Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: India
Closing date:
07 Jan 2018UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world. And we never give up!
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For Every Child, AN ADVOCATE
In an effort to measurably improve UNICEF's ability to deliver better results for children, 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.
How can you make a difference?
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist reports to the Education Specialist (Level 4) for guidance and general supervision. The Specialist supports the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ECE programs/projects within the Education program. The Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of results on ECE-related programs/projects. The Specialist also facilitates coordination with other sections on overall ECD programming.
The Specialist contributes to achievement of concrete and sustainable results on ECE related programs/projects according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM) and UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework.
Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Support to ECE programs/projects development and planningProgram management, monitoring and delivery of results on ECE programsTechnical and operational support to program implementationNetworking and partnership buildingInnovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Support to ECE programs/projects development and planning
Support the preparation/design and conduct/update of situation analyses, assessments, surveys and research on ECE-related issues to establish evidence-based data to support holistic policy and program development and coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring of results on early childhood education programs/projects within the country program.Keep abreast of national/regional/international development priorities to identify opportunities where ECE can enhance partnership, integration and linkages.Participate in CO program discussion to determine areas for ECE/ECD integration/intervention. Contribute to the formulation, design and preparation of the Country Program to ensure integration of ECE/ECD in a holistic manner across program areas and to ensure alignment of ECE/ECD programs with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans and coherence/integration with UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDF), regional strategies and national priorities, plans and competencies.Establish specific goals, objectives and strategies and implementation plans for the ECE programs/projects using results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required ECE documentations for program review and approval.Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies and to determine national priorities/competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure promotion of quality ECE, coordinating with other UNICEF program sectors towards the achievement of results as planned and allocated.
Program management, monitoring and delivery of results on ECE programs
Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurement to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results on ECE programs.Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews and annual reviews with government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.Prepare/assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths/weaknesses in program and management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.Actively monitor ECE programs/projects through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.Monitor and verify the optimum/appropriate use of ECE program resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity and ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.Prepare ECE regular/mandated program/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of program progress.Help in organizing ECD coordination meetings with other sectoral colleagues under the guidance of the Deputy Representative, Programmes.
Technical and operational support to program implementation
Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and country office partners/donors on interpretation, application and understanding of policies, strategies, processes and best practices and approaches and strengthening management information systems on ECE to support program management, implementation and delivery of results.Participate in program meetings including program development and contingency planning to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.Draft ECE policy papers, briefs and other strategic program materials for management use, information and/or consideration.
Networking and partnership building
Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with relevant government counterparts, national stakeholders and global partners/allies/donors/academia through active networking, facilitation of working groups/consortiums, advocacy and effective communication to build capacity, exchange knowledge/expertise and to reinforce cooperation and coordination to achieve sustainable and broad results on ECE programs.Prepare communication and information materials for ECE program advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and promote increased investments in ECE programs and projects.Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on ECE-related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF planning and preparation of programs/projects, ensuring organizational positions, interests and priorities on ECE are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting including emergency preparedness, and on SDG 4 monitoring.
Innovation, knowledge management and capacity buildingApply/introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable program results on ECE.Keep abreast, research, benchmark and implement best practices on early childhood education. Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable ECE programs and projects.Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders to promote sustainable results on ECE-related programs/projects.Impact of Results
The strategic and effective advocacy, planning and formulation of ECE programs/projects and the achievement of concrete and sustainable results from ECE programs contribute to achievement of UNICEF goals for ensuring all children are in school and learning. Achievements in programs and projects in turn contribute to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide program services for mothers and children that promotes greater social equality in the country.
To qualify as a championfor every child you will have…
Requirements of the position (QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES):-
Education:
An Advanced University Degree in education, psychology, sociology, human development, child development, family studies or other social science field is required.
Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in social development planning and management in early childhood education related areas in India is required. Relevant experience in early childhood education-related areas, program/project development and management in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
Core Values
CommitmentDiversity and inclusionIntegrityCore competencies
Communication (II)Working with people (II)Drive for results (II)Functional Competencies:
Leading and supervising (I)Formulating strategies and concepts (II)Analyzing (III)Relating and networking (II)Deciding and Initiating action (II)Applying technical expertise (III)To view our competency framework, please click here.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all national, religious, gender and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.
Remarks:
Selected applicant will have an initial two (2) year fixed-term contract, with possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance.Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc. UNICEF is a nonsmoking working environment.For more information about UNICEF India, please refer to the link below: -http://unicef.in/Wherewework
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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 organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=509652