Programme Associate- Social Policy, Abuja, Nigeria,Job Ref. NG/UNICEF/2911/2408

Programme Associate- Social Policy, GS-6, Temporary Appointment,  Abuja, Nigeria

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

How can you make a difference ?

Background:

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does including programs, advocacy and operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens addressing inequity not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Purpose Of the Assignment:

Under the supervision and guidance of Chief Social Policy, the programme associate supports the Social Policy section by carrying out a range of programme support functions to help develop, implement and monitor the “Supporting Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria” project, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.

The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with a range of staff in the CO, external partners and agency counterparts in support of programme delivery. S/He provides regular update on the status of projects through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.

Major Responsibilities:

(1) Facilitating the development of programme cooperation agreements (PCAs) by providing information and drafting selected sections of it.

(2) Ensuring the timely and accurate recording and administrative processing of government & NGO’s proposals and requests for direct cash transfers (DCTs).

(3) Conducting programme monitoring and supplies and informing team-members on the status.

(4) Help conduct regular spot checks of partner’s projects to assess their financial record-keeping, expenditure controls and reporting systems.

(5) Monitoring and tracking the efficient distribution of supplies required for programme delivery.

(6) Supporting the programme in researching, compiling and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information from a variety of sources on subject matters to facilitate programme delivery as well as preparation of reports, working papers and presentations

(7) Preparing monitoring and reporting information for supervisor and team on agreed performance indicators to drive more efficient management and accountability for results.

(8) Regularly monitoring budgets and financial expenditures by employing applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.

(9) Help prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors to support the office in optimizing use of programme funds.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: ToR for Programme Associate g6- Social Policy.pdf

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

Minimum requirements:

Education: Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization

Experience: A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required. Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Technical Skills:

•  In-depth knowledge of the administration which underpins UNICEF country office programme/project operations, including monitoring and evaluation processes.
•  Strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities.
•  High sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment. efT2gev B2ZoGK
•  Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
•  Strong office management skills.
•  High attention to detail.
•  Ability to effectively manage the section’s material resources and monitor its budget.
•  Good analytical skills.
•  Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values