Planning and Coordination Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is dedicated to advocating for children's rights, meeting their basic needs, and expanding their opportunities. The organization operates in over 190 countries and territories, guided by principles of human rights and child rights, including universality, non-discrimination, and the best interests of the child. UNICEF's mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, with a focus on the most disadvantaged and excluded children. The organization has a unique dual mandate that encompasses both humanitarian and development efforts, allowing it to effectively operate in complex environments and transition from crisis response to long-term development. UNICEF's work is aligned with international treaties and frameworks, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and aims to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, always.

Job Overview:
The Planning and Coordination Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the development and monitoring of Annual Work Plans at the sectoral level, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's objectives and goals. This position involves providing technical support for the implementation of micro plans for OR-funded grants, coordinating annual planning and reporting commitments to the UNSDCF, and engaging in knowledge management activities. The specialist will work closely with various sections within the country office to integrate knowledge into the planning cycle and drive the development of knowledge products from surveys and evaluations. The role requires a strong focus on equity and gender markers, as well as collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission to enhance planning mechanisms at the national level. The specialist will also contribute to the overall goal of ensuring every child in Ghana survives and thrives in a safe and clean environment, with equitable opportunities for learning and protection from violence and exploitation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support for the development and monitoring of Annual Work Plans at the sectoral level, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's objectives and the equity and gender marker.
• Coordinate the development and monitoring of micro plans for OR-funded grants, ensuring timely and effective implementation and reporting on deviations.
• Support the organization and management of annual/mid-year/mid-term/end-term country programme reviews, ensuring consistency with the objectives set out in the Country Programme Document (CPD).
• Monitor work plan implementation, including reviewing implementation modalities such as Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs).
• Assist in developing and strengthening issue-based planning mechanisms at the national level in coordination with the National Development Planning Commission.
• Improve planning systems and processes within UNICEF Ghana.
• Coordinate annual planning and reporting on commitments to the UNSDCF, including data entry onto UNINFO.
• Engage in knowledge management by developing knowledge products from surveys, evaluations, and best practices.
• Ensure knowledge integration into all levels of the planning cycle. 1
• Provide technical support for IMEP implementation from a quality-review and knowledge management perspective. 1
• Participate in other activities as required to drive knowledge management in the Ghana Country Office.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of planning and coordination processes within the UN system.
• Proven experience in developing and monitoring work plans and project management.
• Familiarity with equity and gender markers in programming.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in using data management and reporting tools.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in social sciences, international development, public administration, or a related field is required. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field combined with additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a Master's degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, monitoring, and evaluation in the context of international development or humanitarian assistance is required. Experience working with UN agencies or similar organizations is an asset. Familiarity with the socio-economic context of Ghana and the challenges facing children and families is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ghana is an asset and would be considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Accra, Ghana, with potential travel to other regions such as Tamale. The role is full-time and may involve working in a dynamic environment with various stakeholders. The cost of living in Accra is relatively higher compared to other regions in Ghana, and housing options are available within a 5 km radius of the UNICEF office. The organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance and opportunities for professional development.