Programme Specialist, ECD and Human Capital

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 to its staff. UNICEF is dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for children and adolescents, particularly in areas facing significant challenges such as poverty, violence, and limited access to essential services. The organization employs a large workforce and engages in various programmatic areas to address the needs of children, including health, education, and social protection.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist for Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Human Capital at UNICEF is a strategic leadership role focused on driving transformative programs that impact children's futures. This position is responsible for leading innovative solutions that integrate health, nutrition, education, and social protection to reduce chronic child malnutrition and create equitable opportunities for children. The Specialist will work under the guidance of the Deputy Representative to develop, coordinate, and implement integrated programs with a strong emphasis on early childhood development. The role requires promoting systems-strengthening approaches to improve quality, equity, and coverage across various sectors, ensuring sustainable impact at scale. The Specialist will also play a critical role in advancing UNICEF's contributions to national priorities by enhancing governance, public policies, and service delivery systems, while fostering partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key functions and accountabilities for this position include: Knowledge Management for Programmes, Programme Development and Management, Optimum Use of Programme Funds, Programme Monitoring and Evaluations, Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach, National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability, Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community and Family Levels, Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration, and Leadership and Team Management. The Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that all programs are aligned with UNICEF's Strategic Plan and the Country Programme, focusing on measurable and sustainable results through equity and systems transformation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a completed advanced university degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Public Health/Nutrition, Early Childhood Development, Health research, International Relations, or Public Policy. A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in areas such as public health, ECD, social policy, or program management is required. Demonstrated experience in supervising teams is also necessary, along with a strong understanding of the challenges faced in developing countries.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields related to social sciences, public health, early childhood development, or other relevant technical areas. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the context in which UNICEF operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in public health, nutrition, early childhood development, social policy, or related fields. Experience in managing programs and leading teams is crucial, as is familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of working in developing countries, particularly in fragile or humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this role. Knowledge of another official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage in diverse international contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role 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 comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must comply with medical clearance and vaccination requirements as mandated by UNICEF. The role may involve deployment to support humanitarian responses, contributing to community resilience and national authority capacity.