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 for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbkJiMmvKqk

How can you make a difference? 

Purpose of the job:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief Field Office, the Planning and Monitoring Specialist is accountable for programme, planning, design, implementation, monitoring, reporting and administration of specific projects within a major programme, in accordance with the UNICEF Country Programme Recommendation and Country Programme Annual Management Plan, focussed on achievement of UNICEF's Priorities including timely and evidence-based multisectoral integrated programme planning and monitoring for urgent humanitarian lifesaving, basic human needs and resilience building programmes.  He/she will be based in the Field Office with a second reporting line to the Monitoring Manager based in the Planning, Monitoring and Data Section in Kabul.   The Planning and Monitoring Specialist will supervise and manage two (2) Planning and Monitoring Officers, Emergency Officer, Programme Associate and other cross-cutting programme effectiveness staff as assigned by the direct supervisor. Their specific roles will include:

• Setting Standards for Programme performance planning and monitoring to ensure integrated approach of HAC and BHN planning including operationalising the Area Based Coordination Model.
• To ensure that the UNICEF Country Office has useful, valid and reliable information to measure progress and report on the performance of UNICEF-supported programmes.
• To lead in the analysis of programme monitoring data to effect programme course corrections and adjustments aimed at improving programme quality.
• To support in coordination and networking with the other UN agencies under the ABC model to support UNSFA goals for delivering valid and reliable information on the attainment of the SDGs and other goals, and on the performance of UN-supported programmes
• To assist in the development of national capacities for monitoring with special attention to the interest, concerns and participation of implementing partners community, and civil society stakeholders.
• To support innovation and knowledge management by documenting lessons learnt and data use cases in programming.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Programme Development planning, management and monitoring

2. Knowledge Management for Programmes

3. Optimum Use of Programme Funds

4. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

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

6. National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability

7. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Regional, Community and Family Levels

8. Representation, Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration

9. Efficient and effective supervision

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: JD - Planning and Monitoring Specialist, NOC

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

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Statistics, mathematics, computer Science, Economics, Information Management, engineering, or another relevant technical field.
• A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

Work Experience:

5 years of relevant professional work experience is required, with hands on in the following:

• Good knowledge and experience in supporting multi-sectoral programming and the various approaches which can be used such as integration and convergence to bring efficiency.
• Experience in evidence-based planning, programme monitoring and reporting, this includes demonstrable experience of using data for programming
• Understanding of UNICEF’s programme management systems and procedures for work planning, monitoring and reporting such as VISION, eTools and respective modules for monitoring and reporting, UN partner Portal l(UNPP)
• Demonstratable experience in programme analysis using qualitative and quantitative data sources from programme monitoring and situation data.
• Experience and understanding of programme key performance indicators (KPIs) as it relates to budget management and assurance activities such as monitoring and reporting.
• Very good understanding of cluster coordination and the evolving aid architecture on cluster coordination.
• Strong data management, analytical and reporting skills, with experience in data collection, analysis, and visualization Information Management (IM) with skills in data management, analysis, and communication. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining information systems, ensuring data quality, and supporting data-driven decision-making.
• High motivation and dedication to deliver results within tight timeframes.
• Excellent communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.  

Language Requirements: 

• Fluency in English is required. Dari, Pashto and Uzbeki and knowledge of any other additional local or official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

Desirables:

• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Vacancy announcement is open to internal and external candidates. Priority will be given to staff in abolished posts and internal staff members 

Please note that the flexibility clause shall not be applied to external applicants, including TAs and affiliate staff.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Visa residence requirements: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.