Chief Field Office (P-4)

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 Chief Field Office (CFO) is responsible for managing and leading the total programme commitment of a field office within a country programme. This role involves representing UNICEF in the designated Area of Responsibility (AoR), overseeing various program sectors and operational service teams, and ensuring the delivery of quality results in alignment with UNICEF’s programme of cooperation and country programme management plan. Given the volatile security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security environment in Northern Ethiopia, the CFO must demonstrate strong emergency preparedness capabilities, including anticipating rapid deterioration, leading risk scenario development, and activating contingency plans to ensure programme continuity and personnel safety. The CFO is expected to adopt a rights-based and results-based approach in programme management, ensuring that UNICEF's humanitarian action is guided by its global Policy and Framework for humanitarian action.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Effective management of UNICEF presence, staff, and assets, including representing UNICEF in the region, ensuring safety and security of staff and assets, and leading the Field Office team.
• Knowledge management for programmes through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Programme development and management by identifying critical intervention points, integrating conflict-related risk analysis, and preparing programme work plans.
• Optimum use of program funds by monitoring allocation and disbursement, ensuring compliance, and optimizing fund usage.
• Programme monitoring and evaluations through field visits, adapting monitoring strategies in insecure areas, and participating in major programme evaluations.
• Rights-based and results-based programme management approach in planning, design, and implementation.
• National and local capacity building by providing technical support and guidance for training programmes.
• Advocacy at national, community, and family levels for children's and women's rights.
• Partnership, coordination, and collaboration with internal and external counterparts to improve data collection and dissemination. 1
• Enhanced emergency preparedness and contingency planning to ensure programme continuity and staff safety.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in social science, public administration, sociology, international relations, government and public relations, public policy, social policy, community development, or a related field. Candidates must have at least 8 years of relevant work experience in social sciences, international relations, public administration, or related fields. Leadership skills, resource management, knowledge of rights-based and results-based approaches, and familiarity with UNICEF Programme policy and project management methodology are essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social science, public administration, sociology, international relations, or community development. This advanced educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and the environment in which UNICEF operates.

Experience:
A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience is required, particularly in social sciences, international relations, public administration, or related fields. Experience in developing countries, particularly in fragile settings and humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable. Familiarity with emergency preparedness and experience within a UN system agency or organization will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered a desirable asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term role at the P-4 level, emphasizing the importance of child safeguarding and requiring additional vetting for elevated risk roles. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and persons with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must comply with medical clearance and vaccination requirements as mandated by UNICEF.