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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, results…

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028).  All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF CPD 2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also directly linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. Besides Malawi's 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union's Agenda 2063; UNICEF's Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee's Transformative Agenda.

The Programme Planning and Monitoring (PPM) team in Malawi plays a pivotal role in facilitating and coordinating  office-wide planning, monitoring and reporting to ensure that UNICEF delivers inclusive and equitable social services for children. As the Programme Associate, you will be at the forefront of ensuring the Country Office achieves results through effective planning, monitoring and reporting of the UNICEF Malawi Country Programme. To achieve this, you will work in close collaboration with a range of colleagues across the Country Office as well as with external partners.

How can you make a difference?

The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join our dynamic Programme Planning and Monitoring team. Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief of Programme Planning and Monitoring (PPM), you will play a key role in supporting the  development, implementation and monitoring of the UNICEF Malawi Country Programme. Your contributions will ensure effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.

In this role, you will work within a matrix management structure, reporting  directly and functionally to the Chief of Programme Planning and Monitoring, while also providing similar support functions to the Research and Evaluation (R&E) team.  

This position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated and committed individual to profoundly contribute to ensuring more vulnerable children in Malawi live in resilient communities and benefit from quality, evidence-based  development programmes.  by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:  

1. Provide technical and administrative assistance in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of programme activities, including logistical support for meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
2. Support the collection, organization, and analysis of data related to programme performance information from a variety of sources on subject matters relevant to the work of the sections to facilitate programme delivery as well as preparation of reports, working papers and presentations.
3. Regularly monitoring key performance indicators, budgets and financial expenditures of the section by employing applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping your supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.
4. Prepare and maintain detailed records, reports, and documentation on programme activities, while facilitating coordination among internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with UNICEF’s operational goals.

You are encouraged to download the detailed job description in order to view the full role and its requirements.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

 The following minimum requirements:

Education

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to Business Administration/Management, Social/Development Studies, Finance or any other relevant field of discipline.

                   ** For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in Business Administration/Management, Social/Development Studies, Finance or any other relevant                          field of discipline may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace additional two years.

Experience:

• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional work experience is required in administrative or technical programme support work. 
• Prior experience in programme support functions in a UN or medium-large international organization or national/international NGO is required.
• Experience with budget and data analytics, key performance indicators and data visualization is required.
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as a strong asset.
• Background and/or familiarity with support functions within an emergency context is considered as an asset.
• Previous experience in a UN agency is an asset.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• In-depth knowledge of the UN/UNICEF programme operations, including planning, monitoring and evaluation, budget and travel processes is a significant asset.
• Hands on experience/skills working with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Systems is required.
• Knowledge of technological platforms, particularly SharePoint and Enterprise-Content Management (ECM) systems is an asset.
• Knowledge and skills in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other administrative software is required.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational, planning and prioritization skills is required.

Language:

• Fluency in English, both strong verbal and written skills, are essential.

 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: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

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..

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 benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks 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 female candidates and people with disabilities 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. 

Visa residence requirements: For National Officer (NO) positions, internal candidates eligible to legally reside and work in a country, independently of UNICEF appointment, are eligible to apply i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

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.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.

To effectively contribute to the delivery of results for the children of Malawi, the UNICEF Malawi Country Office operates within a dynamic and results-oriented setting. We foster an environment characterized by creativity, innovation, collaboration, teamwork, a commitment to professional growth, and a safe workspace. Consequently, we are actively searching for individuals who are driven to enact tangible change and dedicated to serving Malawi's children with resourcefulness, resilience, agility, and a commitment to professional excellence.