How can you make a difference?

In anticipation of agreements with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and other major donors to implement program interventions in the context of Afghanistan, the Afghanistan Country Office (ACO) is looking for a Deputy Team Leader to provide technical oversight to APMU key functions including data management, cash transfers, implementing partner management, and operations.  Under the direct guidance of the Team Leader, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring quality assurance and compliance of APMU projects with the project operations manual and UNICEF policies and procedures. This includes management of a high volume of grievances, potential fraud, and other issues arising from implementation including security incidents and issues. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that there is a decision-making mechanism that caters to these issues daily.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Team Leader, the Project Coordinator (Deputy Team Leader), P5 will:

• Efficiently oversee the operational functions of the APMU including contract management of the relevant technical assistance, payment management, partnership management, risk management, and monitoring required for project delivery.
• Ensure that all beneficiary grievances that require a decision from UNICEF are reviewed and acted upon in line with the project parameters and principles.
• Ensure that all presumed cases of fraud are followed up and acted upon.
• Oversee the establishment and monitoring of implementing partnership management, quality assurance, risk management, and metrics for APMU projects. This also includes review and streamlining of operational procedures, and project procedures and maintaining up-to-date security risks and mitigation measures.
• Supervise the technical coordination mechanisms and make recommendations to the Team Leader for changes in project management parameters as required.
• Provide strategic guidance to supervisees to ensure the beneficiary data management function, grievances redressal, finance, contracting, and partnership management can work in a coordinated manner.
• Work closely with the PMU Field Coordinator to ensure field-level operations are discharged in line with operational and technical requirements.
• Work closely with ACO Programme Sections to ensure APMU services and program technical requirements are in close synergy and that APMU is providing services in line with program requirements.
• Represent the Team Leader in the project implementation process and improvement. This will require travel across Afghanistan.
• Represent the Team Leader in external engagements including with other UN agencies, donors, and partners.
• Review and approve processes that will ensure design and data integrity; these include software and hardware in compliance with all UNICEF and international best practices and standards.
• Review and approve inputs into external and internal reports and briefing notes.
• Act as the focal point for internal and external audits of project design and risks.
• Act as the focal point for project coordination matters of an operational nature with field offices and the country office.

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

• Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Public Policy, Public Administration, Social Development, Development Planning, or other relevant disciplines.
• 10 years of professional work experience in the formulation of policy in international or national administration; experience in external aid administration and senior-level international development administration.  Experience in emergency contexts is highly desirable. Experience in cash transfer programmes is an asset.
• Knowledge of emergency cash transfer operational requirements, contracting implications and partnerships, financial accountabilities, risk management and quality assurance.
• Background in Operations, fraud prevention/management, internal control mechanisms, and setting up operational systems is a very strong advantage.
• Knowledge of program management, methodology, and practical application.
• Knowledge, skills, and leadership for managing teams, budgets, and project execution.
• Knowledge of rights-based and results-based management and programming approaches in UNICEF.
• Knowledge of UNICEF emergency program policies, goals, strategies, approaches, and procedures.
• Confidentiality, tact, diplomacy, and good interpersonal skills are essential.
• Program and Project Management experience.
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches.
• UNICEF policies and strategies to address national and international issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
• UNICEF emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.
• Fluency in English as a working language. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

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

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3)Drive to achieve results for impact(4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6)Thinks and acts strategically(7)Works collaboratively with others (8) Nurtures, leads and manages people.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

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 benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also 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.

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.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.

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

Eligible UNICEF International Professional (IP) Staff Members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to a Temporary Appointment, which is dedicated to L3 (or L2) Response, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and their current tour of duty, and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.