Chief Field Office (CFO)

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 has a strong presence in Guinea, where it has been working since 1984 to improve conditions for children, particularly in the face of significant challenges related to child development and deprivation.

Job Overview:
The Chief Field Office (CFO) position is crucial for managing and leading the total programme commitment of a field office within the Guinea country programme. The CFO will represent UNICEF in key local meetings, oversee various program sectors, and ensure the delivery of quality results in alignment with UNICEF Guinea’s Country programme of cooperation and management plan. The role involves operationalizing the Country Programme through rolling work plans and requires effective management of UNICEF presence, staff, and assets, as well as knowledge management for programmes. The CFO will also be responsible for programme development and management, ensuring optimum use of program funds, and monitoring and evaluating programme implementation. This position is vital for building national and local capacity and fostering partnerships and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage UNICEF presence, staff, and assets effectively, ensuring safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security.
• Lead the Field Office team, managing performance and conduct to deliver results for children.
• Support area/country programmes with knowledge management through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Identify critical intervention points and administer a monitoring system to analyze socio-political-economic trends.
• Draft and prepare programme work plans and recommendations for programme documentation.
• Monitor compliance with programme work plans and provide training and support to the programme team.
• Evaluate the feasibility of programmes/projects in collaboration with government and partners.
• Prepare relevant programme reports for management and donors.
• Supervise programme funds allocation and disbursement, ensuring efficiency and compliance. 1
• Conduct field visits to monitor programme implementation and assess needs for corrective action. 1
• Adopt a rights-based approach in programme formulation and management. 1
• Provide technical support for capacity building and sustainability of programmes. 1
• Develop partnerships with internal and external counterparts to improve data collection and dissemination. 1
• Uphold child safeguarding policies and ensure accountability among team members.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree in social sciences, international relations, public administration, or a relevant technical field is required. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values. Familiarity with emergencies and experience in a UN system agency are considered assets. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and manage complex situations effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree in one of the following fields: social sciences, international relations, public administration, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of programme management and child rights advocacy.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of professional work experience in programme management, planning, monitoring and evaluation, or project administration is required. Experience working in a developing country is considered an asset, as is relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization. Familiarity with emergencies is also beneficial, as the role may involve responding to humanitarian needs.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in managing UNICEF's operations in Guinea. Candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the country and may be required to undergo medical clearance and background checks. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.