Batch Recruitment - Chief Field Office, (P-3), Fixed Term, Mbandaka and Bunia, DRC

Under the overall supervision of the Chief Field Operations in Kinshasa, the Chief Field Office, Mbandaka/Bunia is accountable for the leadership and overall management of the office. The incumbent supervises the implementation of multiple projects in targeting locations aimed at addressing the priority needs of the population and create a positive environment for sustainable development of the social services, in close partnership with the provincial authorities. The incumbent leads the programme/project formulation, design, planning and management, the establishment of strategic partnerships with Government institutions and civil society, the effective engagement in social policy dialogue with the provincial Government for programme development, advocating for increased public resource allocation and budgeting towards the social sector and sustainable decentralization of social services and local capacity building in support of the goal of universal coverage of essential social services and the creation of a protective environment for children, focusing on the achievement of UNICEF's Organizational priorities.

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.

For every child, Save Lives

In spite of its vast physical size and limitless natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 176th out of 188 countries in the 2015 human development report. Child poverty is widespread, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to reach areas. According to a recent UNICEF study, 80 percent of children aged zero to 15 years old experience at least two major child rights deprivations. Despite sustained growth in recent years, the size of DRC’s economy remains far too small to provide enough government revenue to meet the basic needs of the population, children in particular. Since 2016, political instability, the persistence of conflicts in Eastern DRC and a sharp fall in global commodity prices have been aggravating factors.

How can you make a difference?

Under the overall supervision of the Chief Field Operations in Kinshasa, the Chief Field Office, Mbandaka/Bunia is accountable for the leadership and overall management of the office. The incumbent supervises the implementation of multiple projects in targeting locations aimed at addressing the priority needs of the population and create a positive environment for sustainable development of the social services, in close partnership with the provincial authorities.

The incumbent leads the programme/project formulation, design, planning and management, the establishment of strategic partnerships with Government institutions and civil society, the effective engagement in social policy dialogue with the provincial Government for programme development, advocating for increased public resource allocation and budgeting towards the social sector and sustainable decentralization of social services and local capacity building in support of the goal of universal coverage of essential social services and the creation of a protective environment for children, focusing on the achievement of UNICEF's Organizational priorities.

Key Accountabilities, Duties and Tasks:

1. Representation and Advocacy undertaken to ensure effective leadership and representation

• Establishes and maintains contact with the provincial decision- and policy-makers. Keeps them informed of UNICEF's mission, goals and strategies, with the aim to establish children and women as the highest priority constituents.
• Identifies problems, needs and opportunities, seeks solutions and provides advice on matters relating to the well-being of children and women. 
• Provides public information on UNICEF-supported programmes to create greater public awareness about the needs of children and women in the area and an adequate visibility of the UNICEF intervention in the region.
• Facilitates field visits of UNICEF donors and media visitors as required.

2. Development and Implementation of projects

• Based on a thorough analysis of the situation of the children and women in the region, enhances effective inter-sectoral planning, development and management by leading, guiding, coordinating and supporting the timely development of projects aiming at improving the humanitarian condition of the children and women, as well as improving the accessibility and quality of the social services. 
• Takes primary responsibility for the development of the multi-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.
• Projects are well documented and ready for evidence based advocacy and possible replication & dissemination.

3. Knowledge Management for Programmes

• Ensures that local programmes are supported 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 databases.
• Participates in information exchange through donor and media visits as well as in the development of training and orientation material.

4. Programme Development and Management

• Identifies critical intervention points and measures by a consistent monitoring system. Analyses local socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects.
• Prepares programme work plans as required. Prepares programme recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices.
• Establishes programme workplans, monitors compliance and provides training, support and guidance to the programme team to meet objectives.

5. Optimum Use of Programme Funds

• Establishes and supervises programme work plans and monitor progress and compliance.  Monitors the dedicated allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated.
• Takes appropriate action to optimize use of programme funds. Ensures programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

6. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

• Undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action.
• Carries out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation and participates in programme evaluation exercises to improve efficiency and quality of programme delivery. Participates in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts.  Ensures the timely preparation of annual programme status reports.

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

• Adopts rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks.
• Formulates consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and projects. Brings coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and designs processes using a results-based management approach to programme planning and design.
• Prepares and submits 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.

8.  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.
• Ensures the building and reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of local partners starting with taking a strategic approach to the identification of these partners and partnerships.

9. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the Provincial, District Community and Family Levels

• Conducts policy analysis from a children's and women's rights perspective and advocacy at the local, community and family levels for elevating credibility in policy debates. Promotes the organization goals of UNICEF through active advocacy and communication.

10. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration

• Develops 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.
• Establishes and maintains sound internal controls supportive of programming endeavors and coordinates financial and supply management requirements and accountability.

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or other relevant disciplines.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in management, social development, monitoring and evaluation.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is highly desirable
• Fluency in French and English 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.

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.

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

* Please note that Mbandaka and Bunia are non-family duty stations.

* 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 offer of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.