Planning Officer

Volunteering Finance & Economy Communications & PR

Overview

Provide technical support in planning and monitoring programs for UNICEF in Ghana.

You have:

• Possess relevant skills in data analysis, synthesis, writing, verbal communication, and digital competency.
• Possess relevant skills in planning processes, including experience with developing SMART workplans.
• Relevant experience with UNICEF is considered as an asset.
• Mandatory proficiency in Microsoft Office suite including advanced knowledge in Microsoft Excel and PowerBI. Knowledge in a statistical software is an advantage.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and with tight deadlines.

Contract

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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.

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 Country Programme Document (CPD) and contribute to the Annual Management Plan • Provide technical support with monitoring of work plan implementation, including review of implementation modalities such as Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs). • 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 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), including coordinating data entry onto UN INFO • Provide technical support as necessary with other UN-wide engagement including on the UNSDCF and the Common Country Analysis (CCA).

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 Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (IMEP) implementation (research agenda) from a quality-review and Knowledge Management lens • Other activities, as required, to drive knowledge management in the Ghana Country Office

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

• Possess relevant skills in data analysis, synthesis, writing, verbal communication, and digital competency. • Possess relevant skills in planning processes, including experience with developing SMART workplans. • Relevant experience with UNICEF is considered as an asset. • Mandatory proficiency in Microsoft Office suite including advanced knowledge in Microsoft Excel and PowerBI. Knowledge in a statistical software is an advantage. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and with tight deadlines.

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

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Added 2 days ago - Updated 48 minutes ago - Source: unv.org