Vacancy Announcement: Senior Programme Associate, GS-7 (Fixed Term Appointment), New Delhi, South Asia Region (SAR), Post Number 51970

Contract

This is a G-7 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about G-7 contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children.

Across 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world. And we never give up!

Click here to learn more about what makes us proud working for UNICEF!

How can you make a difference?

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children in the world's thereby ensuring a better future for every child, this is the chance to make a difference.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an 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. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates 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 equitable development of nations.

Under the guidance of the Chief of Section, the Senior Programme Associate support in the planning of programme resources in compliance with policies and procedures. Provide operational support to develop, execute and monitor the inputs for the country programme for timely and effective programme delivery. Support in close monitoring and reporting on the fund utilization in line with the programme implementation.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Contribute for the planning and management of resources available with the section following the principles of Value for Money and Results Based Budgeting for effective implementation of programme and optimum utilization of funds.

• Facilitate the preparation of Rolling Work Plans and associated budgets through results-based budgeting processes.
• Support in the preparation of fund allocation plan for the programme sector based on the resource envelope and donor conditionality and ensure timely allocation of funds.
• Generate fund utilization reports and present analysis for the optimal utilization of resources. Ensure that expiring grants are fully utilized before expiry.
• Process transactions in VISION in accordance with the policies and procedures.
• Monitor open documents in VISION and take timely action to ensure proper utilization of funds and closure of documents.
• Support in the preparation of fund allocation plan for the programme sector based on the resource envelope and donor conditionality and ensure timely allocation of funds.

2. Coordinate to prepare of partnership agreements and lead the process of HACT implementation.

• Coordinate with Section Chief and Specialists to prepare partnership agreements as per the guidelines by ensuring proper documentation for review.
• Ensure that funds are released to Implementing Partners (IPs) on time, follow up for timely liquidation of outstanding advances and scrutinize submissions.
• Coordinate to prepare HACT plan, monitor assurance activities as per the HACT protocol and advice colleagues in the section for compliance. Prepare quarterly HACT reports.
• Coordinate/conduct micro assessments and spot checks and undertake capacity building activities and other risk control measures.
• Prepare training material and conduct exercises pertaining to HACT related processes and procedures for partners.
• In consultation with M4R and Supply & Procurement Section, coordinate PSEA Assessments and other risk control measures of the new implementing partners.

3. Support the Section in preparing SMART Terms of References and managing contracts.

• Support in the preparation of the ToRs with appropriate budget and related documentation for hiring institutions and individuals necessary for effective programme delivery.
• Co-ordinate in the preparation of supply plan and periodically update and share with S&P Section.
• Support the Section in contracts management, timely payment to vendors and closure of contracts.

4. Support to programme monitoring and reporting of results.

• Assist monitoring of programme activities by collating a variety of records/reports such as fund management report, fund utilization report for donor reports through insight and
• Carry out Follow up on recommendations emanating from field visits and programme reviews of various states and prepare action taken reports based on inputs from states.

5. Provide administrative support to the Section for effective and efficient management.

• Support the section in organizing workshops, meetings, conferences and events in collaboration with Admin. Section/contractors.
• Assist with documenting discussions and follow up actions of key meetings.
• Collate leave/travel plan and maintain leave records for all staff in the section.
• Prepare the fund forecast and share with finance quarterly.
• Assist the chief to identify appropriate funds for respective posts and provide Funding Certificates for new positions/extension of staff contracts.
• Support maintenance and sharing of section/network internal and external resources e.g. on ECM, website, social media, etc.
• Be responsive to regular requests of support and guidance from colleagues and partners.

6. Maintain a document repository for the sector and ensure quality of reports

• Maintain information management system for sectoral data to monitor progress against intended results. Analyze complex data sets and information for easy understanding and present as per requirements
• Provide oversight in terms of adherence to quality checks and deadlines for donor reports by States and Section and provide inputs for the same. Guide state offices on donor conditionality.

7. Support capacity development of UNICEF programme section and corresponding network staff and partners on UNICEF administrative and finance processes

• Develop simple and pragmatic guidance notes.
• Conduct short orientation/training sessions, including refresher trainings, on processes, RBM principles, fund management systems and tools, use of VISION, as necessary.

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

Education: Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses in a field related to the work of the organization

Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible clerical or administrative work, of which at least one year was closely related to support of programme activities.

Language: Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Values: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

UNICEF Competencies: UNICEF Competencies required for this post are

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

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Remarks:

• This position is based in New Delhi (India).
• The vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only.
• Selected applicant will have an initial two (2) year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc.
• 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. Our workplace policies promote flexible work arrangements, to support all staff in maintaining a healthy life balance, both in and out of the office.

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.

UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

For more information about UNICEF India, please refer to the link below: - http://unicef.in