Batch Vacancy: Programme Officer (4 posts), NO-A (Fixed Term), Jordan Country Office, Amman

Under the supervision of Programme Manager, the Programme Officers will contribute and provide professional technical assistance and support for programme design, planning and implementation, management and evaluation of programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, in support of the achievement of integrated programme (Makani) goals and objectives.

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.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the supervision of Programme Manager, the Programme Officers will contribute and provide professional technical assistance and support for programme design, planning and implementation, management and evaluation of programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, in support of the achievement of integrated programme (Makani) goals and objectives.  UNICEF Jordan integrated programme “Makani platform” provides a multi-sectoral approach in social services to the most vulnerable children, young people and community members in Jordan, irrespective of their nationality, building the resilience of the most vulnerable and allow children and young people to reach their full potential. There are over 200 Makani centres across the Kingdom, and the core package of services include: learning support services (alternative education; psychosocial support; and skills building programmes. Makani also serves as a platform for scaling up key programme flagship areas including cash transfers and others such as early childhood development (ECD) and addressing violence. This post will focus on the Host Communities and ITS sites.

 How can you make a difference?

1. Knowledge Management for Programmes

Contribute to country programmes by supporting knowledge management through providing professional assistance in 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 with partners as well as in the development of training and orientation material by providing professional technical assistance.

2. Programme Development and Management

Provide professional technical assistance in the preparation of the new partnership agreements (PCA’s and SSFA’s) for the implementation of Makani programmes in Host communities and ITS sites. Inform programme development and management by collecting and analyzing data and monitoring implementation progress. Contribute to the identification of critical intervention for integrated programme- Makani, socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects. Draft or prepare programme work plans as required. Propose adjustments/changes in work plans. Propose program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices for supervisor.

3. Optimum Use of Program Funds

Monitors programme implementation progress and compliance.  Monitors the allocation and disbursement of Makani programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate recommendations or actions to optimize use of programme funds.

4. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

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

Collaborate with partners to carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to reviews of Makani interventions and participate in the major programme evaluation exercises in consultation with the PME unit to improve efficiency and quality of programme delivery. Participate in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts.  Collaborate and prepare annual program status reports in a timely manner, as required.

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

Support rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks. Collaborate with partners and assist in the strengthening of quality of child rights-based programmes consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and projects. Contribute to coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to programme planning and design.

Provide professional technical assistance in preparing 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 of the integrated programme –Makani.

6.  National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability

Provide local NGOs and CSO’s with technical assistance and supports in planning and organizing training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability of Makani programme.

Promote and maintain the building and reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners by identifying these partners and partnerships and providing continuous support, coordination and collaboration for sustainability.

7. Rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels incorporated in policy analysis for establishing and elevating UNICEF’s credibility in policy debates around the integrated Makani programme.

Analyze programme related issues and policies from a children's and women's rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels for elevating credibility in national policy debates. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through active advocacy and communication.

8.  Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration.

Facilitate 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. 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.  Approve allocation and disbursement of funds ensuring they are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated in accordance with the programme budgets.

Maintain close collaboration with respective sections for overall coordination.

Provide professional support in provision of technical advice, negotiation, advocacy and promotion of integrated programme goals, leading to agreement on practicable and priority actions to be supported by UNICEF Jordan Country Office programme.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education: 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.

Experience: One year of relevant professional work experience in the field of programme/project management support, preferably in the humanitarian field. Field work experience is required. Background/familiarity with Emergency is required.

Language requirement: Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

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.

Functional Competencies:

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ I]               
• Applying Technical Expertise [ I]                            
• Analyzing [ I] 
• Planning and Organizing [ II]      
• Learning and Researching [ II ]                                             

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.