Implementing Partnership (HACT) Specialist, P3, Temporary Appointment, For 364 Days, Kabul, Afghanistan (Open to non-Afghan nationals)

The Programme Management Unit’s (PMU) Implementing Partnerships and HACT Specialist will report to the Implementing Partnerships and HACT Programme. He/she will be based in Kabul and will The Implementing Partnership Management Specialist is responsible for providing technical and administrative support to ensure quality, effective and efficient management of implementing partnerships. in a complex programming context and high-risk operating environment in line with respective operational policies, procedures and mainstreaming of risk based implementing partnership management at the CO level. In anticipation of agreements with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other major donors to implement programme interventions in the context of Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) is looking for an Implementing Partnerships and HACT Programme Specialist. The specialist will be responsible for providing technical and administrative support to ensure quality, effective and efficient management of implementing partnerships including the selection and due diligence on potential partners, entering into programme cooperation agreement and preparing programme documents, managing or conducting assessment, monitoring and assurance activities, managing the budgets and financial reporting related to the partnerships.

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, a Champion

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In anticipation of agreements with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and other major donors to implement programme interventions in the context of Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) is looking for an Implementing Partnerships and HACT Programme Specialist. The specialist will be responsible for providing technical and administrative support to ensure quality, effective and efficient management of implementing partnerships including the selection and due diligence on potential partners, entering into programme cooperation agreement and preparing programme documents, managing or conducting assessment, monitoring and assurance activities, managing the budgets and financial reporting related to the partnerships.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Implementing Partnership and HACT Programme Manager, P4, the Specialist will:

1.    Implementing partnership management

1. Provide technical support to the country office programme colleagues in the formalization of implementing partnerships with civil society organizations and other implementing partners in line with relevant policies, procedures and guidelines, including the CSO Procedure and guidance on work plans.
2. Provide technical and administrative support in the implementation of HACT in line with the HACT policy and procedure and other relevant organizational policies, procedures and guidelines, including the DFAM Policy 5: Cash Disbursements Supplement 3-Cash Transfers (HACT). This includes coordinating the preparation of PMU annual assessments and assurance plan, facilitating its execution and coordinating with other adopting agencies as appropriate.

2. Quality assurance

1. Contribute to the design of and implement quality assurance strategies/processes for the implementation of the CSO procedure. This includes processes to ensure that implementing partners are selected and assessed in accordance with the CSO procedure and that all documentation is in line with corporate standards as stipulated in the CSO procedure.
2. Contribute to the design and implementation of quality assurance strategies/processes to ensure that HACT assessments and assurance activities are undertaken in accordance with corporate terms of reference and guidance and that appropriate follow-up action and escalation steps are taken as needed.

    3. Analysis, monitoring and reporting

• Analyze and monitor cash transfers at the country office level, paying particular attention to outstanding direct cash transfers more than 6 months.
• Using appropriate corporate tools and systems including InSight and e-Tools, report on status of implementation of HACT and identify high risk areas requiring special attention and/or support from the regional office.
• Monitor internal country office processes for formalizing implementing partnerships with CSOs to ensure that corporate timelines are adhered to, especially in humanitarian responses.
• Prepare reports for the country management team and regional office as may be required. 

   4. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Serve as the custodian of all implementing partnership documentation such as assessment and assurance reports, PCAs and programme documents, ensuring that they are adequately circulated in the office and properly archived.
• Design and implement capacity building strategy/initiatives for CO staff to ensure that CO staff are knowledgeable and comply with the HACT and CSO procedures and other relevant corporate policies, procedures and guidance that impacts on implementing partnership management
• Design and implement capacity building initiatives for staff of implementing partners to ensure that they are knowledgeable on all aspects of partnering with UNICEF, with particular emphasis on the HACT and CSO procedures.
• Participate in country office ERM exercises to ensure that risks for implementing partnership management are identified and mitigation measures put in place

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

Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Development studies, International Development, Business Administration, Financial Management, Economics, Auditing, Project/Programme Management or another relevant technical field.

Work Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: programme development/management, financial planning and management, or another related area. Experience in emergency programmes is an asset. Experience in entering to and managing implementing partnership is required. Experience in managing financial or programmatic risks is required.

Knowledge and skills: Detailed knowledge of UNICEF implementing partnership procedures and guidance is required, including:

• Workplanning Procedure
• CSO Procedure
• HACT Policy and Procedure
• PSEA Procedure

• Experience in using UNICEF’s implementing partnership systems, including:
  • UN Partner Portal
  • eTools implementing partnership system
  • VISION / SAP
  • insight reports and dashboards
• Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Excellent communication & presentation skills (written & verbal) across multiple audiences with the ability to influence others while working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• High motivation, and dedication to deliver results within strict timeframes.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English as a working language. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

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.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable Females are encouraged to apply.

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.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

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