UNICEF Jobs Programme Specialist

UNICEF Jobs Programme Specialist:

Organization: UNICEF

Position: Programme Specialist

The Programme Specialist – Polio Team Lead in Peshawar reports to the Chief of Field Office (CFO) for general guidance and supervision and will work under technical guidance of the Polio Team Lead and works within the provincial polio emergency operations centre framework to support Programme Operations, Management, Risk Assessment and Decision Support, Detection and Response, Communications and Synergy and additional activities Areas of Work (AOW) and related Task Team.

The incumbent will be responsible for the work of Polio Eradication Team in Peshawar office by advising and supervising them and facilitating their work. He/she will make independent decisions on corrective actions necessary to achieve the objective in his/her area of responsibility. He/she supports the programme to undertake all priority activities towards stopping polio transmission in Pakistan as guided by the Technical Advisory Group and in alignment within the GPEI strategy.

To make a difference, the incumbent shall be responsible for following key strategic functions, accountabilities and related duties/ tasks;

Programme management and planning

Provides strategic leadership, management, and supervision of all UNICEF polio staff assigned to the Peshawar Field Office and specifically the KP polio team; Oversee activities of UNICEF staff to support polio eradication activities.
Organize and supervise various elements of the polio eradication programme in the province and specially: a. Strategic planning of polio eradication in the province b. Coordinate, direct and monitor the work of UNICEF staff and non-staff working for polio in the province c. Prepare budget requirements and oversee expenditure for polio eradication activities d. Develop and participate in regular evaluation of the programme. Ensure follow-up of the implementation of the various elements of the National Emergency Action Plan for Polio eradication (NEAP) and recommendations of technical bodies (TAG);

Advisory services and technical support

Develops, monitors and evaluates activities to decrease the number of missed children during campaigns, and ensures the sharing and coordination of experience, new methods and approaches to access to government officials, programme staff, WHO, and other UNICEF partners. Supports the effective operation of the Emergency Operations Centre; Reviews COMNet deployment criteria, monthly activities plans, social profiles in all priority districts of KP; Lead the collaboration with Routine Immunization by developing integrated work plans, providing technical support (e.g. assessment and monitoring) with polio assets, supporting capacity building, integrating communication, etc; Advise Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and health authorities on various aspects of Polio eradication in the province.
In collaboration with WHO and government programme officers, leads the design and management as well as facilitates the implementation of communication, advocacy and resource mobilization plans of action aiming at: (a) behaviour development/change at the individual/household levels; (b) social mobilization of civil society organizations; and (c) increased community participation in development programmes (d) mobilization of resources to support the implementation of work. Responsible for programme management of the KP polio programmes, including the oversight of communication activities within the programme; Coordinates technical support to government counterparts in the development and appropriate use of communication for social development, aimed at both individual behaviour change and collective actions. Works closely with KP Emergency Operations Centre and partners; Liaise with different Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)/PEI (Polio Eradication Initiative) partners and enlist continued commitment of national local authorities to stated goals.

Programme monitoring and delivery of results

Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks and performance indicators and measurements to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the polio eradication programme in Pakistan;
Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews, national and subnational campaigns, with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions for polio eradication;
Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in polio programme management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve polio eradication goals in Pakistan.
Actively monitor the polio eradication programme through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
Plan, monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of polio programme programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
Prepare regular and mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

Advocacy, networking and partnership building

Develops and manages partnerships with government departments/sectors, religious groups, traditional leaders, teachers, artists, and other organized groups in the community, as well as civil society organizations, to orient them on provincial programme goals and to solicit their involvement in the implementation of the provincial programmes. This includes a consortium of civil society organizations which are working to strengthen the health system.
Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with polio eradication programme partners and health sector government counterparts, national stakeholders, as well as allies, donors, and academia. Through active networking, advocacy and effective communication, build capacity and exchange knowledge and expertise to facilitate the achievement of polio eradication programme goals;
Prepare communication and information materials for Country Office (CO) programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fund raising for polio eradication programme;
Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate provincial and country office level discussions and planning on polio-related issues to collaborate with partners/colleagues on preparation and implementation of the National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) for Polio Eradication, ensuring organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the process in development planning and agenda setting.

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Promote critical thinking, innovative approaches and good practices for sustainable polio eradication programme initiatives.
Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting edge practices in the management of the polio eradication programme. Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
Contribute to the development of policies and procedures and introduce innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable polio eradication programme in Pakistan;
Lead, plan and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on polio eradication. Train and build national capacity in the area of assignment; Coordinates the development of training materials and activities to build capacity in participatory and behavior communication at various government levels and with key stakeholders in support of programme sustainability;

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

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, Public health (preferably in epidemiology or child health), pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, or another relevant technical field.
A minimum of eight years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public health (including EPI) planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness.
Experience working in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local language of the duty station (Pashtu and/ or Urdu) is considered as an asset.

Location: Peshawar Apply

UNICEF Jobs Programme Specialist