Mission and objectives

Founded in 1946, UNICEF has a mandate to advocate for children’s rights; to help meet children’s basic needs; and to expand their opportunities. The organization's work is guided by human rights and child rights principles such as universality, non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to survival and development, accountability, and respect for the voice of the child. UNICEF’s Strategic Plan is grounded in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as other international human rights treaties and instruments. These include the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and has a strong strategic architecture geared towards delivering on the CRCs objectives and principles. UNICEF has a unique dual mandate spanning both humanitarian and development efforts, which increases the complexity of UNICEF’s operations, but also gives the organization a unique potential to operate effectively in the humanitarian-development nexus. This ensures that efforts to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of children and their caretakers during crises efficiently transition to longer-term development efforts. UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. And we never give up. The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, always and in everything the organization does in programs, in advocacy and in operations. UNICEF is committed to ensure special protection for the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, and to translate this commitment to children's rights into action. For UNICEF, all children should have the 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. Evidence shows that investing in the health, education and protection of a society's most disadvantaged citizens will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential. It will also lead to sustained growth and stability of countries which can accelerate 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 inclusive and equitable development of Ghana.

Context

Ghana is a peaceful, stable, multi-party democracy and a lower-middle-income country. The nation experienced steady socioeconomic development progress until 2020. Children under 18 comprise a significant portion of the population. Urbanization is a continuing trend. Disparities exist between regions, particularly regarding poverty. Many children in Ghana experience multidimensional and monetary poverty. In addition to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, several ongoing challenges, including health concerns, increased exposure to climate change, and regional security risks, pose threats to child well-being and overall development. The national medium-term development policy framework prioritizes areas such as economic growth, urbanization and infrastructure, digitalization, science, technology, innovation, pandemic preparedness, public health, climate change, emergency preparedness, and youth empowerment. In Ghana, UNICEF cooperates with the Government and other partners to defend the rights of children and help them fulfil their potential. With offices in Accra and Tamale, the UNICEF team seeks to achieve results in strategic programme areas. The overall goal is for every child to survive and thrive, to live in a safe and clean environment, to learn, to be protected from violence and exploitation, and to have an equitable chance in life. The current Country Programme of cooperation is aligned with the Government priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Partnership (UNSDP), and Key Results for Children (KRCs) in the West and Central African Region (immunization, nutrition, learning outcomes, ending child marriage, and ending open defecation). UNICEF main strategies include Social protection and public financing for children, Advocacy and partnership, Social and Behavior Change and Innovation, Evidence and Knowledge management.

Task Description

Planning: • Provide technical support as necessary to the process of developing and monitoring Annual Work Plans at the sectoral level, including reporting on progress of the equity and gender marker as outlined in the Programme Policy and Procedures Guidance; • Coordinate the development and monitoring of micro plans for OR-funded grants to ensure timely and effective implementation and report periodically on deviations; • Provide technical support as necessary in organising and managing annual/mid-year/mid-term/end term country programme reviews ensuring consistency with objectives and goals set out in the CPD (Country Programme Document) and contribute to the Annual Management Plan; • Provide technical support with monitoring of work plan implementation, including review of implementation modalities such as DCTs (Direct Cash Transfers); • Provide technical support as necessary with developing and strengthening issue-based planning mechanisms at a national level in coordination with the National Development Planning Commission on key sectoral and UNICEF priorities; • Provide technical support as necessary with the improvement of other planning systems and processes in UNICEF Ghana. UN Coordination: • Coordinate annual planning and reporting on our commitments to the UNSDCF, including coordinating data entry onto UNINFO; • Provide technical support as necessary with other UN-wide engagement including on the UNSDCF and the CCA ( Common Country Analysis). Knowledge Management: • Engage sections in the country office including driving and actively involved in developing knowledge products from surveys, evaluations, and best practices; • Engage in office level planning by ensuring that knowledge is integrated into all levels of the planning cycle; • Provide technical support as necessary with IMEP implementation (research agenda) from a quality-review and KM lens; • Other activities, as required, to drive knowledge management in the Ghana CO (country office).

Competencies and values

• Teamwork • Drive for results • Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management • Care • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Sustainability

Living conditions and remarks

Ghana is a vibrant country in West Africa, known for its political stability, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming people. The climate is generally tropical, with two main seasons—wet and dry—requiring appropriate clothing and awareness of local customs regarding dress and etiquette. Security in most regions is considered good, though visitors should remain vigilant, particularly in busy urban centers. Access to basic amenities such as clean water, electricity, and medical facilities is generally reliable in major cities but can vary in rural areas. Location of the workplace: The UNICEF Ghana Country Office is located 4 – 8 Rangoon Close, Cantonments – Accra on the UN compound with other UN agencies close by. The Office is located close to the office of the Ghana National Fire Service and the Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, providing a good security environment. The Office is within 10-15 minutes’ drive to the central business district and the governments ministries. The office is easily accessible by taxi, and ride hailing apps (uber, bolt etc.). Housing: There are several apartments and rental properties within 5 km radius from UNICEF Office. They come fully furnished or semi furnished depending on tenants' preference. Renting a dwelling place is up to choice and there are many options depending on individual budget, priorities, and preferences. Cost of Living: Cost of living in Accra is relatively higher as compared to other cities and regions of Ghana. However, cost of living will depend on lifestyle and individual choices