Country: United States of America
Closing date: 03 Nov 2015
Purpose of the Position
Under the guidance of the Senior Advisor Government relations for Africa, the incumbent of the position contributes to the development, coordination and management of UNICEF's positions in the multilateral community, at intergovernmental legislative bodies and the interagency mechanisms. He/She provides advice on strategic engagement by UNICEF on issues of importance which are under discussion within the intergovernmental, interagency and other fora that have effect on children and UNICEF.
Key Expected Results
- Monitor, analyse and report on issues and trends in the Africa region that affect children as they are expressed in the intergovernmental and interagency arena.
- Provide advice on developments and trends and report back to relevant UNICEF senior staff on meetings attended, with advice on and recommendations regarding follow-up actions, with due consideration to the views of Member States, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain strategic interaction with Regional Offices and Country Offices for enhanced geo-political intelligence and support the ROs/COs in their engagement with the Permanent Missions in New York.
- Attend the inter-agency meetings Regional Quarterly Reviews (RQR), Interagency Task Forces (ITF), Emergency Management Teams (EMT), Senior Staff Emergency Team (SSEM), and other meetings as relevant and inform the Regional Offices and country offices of the outcomes.
- Backstop and provide briefings to the Executive Director and Deputies during high level meetings and relevant preparatory processes on issues central to children's rights.
- Engage high-level representation for UNICEF at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and related UN Committees with a focus on third committee.
- Coordinate and participate in formal/informal consultations/negotiations and side events of the General Assembly, ECOSOC and its functional commissions as relevant and maintain regular consultations with the delegations. Provide support and monitor the negotiation of resolutions relevant to children.
- Coordinate and draft, on the basis of inputs from colleagues, UNICEF's contributions to reports, including the Secretary-General's reports, and inputs and contributions to resolutions, ensuring that children's rights as well as UNICEF's global perspectives and priorities are addressed. Prepare briefings, issues and concept notes for the Executive Director (ED) and Deputy Executive Director (DED) on their participation in key fora.
- Negotiate, plan and coordinate events in preparation of and during substantive sessions as a platform for UNICEF's engagement on strategic issues for children within intergovernmental fora including at the high level.
- Ensure all concerned UNICEF Division are kept informed of key fora; maintain an interdivisional network of technical staff in Programme Division (PD), Division of Data, Research and Policy (DRP), Division of Communication (DOC), Private Fundraising and Partnerships Division (PFP) and Public Partnership Division (PPD) to assist in preparation of inputs for key documents, processes, meetings and events.
- Effectively manage partnerships with African member states and regional organizations
- Build and maintain good relations and networks with African Permanent Missions and leverage their support on UNICEF's priorities.
- Provide quality assurance for the contribution agreements in close coordination with Division of Financial and Admininstrative Management (DFAM) and the country offices.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
- Advanced university degree in social sciences; another advanced degree can be considered if accompanied by extensive experience in and knowledge of development issues, policies, field programming and implementation.*
- At least 8 years' experience in development and in the UN system, or in organizations working closely with the UN system, including at least 3 years in Africa.
- Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of a second UN language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish) and/or the local language of the duty station is considered 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.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
- Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.
- Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
- Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
- Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.
- Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
- Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.
- Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
- Seeks and proposes opportunities for advancing UNICEF's mission.
How to apply:
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. Applications must be received by 03-November-15.
Vacancy position link:
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.