Temporary Appointment: Programme Manager (NO-3), Tashkent, Uzbekistan #112123 (Open to Uzbekistan nationals only)

Under the guidance of the supervisor, accountable for programme, planning, design, implementation and administration of the UN Joint Programme on Social Protection.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the guidance of the supervisor, accountable for programme, planning, design, implementation and administration of the UN Joint Programme on Social Protection. 

The Joint Programme's objective is to support the Government in building and delivering a high-quality social protection system that offers all citizens of Uzbekistan - in particular, those at risk of being left behind - income security and social support throughout their lives. The mission of the Joint Programme is to harness the collective expertise and capacity of the UN family to overcome a key systemic barrier to achieving numerous SDGs: the fragmentation of social protection at institutional, policy and programme levels which results in ineffective leadership of a significant component of government expenditures and a reduction in its effectiveness. In the context of ongoing ambitious socio-economic reforms in Uzbekistan, ensuring stronger leadership on social protection policy, an enhanced capacity to deliver programmes to the right people at the right time and a strategic vision for the next 10 years are of critical importance.

The programme will support the Government, civil society and other national partners in:

1. establishing a dedicated institution that will provide leadership and coordination to the social protection sector, as well as being responsible for overseeing the delivery of social protection schemes;
2. designing of an integrated and costed long term national social protection strategy built on evidence and developed through wide multi-stakeholder consultations and citizen engagement; and 
3. piloting the introduction of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) in the assessment of disability and enabling greater access of persons with disabilities to social protection and promote their full inclusion into different aspects of social life.

KEY END-RESULTS

1. UN Joint Programme Team and workplan delivery are effectively coordinated.
2. Effective knowledge management and systems developed and utilized to strengthen UN Joint Programme management.
3. Situation Analysis updated, critical programme intervention points/measures identified, and programme work plans/recommendations/reports prepared.
4. Programme funds optimally used.
5. Programme monitoring and evaluations effectively conducted to improve programme performance, and programme status report timely prepared.  Gender/sex disaggregated data and inputs relevant to country programme provided as integral part of programming.
6. Rights based and results-based programming approach fully incorporated into all phases of programme processes.
7. Commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners effectively gained and established.
8. Rights perspective and advocacy at the national, community and family levels incorporated in policy analysis for establishing and elevating UN(ICEF)'s credibility in national and international policy debates.
9. Effective partnership and collaboration achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme development/management/coordination, information sharing and networking.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS  

Within the delegated authority and the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be accountable for all or assigned areas of the following major duties and end results.

1.  Effective coordination of UN Joint Programme Team

Coordinates the work of the Joint Programme team composed of UNICEF, ILO and UNDP staff and experts, in close cooperation with the national partners. Each agency is responsible for the delivery of its component. The role of the programme manager is to coordinate joint programme's planning and reporting, systematically monitor progress. The programme manager is also responsible for effective implementation of UNICEF's component - institutional reform of the social protection system.

2. Knowledge Management for the UN Joint Programme

Ensures that the Joint Programme is strengthened by knowledge management through data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting.

Participates in information exchange through SDG Fund platform as well as donor coordination fora.

3. Programme Development and Management

Contributes to the preparation of the Situation Analysis for programme development. Administers a consistent and transparent monitoring system, providing accurate analysis of socio-political-economic trends and their implications for the Joint programme. Leads preparation of programme work plans. Responsible for preparation of programme recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices.

4. Optimum Use of Programme Funds

Establishes programme work plans and monitors progress and compliance, based on the Joint Programme objectives. Manages allocation and disbursement of programme funds, ensuring that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Ensures programme efficiency and delivery through transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

5. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

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

Commissions a rigorous and transparent final evaluation based on the UN standards, consultation with the SDG Fund, UN Resident Coordinator's Office, UNICEF Representative, M&E Specialist.

Organizes annual programme review meetings with participating UN agencies and government counterparts.

Ensures the timely preparation of annual programme status reports, based on the SDG Fund requirements.

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

Assures the quality of child rights-based programmes through consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of the joint programme. Brings coherence, synergy and added value to the programme planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to programme design.

Ensures viable recommendations on programme implementation, alternative approaches, and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfilment of the rights of children and women, and recommendations on new programme initiatives and management issues to ensure achievement of stated objectives.

7. National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability

Provides 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.

8. 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 organization goals of UN(ICEF) through advocacy and policy dialogue.

9. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration

Develops partnerships 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 status and implementation. Establishes and maintains linkage to the SDG Fund 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.

Ensures effective coordination among UN agencies on all stages of joint programme development, implementation and evaluation.

Plans, develops and implements the joint programme by collaborating with the government, participating, UN agencies, and other partners. Provides leadership in provision of technical advice, negotiation, advocacy and promotion of joint programme goals.

POSITION GRADE FACTORS

P3/NOC

- As a line manager, effective and efficient programme planning, design, implementation and administration of the UN Joint programme on Social Protection.

- As a technical expert, provide timely and effective expert advice, guidance and input on situation analysis, programme strategy, planning, implementation and evaluation and human resources.

- Make 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.

- Responsible for certification of allocation and disbursement of funds; determine supply and cash needs to ensure programme delivery meets targeted goals and objectives.

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

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Social Sciences, Community Development, or another relevant technical field.

• Five years of relevant professional work experience is required, particularly in the area of complex programme management, social protection, institutional design, capacity development, etc.

• Experience working in/with the Government on policy making and institutional reform processes are considered as an asset.

• Background/familiarity with emergency is considered as an asset.

• Fluency in English, Uzbek and Russian is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are...

Core Values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

Core Competencies

• Communication  [ II ]
• Working with People  [ II ]
• Drive for Result  [ II ]

Functional Competencies (Required)

• Leading and Supervising  [ II ]
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts  [ II ] 
• Analyzing  [ II ]
• Relating and Networking  [ II ]
• Persuading and Influencing  [ II ]
• Creating and Innovating  [ II ]

Technical Knowledge

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required

(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 

• Social Protection Policies and Programmes
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.

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

• UNICEF social protection policies and strategy.
• 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 UNCEF position and approaches.
• 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.

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.