Programme Associate (ECD) GS6 Fixed Term Appointment- ECARO O/P Istanbul Turkiye PN#129123

The ECD section in ECARO is looking for a highly motivated Programme Associate GS6 FT in its outpost in Istanbul, Turkiye whom under the supervision and guidance of the Regional Adviser Early Childhood Development (P5), the Programme Associate supports the respective section by carrying out a range of programme support functions to help develop, implement, and monitor annual work plan and programme, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations. The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with a range of staff in the RO, and very closely with colleagues in the early childhood development (ECD) section, external partners, and agency counterparts in support of programme design and delivery. S/He provides regular feedback on the status of projects through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, opportunity

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Job organizational context:

The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECARO) supports Country Offices and Governments to advance towards the full realization of all child rights across the region, with country offices in 22 countries and territories to ensure that no child is left behind. The Regional Office plays both a technical advisory and oversight role, guiding country offices in designing, implementing and documenting results for children.

Purpose for the job:

Under the supervision and guidance of the Regional Adviser Early Childhood Development (P5), the Programme Associate supports the respective section by carrying out a range of programme support functions to help develop, implement, and monitor annual work plan and programme, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations. The Programme Associate works in close collaboration with a range of staff in the RO, and very closely with colleagues in the early childhood development (ECD) section, external partners, and agency counterparts in support of programme design and delivery. S/He provides regular feedback on the status of projects through monitoring milestones and advises on improvements to keep activities on track.

How can you make a difference? 

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

 

• Participation in effective knowledge management of regional office support / information to strengthen ECD programme management and activities, including important information sharing/exchanges of best practice.
• Support to regional and subregional online and in-person events and meetings organized by the ECD section.
• Effective support to implementing changes in regional programme work plans, balancing programming and partnership priorities.
• Effective monitoring of programme funds for optimum use, including funds related to specific grants and projects.
• Supporting drafting of annual and grant reports and narratives based on program inputs.
• Conducting Programme monitoring across the RO ECD Section to improve programme performance, synergies, partnerships and effective use of resources (both human and financial).
• Support as required programme implementation and oversight to multi-country and country specific regional office engagement.
• Support the development of TORs and recruitment and onboarding of consultants and contractors.
• Facilitating the development of programme cooperation agreements (PCAs) by providing information and drafting selected sections of it. 
• Ensuring the timely and accurate recording and administrative processing of proposals and requests for direct cash transfers (DCTs).
• Helping conduct regular spot checks of partner’s projects to assess their financial record-keeping, expenditure controls and reporting systems.
• Supporting the programme section in researching, compiling and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information from a variety of sources on subject matters relevant to the work of the section to facilitate programme delivery as well as preparation of reports, working papers and presentations.  
• Carrying out transactions in VISION ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs),and making amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.
• Carrying out transactions in VISION pertaining to grants and programme-related items for his/her section including but not limited to registering grant allotments and tracking expiring programme grants.
• Preparing monitoring and reporting information for supervisor and team on agreed performance indicators to drive more efficient management and accountability for results.
• Regularly monitoring budgets and financial expenditures of section by employing applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.
• Helping prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors to support the office in optimizing use of programme funds.
• Supports capacity development activities related to programme development by preparing training materials and participating in exercises.
• Support ongoing section management and coordination through weekly meetings, note taking and follow up actions needed.

Impact of Results:

S/He is accountable for the full spectrum of administrative and project/programme support activities. The key results have an impact on the overall performance of the country office and success in the implementation of project/programme activities. Accurate programme monitoring and recommendations, data entry and presentation of information ensure proper programme decision-making.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• Work Experience: A minimum of six years of administrative or clerical work experience is required.
• Skills :
• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization.
• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant work experience in executive, administrative and/or programme support is required.
• Prior experience in programme support functions will be prioritized.
• Prior hands-on experience in effectively managing the financial resources of an office / section and monitoring as well as analyzing the budget use and utilization is required.
• Hands on experience with an ERM System (i.e. VISION/SAP) is required.
• Experience with Budget and Data Analytics, Key Performance Indicators and Data Visualization is required.
• Knowledge of technological platforms, particularly MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other UNICEF software such as SharePoint systems as is an asset.
• Experience of raising and administering consultant contracts and applicable UN/UNICEF policies and procedures is desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of the UNICEF programme operations, including monitoring and evaluation, budget and travel processes is a significant asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is desirable.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is desirable.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities is required.
• High sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment with strong office management skills is required.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities.
• High attention to detail.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Desirables:

• Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

[CO/ HQ specific: visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.