Programme Officer Level 1

Programme Officer Level 1

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

February 18, 2026February 26, 2026EsmeraldasEcuador
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF has a strong focus on building careers and fostering a culture of belonging and growth, supported by an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer Level 1 position at UNICEF is designed to provide professional technical assistance aimed at achieving key results in the management and execution of country programs. The role involves contributing to effective knowledge management, monitoring socio-political-economic trends, ensuring optimal use of program funds, conducting evaluations, and enhancing the quality of rights-based projects. The officer will work closely with local partners, particularly municipal and provincial authorities in Esmeraldas, to reinforce institutional capacities and advocate for children's rights at community levels. This position requires a proactive approach to communication and collaboration, especially in humanitarian contexts, to ensure that UNICEF's credibility and effectiveness in policy debates are maintained.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Officer Level 1 include:
  • Contributing to knowledge management by participating in data collection, analysis, and information sharing to strengthen program management.
  • Administering an effective monitoring system to analyze socio-political-economic trends and draft recommendations for program interventions.
  • Monitoring program funds to ensure they are used effectively.
  • Conducting program evaluations and preparing timely status reports to improve performance.
  • Providing technical support to enhance the quality of rights-based projects and ensure coherence in project management.
  • Supporting local partners, especially municipal and provincial authorities, to build their capacities.
  • Incorporating a rights perspective in policy analysis and advocacy efforts.
  • Enhancing communication and networking through partnerships and collaboration in humanitarian coordination spaces.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or a relevant technical field. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of relevant work experience in fields related to programs and development. Experience in a developing country and familiarity with emergency situations are considered assets. Candidates must demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in one of the following fields: Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social issues and the frameworks necessary for effective program management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant work experience in fields related to program management, social development, or community engagement. Experience working in a developing country is considered an asset, as is familiarity with emergency response situations. This experience is crucial for understanding the challenges and dynamics of working in diverse environments and for effectively implementing UNICEF's programs.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, as it is essential for communication and collaboration with local partners and communities. Fluency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication within the broader UNICEF organization and with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment, including potential criminal background checks. UNICEF promotes a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and abuse. The organization is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and medical clearance is required. The position may also be subject to inoculation requirements, including against COVID-1
  • UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.
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