Stretch Assignment: UNICEF Mauritania, WCAR

Title:  Deputy Representative (Programme), P4
Level: P4– we encourage staff from all levels with the relevant experience to apply
Reports to: Representative, P5
Duration: 3 months
Section: Program/Mauritania
Location: Nouakchott, Mauritania
Dates/Duration: Stretch assignment from December 15, 2025, to March 15, 2025 /01.01.2025 to 31.03.2026.
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.

Background

UNICEF Mauritania is looking for a dynamic and experienced team member to lead our Programme team in the Mauritania during a 3-month stretch assignment.

Purpose of the Position

The Deputy Representative reports to the CO Representative for general supervision and direction. The Deputy Representative supports the Representative on the overall management of the CO and for coordinating closely with the different programme sections on all phases of the Country Office Programme, from formulation to delivery of results in accordance with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework, ethics and integrity. The Deputy Representative supports the Representative in leading and leveraging partnerships with both public and private sectors for the achievement of results and fulfilment of the rights of children.

Main Responsibilities

CO programme planning and development
• Coordinate the planning and updating of the situation analysis by the programme sectors in the CO to establish comprehensive data and information for programme development planning, management, monitoring and evaluation.
• Guide the various sectors throughout the process of programme formulation, planning and preparation of the Country Programme ensuring harmonization of approaches and alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, corporate guidelines, policies/procedures and regional and national priorities. Provide technical and operational support throughout the process
• Coordinate the necessary technical programming support from HQ and COE.
• Contribute with the planning of the 2026 Country Programme, as part of AMP to ensure the alignment of the Country Programme with the new UNICEF’s Strategic plan, and compliance with policies and procedures.

Support to the Representative on managing the CO
• Serve as officer in charge in the absence of the Representative.
• Monitor and assess programmes and provide advice on best and innovative programming and management practices to enhance programming.
• Monitor implementation and progress of work plans; collaborate with colleagues to assist, advise and guide the Representative to ensure achievement of results according to targets and performance standards. Take timely decisions to achieve results and/or alert the Representative for timely action.
• Establish clear objectives, goals and timelines; and provide timely guidance to his/her team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently. Plan and ensure timely performance planning, management and assessment.
• Work collaboratively with the Representative and the various sectors to facilitate/contribute to the preparation of the CO budget proposal. Monitor critical issues to resolve problems and/or recommend to the Representative appropriate action to ensure appropriate and optimum use of resources.

Monitoring and quality control of programmes
• Participate in meetings/events and annual planning with the government and other counterparts/stakeholders to contribute to strategic programme discussions, planning and assessments.
• Evaluate overall programme progress; identify weaknesses, bottlenecks and potential problems. Collaborate with the sectors and/or other partners and stakeholders to resolve issues and/or advise the Representative on resolutions to ensure delivery of results as planned and allocated.
• Monitor the optimum and appropriate use of programme resources (financial, human, administrative and other assets) and verify compliance with organizational rules, regulations and procedures, donor commitments and standards of accountability and integrity. Approve disbursements and allocations in accordance with delegation of authority established by the Representative.
• Coordinate and/or provide advice on the preparation of the mandatory programme and operational reports.

Alliance building and UN System coordination
• Represent the UNICEF Representative in the UN Country Team (UNCT) to collaborate with the RC and UN system partners to strengthen UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, cooperation and harmonization of programming, common services and operations. Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNSDCF development planning and agenda/priority setting.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with government institutions, national stakeholders and global partners/allies/donors/academia to advocate UNICEF goals to advance child’s right to survival, development and good being, mobilize resources, seek cooperation and establish alliances.

Business Engagement and Partnerships
• Lead the creation of a conducive and optimal environment, capacities and systems within the country office, to allow the business and public sectors to be engaged appropriately for achieving programmatic results.
• Systematically integrate considerations and strategies around work with and on the private sector into programme strategies and plans; articulate the private-public sector joint contribution to achieving results for children in support of the Country Programme; and where applicable, the programmes globally.
• Manage the planning, monitoring and reporting of achievements and results (qualitative and quantitative) of business engagement and partnerships initiatives within the country programme planning cycle and process, to create a holistic results narrative.
• Performs any other duties and responsibilities assigned as appropriate to the purpose of this post, and delivers the results as required.

Minimum Qualifications and Competencies

Education:
An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social sciences, international relations, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development, or another relevant technical field.

Experience:
A minimum of eight years of professional development experience that combines technical and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level, some of which served in a developing country is required. Relevant professional experience in any UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Language requirements:
Fluency in French and English (written and spoken), Arabic is an asset.
Values and Competencies
Core Values
• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability
Core competencies
• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (3)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (3)
• Works Collaboratively with others (3)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (3)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (3)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (3)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (3)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (3)

Upon receipt of your supervisor’s agreement, please, send the application to Mr. Abdoulaye Diallo (abdiallo@unicef.org) and copy to  El Kebir Mdarhri Alaoui (ealaoui@unicef.org) indicating “Application: Stretch Assignment –  Deputy Representative (Programme), Mauritania, P4” in the subject line.
Please, kindly attach the following documents to your application:

• A motivation letter indicating interest and suitability
• Current e-recruitment profile or CV
• Two last PERs
• Signed approval letter or email confirmation from supervisor and Head of Office to release you if selected.

Funding arrangement
This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member’s status (position number, level, etc.).

The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first 30 days, and 50% DSA for the remaining time.

Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.

Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.