Technical Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, founded in 1946, is a global organization dedicated to advocating for children's rights, meeting their basic needs, and expanding their opportunities. With a presence in over 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization operates under principles of human rights and child rights, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination. UNICEF's mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, always, and to translate this commitment into action, particularly for the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. The organization is committed to ensuring that its efforts transition effectively from humanitarian responses to long-term development initiatives, thereby safeguarding children's rights and well-being during crises and beyond. In Ghana, UNICEF collaborates with the government and other partners to address the challenges faced by children, particularly in areas such as health, education, and protection, aligning its programs with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Partnership (UNSDP).

Job Overview:
The Technical Support Specialist will play a crucial role in providing technical support for the development and monitoring of Annual Work Plans at the sectoral level, ensuring that UNICEF's objectives and goals are met. This position involves coordinating the development and monitoring of micro plans for OR-funded grants, providing technical assistance in organizing and managing country programme reviews, and supporting the implementation of work plans, including Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs). The specialist will also engage in UN coordination efforts, ensuring that UNICEF's commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) are met, and will be involved in knowledge management activities, driving the development of knowledge products from surveys and evaluations. The role requires a proactive approach to integrating knowledge into all levels of planning and ensuring that best practices are shared across the organization. The ideal candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong competencies in teamwork, accountability, adaptability, and professionalism, contributing to the overall mission of UNICEF in Ghana.

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 goals.
• Coordinate the development and monitoring of micro plans for OR-funded grants, ensuring timely and effective implementation and reporting on deviations.
• Assist in organizing and managing annual/mid-year/mid-term/end term country programme reviews, contributing to the Annual Management Plan.
• Monitor work plan implementation, reviewing implementation modalities such as Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs).
• Support the development of 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 UN INFO.
• Engage in UN-wide initiatives related to the UNSDCF and Common Country Analysis (CCA).
• Drive knowledge management efforts by developing knowledge products from surveys, evaluations, and best practices. 1
• Ensure knowledge integration into all levels of the planning cycle and support the implementation of the Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (IMEP). 1
• Perform other activities as required to enhance knowledge management in the Ghana Country Office.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong technical expertise in planning, monitoring, and evaluation processes.
• Proven experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives and engaging with UN agencies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable plans.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting tools, including UN INFO and other relevant software.
• Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and procedures, particularly in relation to child rights and development.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in social sciences, international development, public administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be considered an asset for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in planning, monitoring, and evaluation, preferably within the UN system or in a similar international development context. Experience in knowledge management and coordination of multi-stakeholder initiatives is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ghana is an asset and may enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Accra, Ghana, and may require occasional travel within the country. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment. 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.