Chief of Field Office (NO‑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 is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Chief Field Office (CFO) position at UNICEF in Nampula is a leadership role responsible for managing and overseeing the total program commitment of the field office. The CFO will work under the guidance of the UNICEF Country Representative and will be accountable for ensuring the delivery of quality results in alignment with UNICEF’s program of cooperation and the country program management plan. This role involves strategic leadership for UNICEF’s presence and program delivery in the Nampula Field Office, translating the Country Programme into impactful results for children. The CFO will represent UNICEF with provincial and district authorities, partners, and the UN system, fostering a safe and high-performing work environment for staff. The position requires effective management of UNICEF's presence, staff, and assets, ensuring alignment with CPD priorities and the humanitarian-development nexus. The CFO will also lead program delivery, monitor program performance, and engage with local partners to strengthen service delivery and capacity building.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief Field Office will be responsible for effective management of UNICEF's presence in Nampula, ensuring strategic leadership and oversight of program delivery. Key responsibilities include coordinating humanitarian and emergency responses, strategic planning for provincial work plans, tracking and utilizing program funds, leading program delivery and monitoring, promoting evidence generation and learning, and ensuring effective partnerships and collaboration. The CFO will also be tasked with knowledge management, ensuring systematic use of real-time data for decision-making, and incorporating a rights-based and results-based programming approach into all phases of program processes. Additionally, the CFO will engage with provincial and district authorities to position UNICEF as a key partner in decentralized service delivery and strengthen the localization agenda.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Social Science, Public Administration, Sociology, International Development, or related areas. They should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in areas such as Program Management, Knowledge Management, Emergency Response, and Advocacy. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and rights-based programming skills are essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to manage ambiguity and complexity, think strategically, and work collaboratively with others.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Social Science, Public Administration, Sociology, International Development, International Relations, Government and Public Relations, Public or Social Policy, or Social or Community Development is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of program management and child rights advocacy.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of relevant work experience in various fields including Program Management, Knowledge Management, Emergency Response, and Child Safeguarding. Candidates should have experience in program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building, particularly in humanitarian contexts and fragile settings. Familiarity with the UN system and emergency response mechanisms is also desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of another official UN language (such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset. Proficiency in multiple languages will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must be aware that UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and that all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The successful candidate will be responsible for their own relocation and settlement in Nampula, as no relocation package will be offered.