Purpose:
Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Director, the Senior Advisor heads the UN Coherence Team. S/he is responsible for providing strategic advice to the Organization about UN coherence, in particular in relation to maximising its impact on the work of UNICEF for children. This includes preparation of strategic briefs and analyses based on latest developments in UN and inter-governmental fora and collection and analysis of inputs from various parts of UNICEF to ensure that results for children are best represented. This also includes support to participation in high-level committees of the Chief Executives Board (CEB) and its subsidiary bodies, representation of UNICEF at the senior technical level, liaison with other UN entities at HQ level, support to interactions concerning Humanitarian Reform, and support to UNICEF country and regional offices on issues related to UN Coherence.
Qualification:
Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences or other related field. Another university degree can be considered if accompanied by extensive experience and knowledge of development issues, policies, field programming and implementation.*
Ten years of relevant work experience, at least seven of which should be with UNICEF or another UN agency in the field at the country or regional levels, in social development, programme management, monitoring and evaluation. Experience in collaboration with other UN agencies essential.
Fluency in English and another UN working language. Knowledge of a third language an asset.
*A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Key Expected Results:
1.Represent UNICEF in relevant UNDG working groups of an inter-disciplinary nature aimed at guiding and shaping the overall direction of UN Coherence, with particular focus on improving the functioning of the UN development system programmes and processes including its simplification, harmonization, cost- effectiveness and results focus. In doing so, work with inter-agency colleagues towards development of common positions on a range of issues related to the UN coherence agenda.
2.Coordinate UNICEF inputs into major UN system wide processes by bringing together and analyzing inputs from Divisions of HQ, regional and country offices, documenting lessons learned and informing decision-makers about the directions in which UN Coherence is heading, the influence UNICEF should have on those directions and preferred outcomes. Work with OED to ensure that these perspectives are reflected in policy.
3.Facilitate, monitor and report on UNICEF’s implementation of commitments in general assembly resolutions and UNDG agreements, especially the QCPR and the Management and Accountability System. Work with relevant Divisions to review UNICEF guidance, tools and instruments and participate in the development of appropriate policy and programme guidance reflecting UN Coherence including collaboration with the Bretton Woods Institutions.
4.Oversee and guide as well as contribute to the review and analysis of country and regional-level involvement in and experience with UN Coherence, through analysis of Country and Regional Office Annual Reports; coordination of operational research and close contact with the relevant offices including through regular face-to-face and virtual interaction and global/regional meetings (including RMTs, DROPs, GMT Global PME)
5.Oversee the design of communication strategies, materials and tools concerning how to make UN Coherence work for children; guide and lead HQ, regional and country efforts to increase UNICEF awareness of and engagement in results driven efforts at strengthening Coherence.
6.Support the interface between Humanitarian Reform and UN Coherence in the development arena, working closely with EMOPS Policy Unit to ensure coherence of policy within UNICEF and in the inter-agency arena.
Competencies:
Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking
Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget
Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment
Has high-level leadership and supervisory skills; provides others with a clear direction; motivates and empowers others; recruits staff of a high caliber; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching
Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization’s future potential
Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources
Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups. Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government leaders and stakeholders
Negotiates effectively with people inside and outside the organization by adopting a range of approaches
Anticipates and actively monitors long term local and global developments, constantly seeking new opportunities for advancing UNICEF's mission
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation. If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.
Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2012-001635. Applications must be received by 23 November 2012.
Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.
In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to apply:
Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies, quoting E-VN-2012-001635. Applications must be received by 23 November 2012.
