UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, [Hope]

Under the guidance of the Deputy Representative Programmes, the Chief Field Office (CFO) is accountable for managing and leading the total programme commitment of Erbil field office within the Iraq country programme. The CFO represents UNICEF in his/her Area of Responsibility (AoR), leads and oversees the various program sectors and operational service teams ensuring the delivery of quality results in accordance with UNICEF’s programme of cooperation, country programme management plan and overall vision set forward by the Representative.

In fragile and humanitarian contexts, UNICEF action is guided by its global Policy and Framework for humanitarian action: the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action.

How can you make a difference?

1. Effective management of UNICEF presence, staff and assets

Represent UNICEF in the region, by participating in meetings and events, moving forward the agenda for children with special focus on return of Iraqi citizens from North East Syria, and co-leading the UN coordination nationally; and leading UNICEF’s advocacy for local integration or return of IDPs in northern Iraq.

Facilitate, take and implement measures to ensure safety and security of UNICEF staff and assets.

Effectively lead the Field Office team and manage the performance and conduct the staff members to deliver results for children, and build a strong team to implement a new Country Programme with strong upstream focus while maintaining a nexus approach with strong scalable modelling of programmes in close coordination with Programme Sections.

2. Knowledge Management for Programmes

Ensure that area/country programmes are supported by knowledge management through data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting as well as participation in the Programme Knowledge Network system of “lessons learned” and other corporate-level databases.

Participate in information exchange through donor and media visits as well as in the development of training and orientation material.

3. Programme Development and Management

Identify critical intervention points and measures by administering a consistent and transparent monitoring system; analyse country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects, and support humanitarian development stabilization nexus programming, within the context of an unstable environment with continued displacement.

Draft changes to/or prepare programme work plans as required. Prepare program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices.

Establishes programme workplans, monitors compliance and provides training, support and guidance to the programme team in order to meet objectives. Identifies human resources requirements and on-going staff development needs.

Lead the development of a low cost rapid response mechanism for northern Iraq, as this has been identified as the area with the greatest humanitarian risk.

Reviews and evaluates the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of programme/projects in collaboration with Government and other partners.

Prepares relevant programme reports required for management, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

Nexus: Contribute to the programmatic component of humanitarian preparation and response, works at the intersection of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, and coordinates organizational efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation, including through disaster risk reduction (DRR). Contribute to UNICEF`s engagement in peace building and social cohesion and ensure mainstreaming of conflict sensitivity, peace building and shock responsiveness into country programmes and sectors, including responsiveness to internal migration and displacement.

4. Optimum Use of Program Funds

Establish and supervise programme work plans and monitor progress and compliance.  Monitor the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Take appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation.

5. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations

Undertakes field visits and ensures that his/her staff conduct field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action.

Carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluate and participate in the major programme evaluation exercises in consultation with the Representative, the Operations Officer, the Evaluation Officer and others to improve efficiency and quality of programme delivery. Participate in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. Ensure the timely preparation of annual program status reports.

Data: Improve quality data collection and use on child right & vulnerability and system strengthening for inform policies and drive scale.

6.  Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach

Adopt rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks. Formulate consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and modelling projects, and formulate realist plans for bringing these to scale though government implementation. Bring coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and model design processes.

Prepare and submit viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfilment of the rights of children and women, and recommendations on programme, new initiatives and management issues to ensure achievement of stated objectives.

7.  National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability

Provide authorities and service providers with technical support and guidance to plan and organize training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.

Ensure the building and reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of the regional and local partners through modelling of programmes in partnership with programme sections, with focus on support and advocacy for fiscal, legal and policy capacity as well as technical capacity.

8. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community and Family Levels

Conduct policy analysis from a children’s and women’s rights perspective and advocacy at the government, community and family levels for elevating credibility in national and international policy debates. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through active advocacy and communication in line with UNICEF national advocacy guidelines and strategy.

Advocate for a strong inclusive and human rights-based approach to integration and return for IDPs in northern Iraq, with focus on access to education for all children including minorities.

9. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration

Develop partnership and collaboration with internal and external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, in order to improve the ability to collect and disseminate development data and information, exchange information on programme/project status and implementation and movement/distribution of supplies. Linkage to the Regional Programme Knowledge Network to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme data. Project UNICEF as a reference agency on children’s rights, including the contextualization of children’s rights in emergency-prone and fragile context of the area.

Develop and maintain strong partnerships with donors represented in northern Iraq, and support frequent donor visits in northern Iraq to maintain the understanding of the situation and of opportunities for donor engagement.

Collaborate with the Operations Section to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of programming endeavors and to coordinate financial and supply management requirements and accountability.

Maintain close collaboration with heads of sectoral programmes in the CO, for effective overall coordination on programmes.

Plans, develops and implements sectoral programme(s) by collaborating with the government and other partners. Provide leadership in provision of technical advice, negotiation, advocacy and promotion of area/country level goals, leading to agreement on practicable and priority actions to be supported by UNICEF programme and country level cooperation.

Provide strong leadership for the Joint Coordination Forum in Ninewa Governorate, to coordinate UN and government efforts for children, with special focus on receiving and integrating returnees from north east Syria and returning IDPs.

Co-chair the Technical Working Group for the Return of Iraqi Citizens in North East Syria with the Government of Iraq.

Support effective partnerships with the Government, civil society and local leaders, the private sector, academia and other UN agencies to support sustained and proactive commitment to the Convention of the Rights of the Child and to achieve global UN agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

Minimum requirements:

[Include the vacancy requirements aligned to the category and level of the position. You can see examples in the branded VA example.]

• Education:
• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social sciences, international relations, public administration, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development, or another relevant technical field.

• Work Experience:
• A minimum of eight years of professional work experience in programme management, planning, monitoring and evaluation, project administration or another relevant area is required
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Familiarity/ background with emergency is considered as an asset.
• Language Requirements:
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Technical Knowledge

 a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required

Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.

UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.

 b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)

Methodology of programme/project management

UNICEF programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies.

Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNCEF position and approaches.

UNICEF policies and strategy to address on national and international issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.

UNICEF emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.

Gender equality and diversity awareness.

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.

UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions

UN security operations and guidelines.

Security Management training for members of Security Management Team.

UNICEF policies, strategies promoting and supporting gender equality and diversity.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2)

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (2)

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (2)

(4) Innovates and embraces change (2)

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

(6) Thinks and acts strategically (2)

(7) Works collaboratively with others (2)

(8) Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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 appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.