UNICEF Programme Specialist Jobs Kenya

Senior Programme Specialist (Social Protection) Jobs at UNICEF, Nairobi, Kenya
Vacancy No: E-VN-2015-001241
Duty Station: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Region: ESARO

Job Level: P-5
Position#: 00071807
Application Close: 17-Jul-15
Contract Type: Long-term Staff (FT)

Programme Specialist Job Purpose

The incumbent will provide technical leadership, expert advice, analysis and technical support to the Regional Office and country offices on social protection programming in line with the UNICEF Global Strategic Plan, Global Social Protection Strategic Framework, UNICEF-ESA Regional Priorities, UNAIDS Business Case on Social Protection and UNAIDS AIDS Strategy 2011-2015 and UNICEF accountabilities under Joint UN Programme on HIV and AIDS to support Governments in strengthening national HIV, child and gender sensitive social protection systems, including social cash transfers and other social protection mechanisms, which address both economic and social vulnerability of children and their families, including in the context of HIV/AIDS.

Key Expected Results

Technical support and capacity building: In close collaboration with HQ and other regions, provide support to Representatives, and CO staff on developing, implementing and evaluating policy development, frameworks, strategies and programs for social protection with a focus on building national and sustainable social protection systems.

This includes a) support and recommendations on programme strategic planning; situation analyses; and mid-term reviews to accelerate achievement of results; b) create/expand a roster of institutions and experts to provide technical support at country and regional levels;

identify capacity building needs, provide in-country technical assistance, and organize trainings and other means of addressing gaps; 

ensure that COs have the capacity to protect and reduce the risk and vulnerability faced by vulnerable children, adolescents and their families, in both development and emergency situations.

Knowledge management:

Keep abreast of latest methods, ideas and research findings in social protection across sectors, including HIV/AIDS, health, education, and nutrition, through close contact and exchanges with UNICEF Office of Research, as well as external, professional organizations, universities, research institutes.

Digest, disseminate and raise the profile of this evidence and knowledge among staff in UNICEF and other agencies and partners, through the maintenance and updating of a knowledge base on social protection.

Ensure COs have access to this knowledge in order to develop evidence based advocacy and interventions for UNICEF supported programming and broader strategic planning and budgeting instruments such as National Development Plans, Poverty Reduction Strategic Plans, and CCA/UN Development Assistance Frameworks, etc. Promote and support systematic data collection on social protection interventions including innovative research methodologies and impact evaluations.

Strategic Partnerships

Provide technical leadership and support the convening role of the regional office by liaising with regional bodies (such as AU, SADC, EAC), bilateral agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations and other UN agencies at the regional level to promote strategic programming and planning approaches to social protection in both development and emergency situations.

Strategic Leadership and representation

Collaborate closely with regional bodies and civil society networks to strengthen exchange of programme information, strategies and experience; cooperate on regional and subregional projects and activities; and improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness through coordinated actions. Represent UNICEF at social protection meetings, seminars and advocacy events.

Advocacy and leveraging:

Contribute to increasing the financial resources available for social protection activities in the region by advising on leveraging resources with governments and donors, supporting country offices on the preparation of project proposals and, in close consultation with PPD and the HQ PDSocial Inclusion and HIV/AIDS divisions, as well as coordinate with donors active in these areas in the region.

Regional Office Management:

Manage the regional office work in social protection.

Participate in the preparation of all regional reports, budget reviews, regional analyses, and regional office work planning exercises. Contribute to inter-sectoral coordination and collaboration with other regional office sections, including HIV/ AIDS, Child Protection, nutrition, Humanitarian and Resilience, Communications, education, and, planning and M&E.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Advanced university degree, at least Master’s level and preferably a PhD, in Economics or other relevant field in the social sciences.

Ten years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the development, implementation, management, research, analysis and evaluation of social protection programs, including social cash transfer programs in developing countries, some of which should be in the region concerned.

Experience in policy development, advocacy and social mobilization is also essential.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a second UN language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish) and/or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.

Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget.

Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment.

Has high-level leadership and supervisory skills; provides others with a clear direction; motivates and empowers others; recruits staff of a high caliber; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching.

Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization’s future potential.

Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups. Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government leaders and stakeholders.

Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.

Contributes and tries out innovative approaches and insights.

Click HERE to apply online

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.

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