Job opportunity: Programme Officer

Under overall supervision and guidance of health managers at UNICEF Afghanistan office, provide professional technical assistance and support for programme design, planning and implementation, management and evaluation of programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, in support of programme goals and objectives.

Main Activities

1. Knowledge Management for Programmes

Contribute to country programmes by supporting knowledge management through providing professional assistance in data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting as well as participation in the Programme Knowledge Network system of  “lessons learned” and other corporate-level databases.

Participate in information exchange with partners as well as in the development of training and orientation material by providing professional technical assistance. Participate in the preparation of, and making professional contribution to, the preparation of programme reports required for the management.

2. Programme Development and Management

Provide professional technical assistance in the preparation of the Situation Analysis for programme development and management by collecting and analyzing data and monitoring implementation progress. Contribute to the identification of critical intervention points and measures by administering a consistent and transparent monitoring system; analyse country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects. Draft or prepare programme work plans as required. Propose adjustments/changes in work plans. Propose program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices for supervisor.

3. Optimum Use Of Program Funds

Monitors programme implementation progress and compliance.  Monitors the allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate recommendations or actions to optimize use of programme funds.

4. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

Undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action.

Collaborate with partners (Third Party Monitor, Management Accompany, Implementing partners/NGOs etc.) to carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to and participate in the performance review and programme evaluation exercises to improve efficiency of grant use and quality of programme delivery. Participate in Quarterly performance review meetings with IPs and donors.  Collaborate and prepare annual program status reports and donor reports in a timely manner, as required.

5. Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach

Support a rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks. Collaborate with partners and assist in the strengthening of quality child rights-based programmes through consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and projects. Contribute to coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to programme planning and design.

Provide professional technical assistance in preparing viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, new initiatives and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfilment of the rights of children and women.

6. National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability

Provide government and implementing counterparts with technical assistance and support in planning and organizing training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.

Promote and maintain the building and reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners by identifying these partners and partnerships and providing continuous support, coordination, and collaboration for sustainability.

7. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community and Family Levels

Analyze programme related issues and policies from a children’s and women’s rights perspective and  advocacy at the community and family levels for elevating credibility in national policy debates. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through active advocacy and communication.

8. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration.

Facilitate partnership and collaboration with internal and external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners and implementing partners (NGOs), in order 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. Establish and maintain linkage to the Regional Programme Knowledge Network to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme data.

Collaborate with the Project Management Unit (PMU) and Operations Section to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of programming endeavours and to coordinate financial and supply management requirements and accountability.

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

• A University Degree in one of the following fields is required: Public Health, Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or another relevant technical field. Specific Project management training is considered as an asset.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience is required. 
• Experience working in a public health program is considered as a strong asset.
• Fluency in English is required. 

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

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.