Programme Specialist (Cash Transfer), P-3, Amman - Jordan, MENA (re-advertisement)

Under the direct supervision of Chief of Social Protection, accountable for national social protection systems strengthening and UNICEF cash transfer programme planning, management and implementation and developing linkages between cash transfer programmes and education, child protection, health and integrated package of social care services in partnership with National Aid Fund, Ministry of Social Development, Zakat Fund, Ministry of Education, inter-agency organizations.

For every child, a geographically mobile & diverse workforce

Under the direct supervision of Chief of Social Protection, accountable for national social protection systems strengthening and UNICEF cash transfer programme planning, management and implementation and developing linkages between cash transfer programmes and education, child protection, health and integrated package of social care services in partnership with National Aid Fund, Ministry of Social Development, Zakat Fund, Ministry of Education, inter-agency organizations. 

How can you make a difference?

Programme management and supervision for cash transfer programme

• Set social protection priorities/targets and performance measurement, monitor work progress and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
• Establish clear individual performance objectives, goals and timelines; and provide timely guidance to enable the team to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently.
• Lead in the development of education-focused cash transfer programme including on targeting, registration, payment and accountabilities framework in order to improve school enrolment, retention and mitigating negative coping mechanisms directly impacting children’s wellbeing

Strengthen national social protection systems coverage and impact for children

• Develops social protection policies, legislation and programmes with attention to increasing coverage of and impact on children, with special attention the most marginalized. 
• Identifies, generates and presents evidence to support this goal in collaboration with partners (World Bank, EU, ECHO, FAO, UNHCR, WFP, Basic Needs Working Group).
• Promotes strengthening of integrated social protection systems, providing technical support to partners to improve the design of cash transfers and child grants and improve linkages with other social protection complementary services and intervention related to nutrition, health, education, child protection, water and sanitation.

Knowledge management for cash transfer programme

• Ensure cash transfer programmes are supported by knowledge management through data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting as well as participation in the system of lessons learned.
• Lead on the development of Management Information System for cash transfer programme; participate in information exchange through donor and media visits as well as in the development of training and orientation material.

Optimum use of programme funds for cash transfer programme

• 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.

Programme monitoring and evaluations for cash transfer programme

• Lead to monitor and evaluate for cash transfer programme and implement recommendations to improve the efficiency and quality of the programme.
• Undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action; participate in annual sector review meetings and organize review meetings with partners and counterparts; ensure the timely preparation of annual program status reports.
• Carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation and participate in 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.

Rights-based and results-based programme management approach for cash transfer programme

• Adopt rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks.
• Formulate consistent and effective 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 planning and design.

National partner's capacity building and technical expertise for cash transfer programme

• Provide government partners with technical support and guidance on the capacity building and sustainability of social protection programmes.
• Capacity building to reinforce commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners starting with taking a strategic approach to the identification of these partners and partnerships.

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.
• Promote the UNICEF organizational goals through advocacy and policy dialogue.

Partnership, coordination and collaboration for cash transfer programme

• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Work Experience: Five years of relevant professional work experience in programme/project development and management or finance at the national and international level some of which with the UN and/or in a developing country is required.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Remarks

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.