Under the guidance of the Chief Local Governance, the Chief Field Office (CFO) is accountable for managing and leading the total programme commitment of a field office within a country programme. The CFO represents UNICEF in his/her Area of Responsibility (AoR), leads, and oversees the various program sectors and operational services, engages in technical dialogue with State and municipal governments and provides capacity strengthening in accordance with UNICEF’s programme of cooperation, country programme management plan and overall vision set forward by the Representative.

This includes:

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. 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, while promoting effective teambuilding, wellbeing of staff and creating channels of communication that lead to an inclusive and respectful working environment that reflects UNICEF values. Ensure the office has the right type of technical expertise to deliver annual work plans (AWPS) and manage the office budget for the delivery of AWP results.
2. Knowledge Management for Programmes: Ensure that area/country programmes are supported by knowledge management and develop a sound institutional knowledge base and understanding of the field office through data collection and situation analysis of children’s needs, political and socioeconomic dynamics, rapid assessment of potential humanitarian scenarios, complete and accurate reporting as well as participation in the Programme Knowledge Network system of “lessons learned” and other corporate-level databases.
3. Programme Development and Management: Identify critical intervention points and measures by administering a consistent and transparent monitoring system; analyze local level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects in the field. Maintains a close dialogue and coordination with the Programme section in CO. Review and evaluate the technical, institutional, and financial feasibility and constraints of programme/projects in collaboration with Government and other partners.
4. Optimum Use of Programme Funds: Develop and lead the implementation of field officework plans and monitor progress and compliance. Monitor the overall allocation disbursement and effectiveness of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly utilized, and liquidated. Take appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds, through regular monitoring of partner grants and project delivery rates. Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation. In close collaboration with the Programme and PFP teams, develop project proposals for resource mobilization that contribute to the delivery of AWP results.
5. 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 national and local partners starting with taking a strategic approach to the identification of these partners and partnerships.
6. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration: Establish and maintain the highest level of contact with local government decision-makers and influential stakeholders in the field to advocate and promote children’s rights as a priority in development efforts. Develop partnerships and collaboration with internal and external counterparts, including those of the UN, the media, private sector and academia, multi- and bilateral cooperation agencies, NGOs, CSOs and national partners, 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.

Requirements: 

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Advanced university degree in any of the following: 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: i) At least 5 years of of professional work experience in programme management, planning monitoring and evaluation, project administration or another relevant area is required. ii) Proven leadership with a track record of partnering with partners is government, civil society, and community-based organizations.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Portuguese

Desirables:

• iii) Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset. iv) experience in other UN Agencies is an asset. v) Familiarity/ background with emergency is considered as an asset.