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For every child, a future

How can you make a difference? 

Under the guidance and general supervision of the Chief, Education and with a secondary reporting line to the Chief Advocacy and Communications the Specialist is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting the progress of programmes/projects related to GenU’s portfolio within the country programme and the management of UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU) Programme and Partnerships Initiative.

The incumbent will also focal the overall coordination of the Second Decade work in the Country Office under the guidance and leadership of the Education Section Chief.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Support to programme development and planning

• Support the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis on indicators with relevance to UNICEF Bangladesh GenU and second decade agenda so that current and comprehensive data guides UNICEF’s strategic policy, advocacy, intervention and development efforts related to Skilling to Opportunities for Employment, Entrepreneurship and youth led Social Impact.
• Participate in strategic programme discussion on the planning of GenU initiatives aligned with the education, communications, child protection, climate and ADAP agendas of the Country Programme. Provide support to the education, communication sections and other sections with relevance to GenU and Second Decade work through the ADAP and other related working groups for priority setting and decisions on strategies, design, and implementation plans, aligned with development trends.
• Formulate, design and prepare programme proposals aligned with GenU’s global, regional and national agendas, UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and Country Programme and in coherence with UN’s results framework.
• Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies and implementation plans for GenU related projects, using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval.

2. Programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results

• Plan and collaborate with internal colleagues and external public, private, and youth partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, and other UNICEF/UN system indicators to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence, and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for projects and initiatives related to GenU’s portfolio.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews, and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths, and weaknesses in programme management. Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits and surveys, and exchange information with stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and make timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative, and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures, and donor commitments, standards of accountability, and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular and mandated programme reports for management, donors and partners as well as GenU’s global team and its governance structure to keep all relevant stakeholders informed of programme progress.

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation

• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, youth-led organizations, private sector, and UN system partners and donors on interpretation, application, and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices and approaches in support of programme management, implementation and delivery of results.
• Arrange/coordinate the availability of technical experts with the Regional Office/HQ to ensure timely and appropriate support throughout the programming process.
• Participate in education, communications, and other relevant programme meetings including for programme.

4. Networking, Communications and Partnership Building

• Build and sustain effective partnerships with relevant public private and youth counterparts, national stakeholders, global partners, donors, and academia through active networking, advocacy, and effective communication for GenU’s agenda.
• Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships and support fundraising for the GenU Portfolio within education, communications, and other relevant sections hosting ADAP-related projects and initiatives e.g. child protection, health, nutrition, WASH, social policy, etc.
• Represent UNICEF in the UN Youth Working Group and provide support to UNICEF colleagues engaged in UN Result Groups with relevance for GenU’s agenda.
• Provide quality high-level secretariat and strategic support to the GenU Governance Structure and lead on the organization of GenU meetings and conferences (online and offline) from agenda setting and invitations to implementation and documentation.
• Lead on the establishment and functioning of a Private Sector anchored and Youth inclusive GenU Advisory Board and ensure meaningful and consistent engagement of the GenU Bangladesh Youth Action Team in the board.

5. Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building

• Support adaptation and testing for scale youth-led and friendly innovative approaches and platforms, connecting disconnected youth especially girls and young women, aged 15 – 24 to skills development and decent work opportunities.
• Explore non-traditional channels, including the use of T4D for GenUs Flagship Projects, and build partnerships with youth and private sectors to design, test, evaluate, and scale up innovations.
• Support the organization and implementation of capacity-building initiatives with public, private, and youth partners, to enhance competencies, commitment to and adaptation of GenU global, regional, and national solutions, state of the art, and flagship initiatives.
• Assess, institutionalize, and share best practices and knowledge learned with GenU partners and stakeholders at national and regional levels.

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

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: education, child protection, economics, psychology, sociology, development another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in programme and partnerhips planning and management, is required. Relevant experience in program/project monitoring and evaluation in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.
• Fluency in English and Bangla is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

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 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 female candidates 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.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.