Deputy Representative (Programme) P-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 emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to survive and thrive without discrimination. UNICEF employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for professional and personal development, along with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Representative (Programmes) plays a critical leadership role in the UNICEF Iran Country Office, reporting directly to the UNICEF Representative. This position is situated within a complex and rapidly evolving context, particularly due to regional escalations that have heightened operational challenges. The Deputy Representative is responsible for ensuring the continuity and quality of UNICEF's programming, focusing on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. This role requires strategic decision-making under pressure and adherence to the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) in humanitarian action. The Deputy Representative will integrate humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding approaches to address both immediate needs and long-term structural challenges, ensuring that UNICEF's programming is effective and responsive to the needs of the most disadvantaged children and families.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Representative will be responsible for the following key functions:

• CO programme planning and development, ensuring that programs are aligned with UNICEF's strategic objectives and responsive to the needs of children and families.
• Providing support to the Representative in managing the Country Office, including overseeing program implementation and ensuring quality control.
• Building alliances and coordinating with the UN system to enhance collaboration and effectiveness in program delivery.
• Engaging with the private sector to foster partnerships that support UNICEF's mission.
• Leading innovation and knowledge management initiatives to enhance program effectiveness and capacity building within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, international relations, public policy, or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree combined with additional relevant work experience may be accepted for internal candidates. The position requires a minimum of 8 years of professional development experience, including technical and managerial leadership in international development cooperation, with some experience in a developing country context. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge management, capacity building, and monitoring skills, along with technical and managerial leadership capabilities.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as social sciences, international relations, public policy, or community development is required. For internal candidates, a Bachelor’s degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience may suffice. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of development work and the specific challenges faced in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires at least 8 years of professional experience in development cooperation, with a focus on technical and managerial leadership. Candidates should have experience working in international settings, particularly in developing countries, and should be familiar with emergency programming and contexts affected by conflict or crises. Relevant experience in UN system agencies is considered an asset, as is experience in fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term role with an elevated risk for child safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and background checks. 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 parental leave and accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must meet medical clearance and vaccination requirements, including against COVID-19, as part of the hiring process. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of mobility within its international workforce.