🇳🇬 Job Vacancies @ United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) – 3 Positions

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

We are recruiting to fill the following positions below:

1.) WASH Officer
2.) Emergency Specialist (Rapid Response Mechanism)
3.) Chief Field Officer

Job Title: WASH Officer

Job No: 566544
Location: Bauchi
Contract Type: Fixed Term Appointment
Categories: WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)
Level: NO-1

How Can You Make a Difference?

• The WASH Officer reports to the WASH Specialist at Level 3. Level 1 is an entry-level professional post and should therefore normally be used as a trainee level for the purpose of acquiring knowledge of organizational rules, regulations and processes to supplement academic and theoretical knowledge of the profession for upward mobility to higher responsibilities.
• At this level, incumbents are not expected to remain in the post for an extended period of time.
• The WASH Officer provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the WASH programming process through the application of theoretical and practical technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing and presenting programme information while learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development, implementation and monitoring of the WASH output results of the Country Programme.

Key Functions / Accountabilities
Programme development and planning:

• Research and analyze regional/national political, WASH, health, and social and economic development trends. Collect, analyze, verify and synthesize information to facilitate programme development, design and preparation.
• Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance of information.
• Assist in the development/establishment of WASH-related outcomes and output results, as well as related strategies, through analysis of WASH sector needs and priorities.
• Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical programme transactions, preparing materials/documentation, and complying with organizational processes and management systems to support progress towards the WASH-related outcome and/or output results in the Country Programme.
• Prepare required documentation/materials to facilitate review and approval processes.

Programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results:

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/ share information on implementation issues, suggest solutions on routine programme implementation and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decisions. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare minutes/reports on results for follow-up action by higher management and other stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocations, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on issues identified to enable timely resolution by management/stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
• Prepare inputs for programme and donor reporting .to promote evidence-based advocacy and learning.
• Support State and LGA WASH institutions to maintain a regular flow of information for effective database management system.

Technical and operational support for programme implementation:

• Undertake field visits and surveys collect and share reports with partners/stakeholders. Report critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems to supervisor for timely action.
• Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes and best practices in WASH, to support programme implementation.

Humanitarian WASH preparedness and response:

• Draft inputs for the preparation of WASH emergency preparedness, including the drafting of required supplies and services, long-term agreements, partnership agreements, and coordination mechanisms.
• Study and fully understand UNICEF’s procedures for responding in an emergency.
• Take up support roles in emergency response and early recovery, as and when the need arises.
• Represent the Field Office WASH team at EOC meetings as may be necessary.

Networking and partnership-building:

• Build and sustain close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build the capacity of stakeholders to achieve WASH output results.
• Draft communication and information materials for WASH programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances and support fundraising for WASH.
• Participate in inter-agency meetings/events on WASH programming to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF operational planning and preparation of WASH programmes/projects and to integrate and harmonize UNICEF output results and implementation strategies with UNDAF development and planning processes.
• Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fundraising and partnership development purposes.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building:

• Assist in the development, implementation, monitoring and documentation of WASH action research and innovation (technical or systems).
• Assist in the preparation of learning/knowledge products, covering innovative approaches, good practices and human-interest stories to support overall WASH sector development.
• Assist in creating and delivering learning opportunities for UNICEF WASH staff, to ensure our sector capacity remains up-to-date with latest developments.
• Participate as a resource person in capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.

Qualifications
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
Education:

• A University Degree in one of the following fields is required: Public Health, Social Sciences, Behavior Change Communication, Sanitary Engineering or another relevant Technical field.
• Additional relevant post-graduate courses that complement/supplement the main Degree are a strong asset

Experience:

• Developmental: A minimum of one year of professional experience in WASH-related programmes for developing countries is required.
• Humanitarian: Basic knowledge of emergency preparedness and response is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered an asset.

Application Closing Date
25th October, 2023 (W. Central Africa Standard Time).

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Job Title: Emergency Specialist (Rapid Response Mechanism)

Job No: 566457
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Categories: Emergency
Level: P-3

How Can You Make a Difference?
Rapid Response:

• Ensure the smooth implementation and coordination of RRM activities through effective leadership of RRM governance structures, regular communications both internally and externally and efficient data collection for program analysis and revisions.
• Conduct regular operational and contextual analysis to identify response constraints and undertake program reviews for adjustments, design improvements, RRM technical support exit strategies.
• Following field assessments, identify and support appropriate advocacy to ensure the implementation of identified recommendations, including for RRM interventions and/or responses in sectors not covered by the RRM.
• In the event of sudden crisis or for Rapid Response Mechanism partnerships, support and advice the Field Office for  the development and activation of contingency / humanitarian Program Documents and support program partnership agreements for the timely delivery of assistance.
• Participates in the implementation of plans of action and workplans for emergency projects and implements and manages UNICEF specific emergency project activities when needed.
• Prepares inputs for appeals and updates related to emergencies. Works with the supervisor to mobilize funding, including humanitarian appeals and documents.

Emergency Response:

• Support RRM program in identifying operational gaps and needs (i.e. prepositioning, etc..) and lead on recommendations and actions to address them. Identifies opportunities and establish logistics plans to be implemented also in coordination with other agencies and Sectors (Logistic Sector, UNHAS, OCHA, etc.).
• Plans, organizes and conducts conduct emergency training courses to builds up the emergency preparedness and response capability of UNICEF implementing partners (including line ministries), especially those operating within the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM).
• In coordination with the Sector Coordinators, support RRM partners and UNICEF programme sections in identifying key “hot spot” locations / emergency Local Government Areas (LGAs) for preparedness and rapid response.
• Support UNICEF programme sections in mapping available services and actors who can support rapid response and whom UNICEF should establish stand-by partnership with.
• Support and provide recommendations to UNICEF programs on system strengthening and program approaches for rapid responses.
• Support the Maiduguri Field Office for emergency preparedness measures through collaborating in the development and updating of Maiduguri Field Office’s Preparedness Plan (EPP) and contingency plans in the Emergency Preparedness Platform and establishment of early warning mechanisms.
• Support and/or lead when required in the formulation and development of contingency Program Documents and Humanitarian Program Documents with actors whom the Emergency and Program units can partner with for rapid response interventions in crisis affected locations including hard to reach areas.
• Support programs in identifying operational gaps and needs (i.e. Long-Term Agreements, prepositioning, etc..) and provide recommendations and actions to address them.

Humanitarian coordination and context analysis:

• Represent the RRM internally and externally and maintains continuous, effective and strategic coordination, communication, consultation and liaison with Humanitarian forum (ISCG, Sectors, Access Working Group, CM Coordination, etc..), Government, UN agencies, NGOs, donors and partners.
• Use information from various sources to contribute to the delivery of conflict mapping, early warning and trend analysis that may have an impact on rapid responses and other UNICEF programme implementation and provide advice to field program management on possible responses and context based / risks informed program.
• Develops and maintains databases on information and ensure the flow of information and communication crucial for the planning and implementation of emergency preparedness and response management. Compile and submit regular reports and contextual updates based on incidents tracking and trends in humanitarian access and security.
• Maintain internal and external information networks to enhance the collection/collation of information relating to access for humanitarian activities and operations as well as affected population and partners.

Qualifications
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:
Education:

• Advanced University Degree in one of the following fields: Disaster Management, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Law, International Relations, Business Administration or other related disciplines. First University Degree with additional two-years of relevant field-based work experience is acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of five years progressively responsible professional work experience at international levels in emergency coordination, programme management, project and strategy development with UN and/or INGO agencies. The ideal candidate has field-based experience in minimally 2-3 countries outside of country of origin, and particularly in emergency contexts for at least four years.
• Hands-on experience in the coordination of multiple partners, with previous experience implementing and/or coordinating RRM is highly desirable.
• Direct experience in multi-sector emergency programme implementation and partnership management and emergency system strengthening in complex conflict settings.
• Specialized training/experience in emergency preparedness and response required. Experience as trainer and/or in conducting capacity building initiatives for a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience in cash and voucher assistance in emergencies desirable.
• Analytical skills and ability to interpretate and conceptualize diverse information.
• Effective communication, networking and organizational skills and ability to work well in a team as well as other stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, UN agencies, government, etc. with sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively represent UNICEF at forums and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and difficult circumstances and in response to rapidly changing needs.

Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, 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

UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Builds and maintains partnership
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others.
• During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

Application Closing Date
22nd October, 2023 (W. Central Africa Standard Time).

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Non-nigerian nationals only.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
• UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable women are encouraged to apply.
• Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
• UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid).
• Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.

Job Title: Chief Field Officer

Job no: 566407
Location: Sokoto
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Level: P-4
Categories: Programme Management

Organizational Context and Purpose for the Job

• The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations.
• The equity strategy, emphasising 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.

How can you make a difference?

• Under the guidance of the Chief Field Operations, the Chief Field Office (CFO) is accountable for managing and leading the total programme commitment of a field office within a country programme.
• The CFO represents UNICEF in his/her Area of Responsibility (AoR), leads and oversees the various program sectors and operational service teams, ensuring the delivery of quality results in accordance with UNICEF’s programme of cooperation, country programme management plan and overall vision set forward by the Representative.

Summary of Key Functions / Accountabilities

• Effective management of UNICEF presence, staff and assets in the Area of Responsibility
• Effective knowledge management systems adopted and utilized to strengthen area/country programme management.
• Situation Analysis prepared and updated; critical programme intervention points and measures identified; and programme work plans, recommendations and reports prepared.
• Programme funds optimally used.
• Programme monitoring and evaluations effectively conducted to improve programme performance, and programme status reports timely prepared.  Gender/sex disaggregated data and inputs relevant to the country programme are provided as an integral part of programming.
• Rights-based and results-based programming approach fully incorporated into all phases of programme and project processes.
• Commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners effectively gained and established.
• Rights perspective and advocacy at the national, community and family levels incorporated in policy analysis for establishing and elevating UNICEF’s credibility in national and international policy debates.
• Effective partnerships and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme development/management/coordination, information sharing and networking.

Effective Management of UNICEF Presence, Staff and Assets:

• Represent UNICEF in the region by participating in meetings and events, moving forward the agenda for children.
• Facilitate, take and implement measures to ensure safety and security of UNICEF staff and assets.
• Effectively lead the Field Office team and manage the performance and conduct the staff members to deliver results for children

Knowledge Management for Programmes:

• Ensure that area/country programmes are supported by knowledge management through 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 through donor and media visits as well as in the development of training and orientation material.

Programme Development and Management:

• Identify 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 changes to/or prepare programme work plans as required. Prepare program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices.
• Establishes programme workplans, monitors compliance and provides training, support and guidance to the programme team in order to meet objectives. Identifies human resources requirements and on-going staff development needs.
• Reviews and evaluates the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of programme/projects in collaboration with Government and other partners.
• Prepares relevant programme reports required for management, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

Optimum Use of Program Funds:

• Establish and supervise programme work plans and monitor progress and compliance.
• Monitor the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated.
• Take appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Programme Monitoring and Evaluations:

• Undertakes field visits and ensures that his/her staff conduct field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action.
• Carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluate and participate in the major programme evaluation exercises in consultation with the Representative, the Operations Officer, the Evaluation Officer and others to improve efficiency and quality of programme delivery.
• Participate in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts.  Ensure the timely preparation of annual program status reports.

Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach:

• Adopt rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks. Formulate consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and projects.
• Bring coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to programme planning and design.
• Prepare and submit viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfilment of the rights of children and women, and recommendations on programme, new initiatives and management issues to ensure achievement of stated objectives.

National and Local Capacity Building / Sustainability:

• Provide authorities and service providers with technical support and guidance to plan and organize training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.
• Ensure the building and reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners starting with taking a strategic approach to the identification of these partners and partnerships.

Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community and Family Levels:

• Conduct policy analysis from a children's and women's rights perspective and advocacy at the government, community and family levels for elevating credibility in national and international policy debates.
• Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through active advocacy and communication in line with UNICEF national advocacy guidelines and strategy.

Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration:

• Develop partnership and collaboration with internal and external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, 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.
• Linkage to the Regional Programme Knowledge Network to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme data.
• Collaborate with the Operations Section to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of programming endeavours and to coordinate financial and supply management requirements and accountability.
• Maintain close collaboration with heads of sectoral programmes in the CO, Regional and HQ advisers for effective overall coordination on programmes.
• Plans, develops and implements sectoral programme(s) by collaborating with the government and other partners.
• Provide leadership in provision of technical advice, negotiation, advocacy and promotion of area/country-level goals, leading to agreement on practicable and priority actions to be supported by UNICEF programme and country-level cooperation.

Requirements
Education:

• An Advanced University Degree in one of the following fields is required: Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Administration, 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 work experience in programme management, planning, monitoring and evaluation, project administration or another relevant area is required.
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Familiarity / background with emergency is considered as an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

• The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...
• Builds and maintains partnerships (II)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (II)
• Drive to achieve results (II)
• Innovates and embraces change (II)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (II)
• Thinks and acts strategically (II)
• Works collaboratively with others (II)
• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (II).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
• 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 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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Application Closing Date
19th October, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online