizing [II]

How to Apply

Click here to apply online
 
 Deadline:  11th January, 2017.


 
Job Title: Nutrition Manager, P-4
Job Number: 501895
Location: Maiduguri Borno
Location: Nigeria
Work Type : Fixed Term Staff

Purpose of the Position

• The Nutrition Manager reports to the Chief of Field Office for guidance and general supervision and to Chief Nutrition, Abuja for additional progarmme and technical guidance.
• The post is based in Maiduguri. Borno Field Office (FO). The FO covers Borno and Yobe states. Both states are seriously affected by the humanitarian crisis caused by Boko Haram. UNICEF has been implementing an emergency nutrition response in the 2 states which is being further accelerated to deal with the high prevalence of severe acute child malnutrition.
• The Manager supports the Chief in managing the Borno FO Nutrition Team, contributing to knowledge management/innovation and developing/preparing nutrition programs/projects.
• The Nutrition Manager is expected to provide programmatic, technical leadership and strategic direction to the development and implementation of an accelerated nutrition emergency response.
• The Manager provides authoritative technical and strategic guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results in maternal, infant and child nutrition programs/projects according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM) and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework also in view of the Core Commitments for Children and UNICEF cluster Lead role in Emergency.

Summary of Key Functions/Accountabilities within a Largely Nutrition Emergency Response
Management and/or advisory support to the Chief:

• Provide advice to the Chief in establishing the annual work plan including developing strategies and determining priorities/targets and performance measurements.
• Coordinate work progress monitoring and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards and report to Chief critical issues for timely action.
• Provide technical assistance/advice to colleagues in the Section on all aspects of programming and implementation to enable colleagues to achieve program/performance objectives

Program development and planning:

• Support the development and update of UNICEF Nutrition emergency response plan, including up-dated situational analysis, and monitor its implementation in Borno and Yobe states.
• Plan and/or provide technical support/guidance to the preparation/design and conduct/update of state situation analysis for the nutrition sector/s to ensure timely comprehensive and current data on maternal and child nutrition are available to guide policy and development, design and management of nutrition programs/projects.
• Keep abreast of development trends to enhance program management, efficiency and delivery.
• Participate in strategic program discussion on the planning of nutrition programs/projects.
• Supporting states government and other partners in the development, update, implementation and monitoring of the state Nutrition emergency response for women and children, including exit strategy and link with longer term programme
• Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies and to determine state specific priorities/competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
• Provide authoritative technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programs/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated. Specific focus here on provision of an integrated health, nutrition, WASH emergency response

Program management, monitoring and delivery of results:

• Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurement to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector/s in nutrition programs.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews and annual reviews with state government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
• Prepare/assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths/weaknesses in program and management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor programs/projects through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Plan, monitor and certify and control the optimum/appropriate use of program resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity and ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources
• Assessment and analysis of the emergency health and nutrition situation of women and children in the state and conducting desk reviews of the existing data.
• Provide regular updates on the implementation of the emergency response plan for Borno and Yobe states including integration of emergency nutrition response with other sectors e.g. Health and WASH. Special attention is required to maintaining a robust and efficient supply pipeline
• Prepare mandated and key program/project reports for donors and other partners to keep them informed of program progress.

Advisory services and technical support:

• Provision of technical assistance in reviewing the nutrition components of the humanitarian response plan in line with the findings of the comprehensive rapid assessment conducted in the states responding to the emergency. In line with UNICEF corporate responsibility as Cluster Lead agency for Nutrition in emergency, work closely with the CFO to provide the required support to the State Sector Coordinator and State Information Management Officer
• Provide advice to key government officials, NGO partners, UN system partners and other field office partners/donors on policies, strategies and best practices and approaches on health and related issues to support program development planning, management, implementation and delivery of results.
• Participate in program strategic discussions/planning to provide technical advice/contribute to policy discussions and agenda setting to promote health/nutrition interventions especially in the areas of gender, emergency preparedness and maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition.
• Prepare policy papers, briefs and other strategic program materials for management use, information and/or consideration.
• Participate in emergency preparedness initiatives program development and contingency planning and/or to respond to emergencies in country or where designated.

Advocacy, networking and partnership building:

• Work with other UN, humanitarian partners and state agencies to ensure a well-coordinated mutually enforcing response.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with nutrition/health sector government counterparts, national stakeholders and global partners/allies/donors/academia through active networking, advocacy and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge/expertise and/or promote cooperation and alliances to achieve program goals on maternal/children rights and social justice/equity.
• Prepare communication and information materials to highlight program goals, achievements and/or needs to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for nutrition programs (maternal, newborn and child survival and development) and maintain good and informative relationship with partners and donors.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building:

• Promote critical thinking and innovative approaches and good practices for sustainable health programs/projects initiatives through advocacy and technical advisory services.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark and implement best and cutting edge practices in health management and information systems. Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development of policies and procedures and introduce innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programs and projects.
• Organize, plan and/or implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders to promote sustainable results on health/nutrition related programs/projects.

Impact of Results

• The efficiency and efficacy of program preparation planning and implementation of nutrition programs/projects contributes to and accelerates the nutrition emergency response efforts to improve the nutritional status of mothers, infants and children in Yobe and Borno States, and this in turn contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to continue to provide program services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equity in the States.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Education:

• An Advanced University Degree in Nutrition, Nutritional Epidemiology, Public Health, Global/International Health and Nutrition, Health/Nutrition Research, Policy and/or Management, or other health related science field is required.
• First university degree with additional two-years of relevant work experience is acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in public health/nutrition planning and management and/or in relevant areas of maternal, newborn and child nutrition health care at the international level some of which preferably in a developing country in emergency context is required.
• Relevant experience in health/nutrition program/project development and management in any UN system agency or organization and specifically in the use of emergency management tools and interventions, including but not limited to CMAM, IYCF-E, CERF, Cluster coordination is an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset

Competencies of Successful Candidate
Core Values:

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies:

• Communication (II)
• Working with people (II)
• Drive for results (II)

Functional Competencies:

• Leading and supervising (I)
• Formulating strategies and concepts (II)
• Analyzing (III)
• Relating and networking (II)
• Deciding and Initiating action (II)
• Applying technical expertise (III)

 How to Apply
 Click here to apply online

 Deadline: 26th December, 2016.

Note

• The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.
• Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish.
• Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service