Country: Myanmar
Closing date: 27 Jun 2017
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.For every child, New Vision, New Results
UNICEF’s programme in Myanmar supports children at a critical time in the country’s history, with unprecedented opportunities and risks for the realization of child rights. The first civilian-elected government since 1962 faces the enormous challenges of promoting peace, security and social cohesion and realizing equitable and sustainable development for all communities, within the framework of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The opportunities presented by the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) of October 2015 and the victory of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy in the election of November 2015 are delicately counterbalanced by continued military conflict in northern Shan and Kachin states. In Rakhine State, overall underdevelopment affecting children of all communities is compounded by ongoing communal tensions.
In this context, the Child Protection programme aims to ensure that all boys and girls, especially the most marginalized, including children with disabilities, are covered by a child protection system that fosters prevention and timely response to violence, exploitation and separation from family. The programme aims to support the development of a comprehensive systems approach to child protection, developing protection services whilst also holding all parties to conflict accountable, prevent grave violations against children and remove the risk of land mines/explosive remnants of war. The wide range of child protection issues requiring close attention make this programme highly challenging and stimulating, requiring the engagement of high quality motivated team members. The opportunities to make a real difference for children are immense.
How can you make a difference?
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative, accountable for the development, design, planning, implementation and management of the Child Protection programme within the country programme.
As head of section, direct, lead and manage a group of professional and support staff to develop, manage and administer the sectoral or inter-sectoral project/programme.
Your key responsibilities will include:
1. Programme Planning, Development and Management
Enhance effective sectoral or inter-sectoral planning, development and management by leading, guiding, coordinating and supporting the timely completion of the Situational Analysis and its periodic update through accurate and complete monitoring and analysis, and the timely preparation or finalization of sectoral input. Provide substantive advice, recommendations and input in the formulation of country programme documents and plans of actions relating to Child Protection programme.
Takes primary responsibility for the development of the sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for programme management, implementation and monitoring of assigned sectoral activity, in compliance with the defined programme strategies and approaches.
Monitor developments at the international, regional and provincial levels; develop methodologies and new approaches for improving Child Protection programme effectiveness.
Provide seasoned technical recommendations and advice on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.
2.Promotion of UNICEF Global Goals
Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue in the Child Protection sector through active engagement in communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes.
3. Knowledge Management
Promote knowledge management by exchange of knowledge, information, situation analysis, experience or lessons learned; promote knowledge sharing and technical input or recommendations on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.
4. Rights-Based Projects through Results-Based Approach
Promote the quality of rights-based Child Protection projects and programmes through the formulation of project goals and strategies and approaches. Bring coherence, synergy and added value to sectoral or project management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
5. Sectoral Work Plan Development, Implementation, and Monitoring
Responsible for development of the sectoral work plan as well as implementation and monitoring of assigned project/sectoral activity, ensuring compliance with project strategies and approaches; provide training, support and guidance to sectoral team. Support maintenance of information system for monitoring gender/sex disaggregated data.
6. Project Delivery, Evaluation and Reporting
Ensure project, sectoral or inter-sectoral efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation. Participation in major evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. Ensure the preparation of annual Child Protection sector status reports.
7. Effective partnerships established for child protection in development, emergency, conflict, post conflict and peace building context
Ensure partnerships for child protection take into account cutting –edge knowledge and practice in development, emergency, conflict, post-conflict and peace building contexts.
8. UNICEF and Government Accountability
Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability. Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.
9. Communication, Collaboration, Networking and Partnership
Provide technical and policy advice to the Senior Programme Officer on Child Protection project or sectoral strategies, planning and implementation; provide interpretation of guidelines and organizational policy, contributing to the development of new guidelines through the programme cycle.Ensure exchange of information, experience, identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve Child Protection programme requirements and objectives. Provide authoritative advice/guidance/interpretation of programme policy and guidelines.Conduct field visits to monitor programmes and gather information. Conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners.Collaborate with Programme Communication Officer to ensure development of effective communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and social mobilization efforts.Coordinate with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers. Collaborate with other Project or Programme Officers to ensure the integration of the project/sectoral programme with other sectors.
Collaborate with the Operations Section and Government authorities to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of Child Protection project or sectoral planning and implementation, to coordinate financial and supply management requirements as well as to ensure accountability.
Interact with Government and other partners, NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the different stages of Child Protection programme/project implementation to follow up on agreements and recommendations. Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, financial and institutional capacity building measures to achieve Child Protection programme goals. Conduct orientation and training programmes targeted to Government authorities.
To qualify as the ideal advocate for every child, you will have…
• An advanced university degree, preferably in the social sciences, law or other relevant field.
• Ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the areas of child protection at the national and international levels and which is relevant to international development assistance.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency.
• Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Expert knowledge of the technical areas of UNICEF programmes.
• High level of technical competence and skills to manage child protection work across a range of issues, including: policy and institutional development; engaging with institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission; child protection systems development and linkages with the social protection and social budgeting agenda; child justice; Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) and the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM); Mine Risk Education (MRE); protection in the context of complex emergencies, fragile ceasefires and peace building initiatives including engagement with non-state actors and armed groups; protection in an increasingly urban context
• Knowledge of data and indicators in child protection.
Common technical knowledge of:
• Methodology of programme/project management
• Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies for sectoral programmes
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNCEF position and approaches
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address child protection issues, including those relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery
• Core commitments for children in emergencies (for all Emergency positions)
• UNICEF financial, supply and administrative rules and regulations
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan
• UN guideline on sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff and partners
• Gender equality and Diversity awareness
For every Child, you demonstrate…
Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty,
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
How to apply:
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 organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=505316