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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.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, hope

UNICEF Ukraine

How can you make a difference? 

Under the guidance of the Chief of Field Office, accountable for programme, planning, design, implementation and administration of specific projects within a major programme, in accordance with the Country Programme Recommendation and Country Programme Management Plan, focussed on achievement of UNICEF's Priorities.

The Program Specialist will lead cross-sectoral initiatives and teams, ensuring effective collaboration and coordination among various UNICEF sections and programs. This role will be instrumental in achieving programmatic goals and maximizing the impact of UNICEF's work in Dnipro Field Office Area of Responsibility ( Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro Oblasts).

KEY END-RESULTS

1. Situation Analysis prepared/updated and used to develop and improve work plans and programming.
2. 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.
3. Advocacy at regional and local levels strengthened to improve the enabling environment for a child-focused recovery.
4. Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme development/management/coordination, information sharing and networking.
5. Cross-Sectoral Leadership
6. Team Management

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS 

1. Programme Development and Management

Identify and fill knowledge gaps at the regional and municipal level, building towards a situation analysis of children in the FO area of responsibility. Together with the Chief of Field Office, identify and develop new opportunities for nexus and recovery programming. Wherever possible, improve, deepen or initiate integration among UNICEF programme areas. Support preparation of programme work plans at field office and oblast levels, as well as integrated work plans for priority municipalities.

2. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

Design and improve a rigorous monitoring system for the FO covering implementation, output and outcome levels. Ensure compatibility of the system with CO monitoring system. Loop monitoring findings back for decision making and improved programming.

Organize and lead joint field monitoring across FO sections to improve programme integration. Loop back substantive findings as part of adaptive programme management.

Organize sector review meetings with government counterparts, as relevant.

3. Advocacy at regional and local levels strengthened to improve the enabling environment for a child-focused recovery

Develop and articulate policy goals for the field office including concrete timelines, audiences and deliverables. Provide leadership in provision of technical advice, negotiation, advocacy and promotion of key UNICEF goals, leading to agreement on practicable and priority actions to be supported by UNICEF.

Support the CFO to build the relationship with regional and municipal administrations and relevant line departments. Ensure regular advocacy for child-friendly policies and programmes. Lead capacity building efforts on public finance for children and advocate for increased budget expenditures for areas affecting children.

4. Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme development/management/coordination, information sharing and networking.

Develop partnerships and collaboration with internal and external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, 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.

Supports resource mobilization efforts in coordination with the Chief of Field Office and country Office Partnerships and Communications and Advocacy teams.

5. Cross-Sectoral Leadership:

Identify opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration and synergies in areas like Youth, Gender, social policy, public finance for children…etc .

Develop and implement strategies to foster effective teamwork and coordination among different sections and programs.

Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning across sectors and ensure alignment of cross-sectoral initiatives with UNICEF's overall strategic objectives.

6.Team Management:

Team Management:

• Provide leadership: Serve as a role model and mentor for team members, inspiring and motivating them to achieve their best.
• Support and guidance: Offer guidance, support, and coaching to team members, addressing their needs and challenges.
• Foster teamwork: Create a positive and productive team culture that encourages collaboration, communication, and mutual respect.
• Evaluate performance: Monitor and evaluate team performance, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement.

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, Public Health, Social Sciences or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, preferably in a humanitarian or development context.
• Proven experience in leading cross-sectoral teams and initiatives.

Language Requirements: 

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.

Desirables:

• Strong understanding of UNICEF's mandate and programs is desirable.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency. 
• Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Skills: 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

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 

(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people  

3. Functional Competencies (Required)

• Analyzing (2)
• Persuading and Influencing (2)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

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. For this position, eligible and suitable women are encouraged to apply.

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.

Eligible staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to IP TA positions in a duty station designated as L2/L3, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements, subject to approval by their Head of Office. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

This position is based in Dnipro, and the incumbent will be expected be work on-site. However, depending on the security conditions and advisory, s/he will be required to relocate within Ukraine.