Reports and Budgeting Specialist, NO-C, Kabul, Afghanistan, Afghan Nationals Only

Contract

This is a NO-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-3 contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Clean Water

Afghanistan is one of the most poorly served countries in the world in terms of WASH services, with more than one-third of people without access to improved drinking water. Nearly 60 per cent of the same population lacks access to improved latrines. Studies also show contamination of water services both at source and household level is significantly high in both urban and rural areas. Safe hygiene practices, such as hand washing, are very low across the country, especially in rural areas. According to UNICEF’s Water Security for All report, 93% of children in Afghanistan (15.6 million children) live in areas of high, or extremely high, water vulnerability. Groundwater overextraction for agriculture and cash crops like poppies is exacerbating water scarcity. Even before taking into consideration the escalating security situation, and rapid collapse of the government during August last year, the 2021 HRP estimated that a total of about 8.8 million people would need safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and services. Meanwhile the drought has compelled people to temporarily move their families from their places of origin to other nearby communities to seek access to water. Furthermore, the recent escalation in conflict with the resulting upheaval and seizing of power by the de facto authority has further exacerbated the high needs for critical WASH services in urban centres, where a significant number of people moved to seek a safe haven and escape possible clashes. This has placed increased pressure on existing WASH services and on the host communities as they accommodate new arrivals. There are early signs of a ‘brain drain’ occurring in the country, amongst trained WASH experts and officials following the takeover of power and this is already impacting the maintenance of existing WASH systems and services which collapse soon as a result leaving millions in cities, towns and rural communities without water and sanitation services.

The impact of these multifaceted issues is illustrated by the current outbreak of AWD/Cholera, which began in September 2021, less than one month after the regime change. These early warnings that existing WASH systems and utilities may soon collapse particularly in urban areas serving large, overcrowded populations, requires urgent action to stabilize the sector and ensure continuity of safe WASH services. Meanwhile hard to reach areas, which have already been underserved for many years, are now accessible and because of drought, returnees and malnutrition there is a significant potential that AWD/Cholera and other communicable disease outbreaks will occur. At the same time, it is critical that existing health facilities and schools do not become point sources of infection for communicable diseases given the high vulnerability of the population at this time and improving their WASH infrastructure and providing IPC training and materials are critical to mitigate communicable disease outbreaks.

How can you make a difference?

The Reports and Budgeting specialist shall provide technical and operational support to WASH Section and is responsible for managing the WASH supply core pipelines, supply chain operations, supply plan utilization and reporting. The incumbent will be main focal person between WASH section and supply section in coordinating all matters related to WASH supplies and include planning, procurement, contracting, customs clearance, warehousing, in country transport and distribution, as well as monitoring of supplies, services and construction works. The incumbent supports management collaboration with WASH programmes team in defining supply interventions to meet programmatic needs and achieve results for children, and provides technical and advisory support to implementing partners, and other sections on supply chain management.

1. Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Monitor programme financial implementation progress and compliance. Monitor compliance to ensure key performance indicators, objectives and targets as per CPMP/AMP are met and achieved. Monitor the allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated and monitored and.
• Takes appropriate recommendations or actions to optimize use of WASH programme funds. Lead contribution management activities to ensure successful administration of received funding. Supports the WASH manager with resource mobilisation and development of financial proposals and donor reports for submission to donors and the government in accordance with UNICEF policies.
• Review and analyse reports and recommend actions to be taken to maximize the efficiency of the office’s fund utilization. Assist management and programme staff in allocation and reallocation of funds and liaise with the programme staff to support grant monitoring.
• Conduct regular review and reconciliation of WASH grants; provide analysis by using the WASH response indicators. Support with period budget adjustment as required. Alert the Chief of WASH and WASH managers on low utilization and recommend budget reallocation to Field Offices based on trend analysis. Bring key issues to the attention of the Chief of WASH.
• Participate and provide technical support to WASH teams in programme planning, grant management, monitoring of the WASH Progress tracker, particularly to bring coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using results-based management and equity approaches to programme design.
• Support in the operationalization of WASH budgets, alignment of Field Offices utilization of plans and financial plans with HAC 2022 results. Provide financial planning guidance to annual/multiyear work plan development, annual development of budgets for the Humanitarian Action for Children.
• Undertake funding gap analysis by Output to support resource mobilization efforts, and other analysis of the overall funding and utilization position of the office on a monthly and ad hoc basis to inform management decision making.
• Provide technical assistance and support in planning and organizing training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability. Undertake capacity development initiatives to train staff and promote the efficient use of corporate systems including financial management/reporting systems for performance monitoring, review and reporting of programme implementation.

2. Collaboration with programme and implementing partners

• In collaboration with supervisor, develop close collaboration with programme sections through involvement in programme design, planning, and preparation for implementation of supply components as well as monitoring and evaluation. Establish accountability framework with programmes, for delivery of results for children.
• Prepare supply documentation to facilitate input to donor dialogue, and support development of supply components of proposals to donors including budgeting and use of innovative financing mechanisms for supplies, services and construction works.
• Support assessment of and collaboration with implementing partners including civil society, establishment of Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs), and monitoring of supply components under Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT).
• Participate in events/meetings that build partnerships and collaborative relations with Government, UN organizations and bilateral counterparts in supply and logistics activities including harmonized and collaborative procurement.

3. Expected Results

• Makes decisions on appropriate reporting strategies, layout, and ensures these are in line with UNICEF guidelines and branding policy. Timelines for various activities are of essence, and timely delivery will affect the achievement of country programme goals. The type and clarity of the data analysis can affect the decision taken by senior management. Makes recommendations on reporting requirements and supports the modification of monitoring plans. Lack of understanding of programme activities and insensitivity to political and cultural realities of the country could result in inappropriate communications, which could cause serious damage to UNICEF’s overall relations, credibility and image in the country. The Incumbent is expected to perform independently and take the initiative to inform or consult with the Supervisor on problem areas and major constraints.

4. Reporting

• Under the supervision of WASH Specialist, P-3 Kabul, the Reports and Budgeting Specialist will provide professional technical assistance and support for successful fundraising, contribution management, programme planning and knowledge management of programme/project activities, in support of the achievement of WASH results in RWP and HAC 2022.

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

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Management, Public Administration, Demography. Statistics, and/or another relevant technical field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in programme design, administration, monitoring and evaluation and/or a related field, with specific experience in data analysis and information presentation for decision makers in a social development organization, is required.
• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation.
• Training in strategic communication planning, behavior analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
• Proven skills in report writing, proposal development, communication, networking, advocacy and negotiation.
• Proven skills in data analysis, data presentation, and information management.
• Ability to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies.
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
• Fluency in English and Urdu is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset. Knowledge of the local working language (Dari & Pashto)of the duty station is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA). To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks:

* Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

* Kindly note that this is a non-family duty station.

* Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offer of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.