Representative, D-1, Harare, Zimbabwe

Purpose

Under general supervision by the Regional Director, the incumbent will:
• Be responsible for overall development, formulation, conception and management of UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation, approved by the Executive Board.
• Represent the Executive Director in all aspects of UNICEF's co-operation with the Government/Country Office. Collaborate as part of the UNCT in this regard.
• Be accountable for the formulation and management of the UNICEF Country Programme of Co-operation, as approved by the Executive Board.
• Be accountable for UNICEF's advocacy with the government and other partners for the enhancement of the survival, protection, development and participation of children and women in national development efforts.
• Be responsible for all aspects of office management of the UNICEF country office.
• Support implementation of the UNICEF supported emergency programme, ensuring that the Situation Analysis and EPRP are regularly updated.
• Participate in organizational and institutional initiatives to strengthen UN Coherence. Ensure that joint programming (including joint programmes) and common services are achieved to the extent possible.
• Provide policy support, guidance and advocacy on the development and establishment of common services arrangements agreed to by participating organizations/agencies at the country level. To ensure that these joint operational arrangements, assist UNICEF in its objective to provide efficient and economical support services to the implementation of the country programme.
• Provide policy support, guidance and advocacy as required in emergency situations and other humanitarian programme implementation. Collaborate as part of the UNCT in this regard.


Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or other relevant disciplines.
• Twelve to thirteen years of relevant professional work experience. Experience in programme/ projects management and building strategic alliances and partnerships/resource mobilization.
• International and Developing country work experience and field work experience.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency.
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
• Integration and synthesis of various programme activities in accordance with professional practices and UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.
• Expert knowledge of advanced concepts in primary discipline, with a broad knowledge of related disciplines, in-depth knowledge of relevant organizational policies and procedures.
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships/Resource mobilization: leverages the larger resources of national governments and other development partners.
• Fluency in English and another UN language.

Remarks

Zimbabwe is a country in transition, characterized by high political and social tensions and international isolation. The Country Office has undergone a rapid scale-up over the past 3 years and now has an annual budget of approximately 150 million USD and 170 approved posts. The Country Office operates in a complex political environment with UNICEF managing major national programmes in each of the social sectors. The Office procured goods to the value of around 70 million USD in 2010, with around half being procured locally.

Specific Requirements:
• Very good knowledge of UNICEF programmes.
• Excellent diplomatic skills, tact and political acumen.
• Very good judgment to determine what is best for children in a complex socio-political development context.
• Leadership, particularly the ability to inspire and guide staff, sound management skills, with ability to adapt and respond quickly to changing situations.
• Persuading and influencing skills.

How to Apply

If you have got experience of working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send an updated CV and a duly completed United Nations Personal History form (P-11) quoting “VN-12-015” to recruit.ssr@unicef.org by 3 August 2012.

Applications will be considered only if accompanied by an updated CV and P11 form, as well as the two most recent PERs/Evaluations. Regret letters will only be sent to shortlisted candidates.

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.