Purpose of the Position
In the capacity of Chief or Adviser, accountable for senior level leadership and managerial support of the Organization in a broad range of social policy areas. Accountable for overall leadership and managerial guidance on programme policy direction and new initiatives. Accountable for programme coordination, and management of all phases of programme formulation, planning, design, implementation and administration. Accountable for effective engagement in social policy dialogue with the 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.
Oversees quality data collection and analysis to fill information gaps and to strengthen capacity for advocacy for children`s rights, and to support the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the World Fit for Children (WFFC) agenda. In addition in Mozambique: The post incumbent will be responsible for the management of the Section and overall planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Social Policy, Planning, Information and Monitoring programme component and related CP- wide functions delegated tp the Section (policy oversight, monitoring, evaluation and information, knowledge management, engagement in PAP review mechanisms). The post incumbent will also has specific responsibilities for the provision of technical advice to higher-level national counterparts for the development of national plan and budget and cross-cutting policies and strategies (PARPA, Plano Quinquenal, HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan). The post will supervise the following staff in the Section: Planning and Evaluation Specialist (L4); Knowledge Management Specialist (L3); Policy Officer (NO2) and Programme Assistant (GS5).
Key Expected Results
- Senior level advice and managerial leadership are effectively provided to the Organization in a broad range of social policy areas, including support for policy and strategy development consistent with the Organization`s programme goals, strategy, and policies.
- Constructive dialogue and partnerships are established between international and local social policy stakeholders, to provide effective protective environment for the most vulnerable children, including progressive compliance of principal policy documents and legislation regarding all aspects of child rights.
- Current information on state budget and spending patterns and decentralization status of social services are monitored and updated on an on-going basis to support advocacy for decentralization and universal coverage of essential services.
- Decentralization of social services is made sustainable through adequate local support , keeping decentralized services both accessible and effective. Programme plans of action are developed for children at provincial and district/municipality levels; coordination between sectors are increased and links between different levels of government structures for policy implementation are strengthened.
- Data-driven analysis is provided for effective prioritization, planning, development, and results-based management for planning, adjusting, and scaling-up specific social policy initiatives.
- Advocacy efforts are effectively made to raise awareness on children`s rights with both the general public and with policy makers, and to ensure local buy-in and continued relevance of UNICEF programming.
- Effective partnerships with the Government and other agencies established to enable sustained and proactive commitment to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Millennium Development Goals for continuing worldwide progress of the UNICEF mission.
- UNICEF social policy programme effectively planned, implemented and managed in support of the country programme.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
- Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, International Finance, public relations, media, communication, or other relevant disciplines.
- Ten years of relevant professional work experience.
- Developing country work experience. - Background/familiarity with Emergency.
- Fluency in English and another UN language. Knowledge of Portuguese is considered an asset.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
- Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
- Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
- Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
- Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
- Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.
- Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.
- Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates team- and department-wide activities.
- Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.
