Planning Specialist NO Level 3(NOC) - Luanda. Angola (Open to Angola nationals only)

Under the direct supervision of the supervisor, accountable for programme planning, design, implementation and administration of the total programme commitment of a small – medium size country office with a broad range of projects, in accordance with Country Programme Recommendation and Country Programme Management Plan, focussed on achievement of UNICEF’s Priorities.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Position

Under the direct supervision of the supervisor, accountable for programme planning, design, implementation and administration of the total programme commitment of a small – medium size country office with a broad range of projects, in accordance with Country Programme

Recommendation and Country Programme Management Plan, focussed on achievement of UNICEF’s Priorities.

Key Expected Results

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

1. Knowledge Management for Programmes 

Ensure that area/country programmes are strengthened 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 data-base; participate in information exchange through donor ad media visits as well as in the development of training and orientation Material.

2. Programme Development and Management       

Contribute to the preparation of the Situation Analysis for programme development. Administer a consistent and transparent monitoring system; proving accurate analysis of country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects. Support preparation of programme work plans as required. Responsible for preparation of program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, method and practices.

    3. Optimum Use Of Program Funds 

Assist in establishing programme work plans and monitors progress and compliance. Help to manage allocation and disbursement of programme funds, ensuring that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

 4. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

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

Carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation and participate 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.

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

Assure the quality of child rights-based programmes through consistent and effectively 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 design.

Ensure 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.

 6. National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainable 

Provide government authorities with technical supports and guidance to plan and organize training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.

Ensure the building or 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.

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

Conducts policy analysis from a children’s and women’s rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels for credibility in national and international policy debates. (P4) promote the Organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue.

8. 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 collaboration with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers 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.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

1. Education:

Advanced university degree in social sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or other relevant disciplines, with specialized training in conflict resolution.

2. Work Experience:

• Five years of relevant professional work experience.
• International and Developing country work experience (for IP) National or field work experience (for NO).
• Background/familiarity with Emergency           

3. Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English and another UN language (IP).
• Fluency in the national language of the duty station (NO)

 Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Results

Functional Competencie

 Leading and Supervising [ II ]           Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ II ]

 Analyzing [ II ]                                 Applying Technical Expertise  [ II ]   

 Planning and Organizing [ III ] 

Technical Knowledge  

 a) Specific Technical Knowledge & Competencies Required (for the job)

• Rights-Based and Results-Based approach and programming in UNICEF.
• UNICEF Programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP)

 b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)

• Methodology of programme/project management
• UNICEF programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies.
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the Current UNICEF position and approaches.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address on national and international issues, particularity relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
• UNICEF emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.
• Gender equality and diversity awareness

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

• UN Policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
• UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
• UN security operations and guidelines
• UNSECORD training for members of security Management Team

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

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.