Planning & Monitoring Specialist, NOC

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth.

Job Overview:
The Planning & Monitoring Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Zonal Office (ZO) in Afghanistan by facilitating the planning and monitoring functions necessary for effective country programme delivery. This position involves collaborating closely with various stakeholders to ensure that the ZO has well-prioritized and realistic planning and monitoring activities. The specialist will be responsible for enhancing the planning and monitoring capacities of the Country Office staff and implementing partners, ensuring that all activities are aligned with UNICEF's Results-Based Management (RBM) principles. The role requires a strategic approach to programme planning, monitoring, and capacity building, with a focus on achieving measurable results for children and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programme Planning: Support the Zonal Office and partners in developing equity-focused, results-based, and measurable work plans. This includes preparing and analyzing strategic programme planning processes, facilitating the development of the Country Programme Document, and ensuring that gender and integration are well addressed in Programme Documents.
• Programme Monitoring: Establish and roll out programme monitoring mechanisms, coordinate Zonal Management Team meetings, and provide technical support for implementing monitoring systems. Ensure compliance with UNICEF requirements in cash-based programming and manage grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Capacity Building: Promote awareness of RBM principles among zonal staff and partners, and support the development of strategies for capacity building in planning and monitoring.
• Coordination and Networking: Collaborate with other UNICEF offices and UN agencies to coordinate planning and monitoring activities, ensuring that lessons learned are shared and innovations are identified to improve P&M functions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in social sciences, statistics, planning development, or related fields. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in programme planning, implementation, and monitoring is required. Practical experience in monitoring large programmes is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate skills in strategic planning, budgeting, coordination, team management, and leadership.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in social sciences, statistics, planning development, or any related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of programme planning and monitoring within UNICEF's operational framework.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience at the national level in programme planning, implementation, and monitoring. Candidates should have practical experience in monitoring large programmes, which will be beneficial in ensuring effective programme delivery and compliance with UNICEF standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and may involve working in challenging environments. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware that UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Background checks will be conducted for selected candidates, and medical clearance is required for appointments.