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.

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For every child, Results

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The Regional Chief Programme & Planning provides programme related technical leadership, management advice, and support throughout the region and is responsible for the oversight, quality assurance, technical assistance and capacity building for country programmes’ design, planning, monitoring, and reporting in the West and Central Africa Region. Facilitates application and adaptation of UNICEF policies, directives and standards for programme documents in close collaboration with relevant HQs Divisions/Offices counterparts.

How can you make a difference

Purpose for the job

Coordination and strengthening of UNICEF contribution to UN Coherence/UNSDCF agenda at regional level through work with the R-UNDG WCA QSA/Programme Support Group and counterparts in regional offices of other UN agencies. Works closely with Regional Director, Deputy Regional Directors to ensure Regional Office functions and accountabilities are adequately planned, monitored and reported.

Key End Results

1. Programme related policies, strategies, approaches and guidelines for the WCAR region are developed, advocated and disseminated; Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director, other Regional Advisors and RO staff, Country Office Representatives, Deputy Representatives, PM&R and COs staff are advised.
2. Up-to-date technical expertise on UNICEF programming and UN Coherence/UNSCDF is maintained, expanded, and is well disseminated throughout the WCAR Region, and shared with the other Advisors and regional/national institutions and partners.
3. The programming and planning capacities of Country Office and Regional Office staff and national partners are strengthened and continually built through an effective capacity development programme, enabling them to engage in and lead child centered programmes design, development, implementation, monitoring/evaluation and management.
4. In close collaboration with the Regional Evaluation Advisor and the Senior Monitoring Specialist , technical guidance, coordinated support for and quality assurance of country/regional assessments, programme performance monitoring and evaluation is provided to ensure that accurate, coherent and reliable evidence/information on progress towards achieving results for WCAR children is collected, analyzed and reported.
5. Coordination to facilitate the co-creation, harmonization and implementation of programme regional vision and strategies is formed in collaboration with management at country, regional, and HQ levels. Guidance and support are provided to forge strategic alliances with national and regional partners and donors (high level and senior government officials, UN agencies, multi-bilateral agencies, CSOs/NGOs) to influence on programme strategies and plans.
6. Effective communication, partnerships, representation and networking, within and without UNICEF, are forged in the development of harmonized programme interventions and expansion of programmes and networks, in order to promote UNICEF’s goals and objectives.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Advisory Capacity and Policy Development: Exercise advisory role, provide informed guidance and develop initiatives in policy, strategy and programme development. Make substantive contribution to the formulation, adjustments, documentation of and communication on UNICEF's regional and global programme policies, strategies, priorities and approaches. Provide policy guidance and technical support to national and regional partners toward the development of national and regional policies and strategies for UNICEF-assisted programmes.
2. Technical Support and Quality Assurance in Regional Programme Planning: (i) Provide - and plan for coordinated WCARO team- strategic advice and technical support to WCAR Representatives/Deputy Representatives/PM&R teams and Country Offices staff in programme development - particularly for programming countries preparing for the Executive Board. Ensure adequate quality assurance of programming processes and products (MTRs/Annual enhanced reviews; SITAN; SMRs; CCA/UNSDCF; Programme Strategy Notes/CPDs/CPMPs); (ii) in close collaboration with RD, DRDs, Regional Advisor Evaluation and Senior Monitoring Specialist, contribute to regional office programme planning, coordination, monitoring and management processes, including ROMP, RO annual work planning, mid-year and end year reviews, review of Country Offices Annual Reports and consolidation of Regional Analysis Report,. Ensure regional analysis on the best programme and planning practices and facilitate inter-country networking.
3. Strategy Development, Support and Coordination: Guide and supervise the development and monitoring of regional priorities and related key results for children in WCAR, and support the integration and articulation of cross-cutting elements of sectoral programmes. Under the leadership of DRD and Regional Partnership Adviser, contribute to the development of the regional resource mobilization and leveraging strategy and relevant contributions analysis and monitoring tools. Coordinate and consolidate WCARO programme and planning documents and reports for presentation to the Executive Board, relevant HQs Divisions/Offices, regional fora and partners.
4. Knowledge Management and Research
   In close collaboration with Senior Monitoring Specialist supervise and maintain KM and research technical expertise, including open knowledge sharing with COs/ROs/HQs levels and regional/national institutions. Lead a collective process of information collection, analysis, synthesis and dissemination. Analyze and synthesize child centered data and trends and regional priorities for the articulation of policy advocacy with governments, regional institutions and other key partners. Document lessons learned and best practices for dissemination both internally and externally and ensure those lessons learned are methodically integrated within countries and regional strategic plans and activities. Contribute to UNICEF's programme knowledge network. Coordinate and follow up on the implementation of the regional research agenda to support policy advocacy in the region.
5. Capacity Building: In close collaboration with the Regional Evaluation Advisor and the Senior Monitoring Specialist as well as DRDs and other regional chiefs, design regional programmes and plans to upgrade the capacity of UNICEF Country Offices and WCARO staff -and key counterparts- in programme planning, monitoring, evaluation and management. Guide and support Regional Office and Country Offices in building capacity to plan and conduct relevant PM&R orientation/training sessions and staff learning/development activities with focus on Programme and Planning Process/PPP, Results based management and budgeting/RBM-RRP,) and workshops (including regional PM&R and DROPS regional network meetings) .
6. Technical Leadership: Provide technical leadership and expertise based on cutting-edge skills, up to date work methods and programme innovations –combining operational and socio-political perspectives- that empower and strategically position UNICEF as leader on programming for children in the WCA countries/region
7. Regional Monitoring and Assessment: Partner with the Regional Evaluation Advisor and Senior Monitoring Specialist, , HQs Advisors and COs Representatives, Deputy Representatives, and Planning, Monitoring and Reporting Officers in the development, harmonization and review of key performance indicators and participatory approaches for programme monitoring and assessment. Ensure that current and prospective information about the situation of children and women, the attainment of the SDGss, key results for WCAR children, and other goals, the performance of programmes, PM&R regional capacity building needs and, best practices is widely available to UNICEF country offices and regional/HQ levels.
8. Child Rights Monitoring: Lead efforts to strategically position the Child Rights Monitoring Agenda within national planning systems across the region. This includes forging partnership with key stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations and academic institutions to ensure child rights are prioritized in national policies and plans. Enhance the region capacity to monitor child rights and provide policy advice, focusing on strengthening national systems and institutions and promoting equity-based indicators. By improving data quality and fostering partnership withy regional and international organizations, the role aims to ensure that UNICEF’s country programs are relevant, efficient and defective in advancing child rights for children.
9. Representation: Represent and advocate for UNICEF in global/regional/country meetings with high level and senior government officials, UN, multi/bilateral partners and CSOs. Contributes to better consultative processes and networking with donors and regional entities – including regional economic commissions (ECOWAS; ECCAS). Participate in regional and country level UN inter-agency meetings in collaboration with the R-UNDG WCA and QSA-PSG (Programme Support Group) to support UN Coherence agenda and the attainment of the MDGs and other global/regional priorities.
10. Communication, Networking and Partnership: As a credible voice of the Region for policy development and programming, enhance UNICEF’s regional technical leadership role by forging internal and external partnerships in the development of harmonized programme interventions, through high level representation in regional fora, with senior partners and stakeholders as well as through expansion of programmes’ partnerships and networks. Articulate, advocate and communicate the objectives and capacities of UNICEF to be a reliable and central partner in advocacy and programming for children. Partner with the RD/DRDs and Communication and Partnership/RM Advisors to develop innovative strategies for information, advocacy and resource mobilization. Build and diversify strategic alliances with various international and regional partners, national associations, entrepreneurs, academics, religious organizations and NGOs to promote and support Country Office efforts on policies, strategies and programmes.

Impact of Results

• Nature of work is primarily of an advisory role, providing the Regional Director and the Deputy Regional Director as well as Country Representatives and other managers with authoritative policy advice and cutting edge technical expertise.
• The work typically requires developing innovative approaches, new techniques or contributing to policy development/change, and establishing important guidelines. As a functional team leader, the nature of work focuses on facilitation, guidance, collaboration and coordination. As a technical specialist and expert, the Regional Adviser provides oversight and/or guides and supports on planning, integrating and coordinating professional work of intricate, broad, often, of conflicting demands arising from the region. The programme results affect ultimately credibility, reputation and success of programme/sectoral group or the organization.
• The position has significant freedom to innovate in terms of regional technical sector strategy and policy with direct influence on regional programmes and key impact on the development of corporate strategies and policies for the sector. The Regional Adviser’s expert advice and knowledge sharing/dissemination play a key role in decision-making by the Regional Director and Country Representatives.
• As primary technical expert in the field, the Regional Advisor’s effectiveness as an advocate and trusted counterpart substantially affects UNICEF’s image as a reliable and creative partner in the Region.
• Advocate effectively for resources and/or mobilize resources through compelling representation. Serve as a catalyst in the expansion and harmonization of programme initiatives by other international or bi-lateral development partners.
• The scope of the Regional Adviser’s impact extends beyond programme design and implementation to affect the regional strategies and policies in a sector. The Regional Adviser’s policy and strategy recommendations and technical decisions impact on programme priorities and strategies and UNICEF’s cooperation with other partners and agencies.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Advanced university degree in social sciences, or other disciplines of the specialized technical areas.
• Work Experience: Ten years progressively responsible professional work experience in all aspects of programme management, and/or advisory support, in the technical area or programme sector resulting in recognized expertise in the technical area.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in French and English. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

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 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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.

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.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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.