Programme and Planning Specialist

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is willing to fill the following vacant post:
 

Title :Programme and Planning Specialist (IMIS 68571)
Level :NO-3
Type of Contract :Fixed-Term
Duty Station :Jerusalem- oPt

Key Tasks and Responsibilities of the Assignment:

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Representative, responsible for programme planning function and overseeing of drafting, monitoring and evaluating programme proposals and reports within the country programme.
The incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

1-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.

2-Programme Development and Management
Identify critical intervention points and measures by administering a consistent and transparent monitoring system; analyze country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects.
Draft guidance for programme work plans as required. Guide and review program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation.
Establishes processes for formulating programme workplans, monitors compliance and provides training, support and guidance to the programme team in order to meet objectives related to donor proposals and reports.
In consultation with Programme Sections, prepares relevant programme reports required for management, the Executive Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

3-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.

4-Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach
Adopt rights-based programmes approach in working with Programme Sections for the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks. Formulate consistent and effective planning, and periodic reviews including mid-year, annual and mid-term reviews 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 in relation to donor proposals and reporting and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfillment of the rights of children and women, and recommendations on programme, new initiatives and management issues to ensure achievement of stated objectives.

5-Donor Relations and Funding Strategy
Enhance positive relationships with donor groups through timely and accurate reporting and monitoring of donor interests and information needs. This includes gathering of information, consolidation, editing and production of interim and final reports and the production and dissemination of the Annual Report, the HAR and the Consolidated Emergency Report, ensuring that they comply with UNICEF guidelines, are submitted in a timely manner and are accurate and clearly written. Support the development and achievement of the 2010 office fund raising targets, collating/editing proposals in collaboration with concerned programme sections and the Deputy Special Representative and ensuring good donor relationship by liaising with donor representatives and relevant UNICEF offices. This includes monitoring and follow-up on funding proposals to ensure that both OR and humanitarian funds are received in a timely manner and all donor agreements and MOUs meet UNICEF requirements.

6-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. Linkage to the Regional Programme Knowledge Network to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme data.
Collaborate with the Operations Section to ensure optimal utilization of funds in accordance with donor conditions
Maintain close collaboration with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers for effective overall coordination on programmes.
Plans and develops Country Programme planning documentation by collaborating with the Ministry of Planning and Development and other partners. Provide leadership in provision of technical advice related to planning processes and donor relations, .

7-Collect and analyze data for periodic reporting
8-Perform other duties as required or necessary;

Selection Criteria

Academic Qualifications:
Advanced University degree in the social/behavioral sciences, (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education) with emphasis on programme planning

Work Experience:
Minimum Eight years progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and or international levels in social development, management, monitoring and evaluation.

Other Skills and Attributes:
Strong analytical and presentation (oral and written) skills including use of essential computer software packages.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory

Computer:
Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications


UNICEF’s salary and benefits is based on, the United Nations Common System for national staff.
-If you have experience in working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children and match the profile outlined, send an application letter, detailed curriculum vita in English AND a duly completed United Nations Personal History form (P11). The P11 form can be downloaded from P11 Form
-Applications to be submitted by 6 October 2010 and be addressed to the following with reference to the vacancy notice number and post title.
Chief of Operations,
UNICEF oPt, P.O.Box 25141, Beit Hanina, Jerusalem
Or
Email: [email protected]
Applications, which do not meet the specified minimum requirements or those that will be received after the closing date will not be entertained.
UNICEF is committed to gender parity in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly women are strongly encouraged to apply
UNICEF is a smoke free environment