Job: Chief Field Office (Semi-Arid Platform)

Location: Fortaleza, Brazil
Deadline: Wednesday, 30 October 2013

Purpose of the Position

The Chief of Field Office(Semi-Arid Platform) based in the Fortaleza Office is accountable for achieving the defined results of the 2012-2016 UNICEF programme of cooperation in the semi-arid region and supervising the Semi-Arid Platform (comprising the Zone Offices of Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador). More specifically, the incumbent will be responsible for achieving the following Programme Component Intermediate Result:

By the end of 2016, the States and Municipalities of the Semiarid Region committed to reducing child rights and gender and racial related inequities and ensuring CRC compliance to contribute with the improvement of their social indicators for children and adolescents thus addressing inequities in Brazil through UNICEF strategic partnerships articulated with local governments, civil society, private sector and mass media to promote and advance children's and adolescents' rights through the UNICEF Seal and the Political Pact.

She/he is accountable for technical engagement in social policy dialogue with State and Municipal governments for strengthening the effectiveness of social services and protection systems with an inter-cultural and equity-based inclusive approach that targets the most vulnerable children and adolescents.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Deputy Representative, the incumbent will follow the political direction of the Representative and will be responsible for the correct use of UNICEF financial and human resources as well as minimum operating security standards by the Zone Offices of the Semi-arid Platform. She/He will head the Zone Office in Fortaleza and supervise the Zone Office Coordinators of Recife and Salvador.

Key Expected Results

1. Develops a sound institutional knowledge base and understanding of the Semi-Arid region's economic, social and political situation for the purpose of determining opportunities, needs and challenges for UNICEF action in the target states and municipalities, with special attention to inplementing the UNICEF Municipal Seal of Approval and the Political Pact for Children in the Semi-arid region.

2. Establishes and maintains the highest level of contact with local government decision-makers and influential stakeholders in the region, to advocate and promote women and children's rights as a priority in development efforts. In collaboration with the State and Municipal Governments, directs and manages the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of UNICEF programme assistance. This includes preparation and updating of the situation analysis, Country Programme Document, Country Programme Plan of Action (CPAP), Annual Work Plans and all other related programme strategy documentation.

3. Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with economic and social development stakeholders, including the media, private sector and academia, faith-based groups, as well as multi- and bilateral agencies, NGOs, CSOs and CBOs to explore, identify and coordinate avenues of cooperation to defend child and women's rights from an intra-cultural and equity perspective.

4. Cooperates with states and local government authorities to develop and reinforce programmatic technical capacity, particularly in education and protection, and with a strong focus on adolescents. Contributes to policy design; setting goals, objectives and strategies- based on international child/adolescent rights standards; and establishes alliances for the effective monitoring of the situation of children, adolescents and women in accordance with human rights instruments, including the CRC and its Optional Protocols, the CRC Committee General Comments.

5. Designs and implements advocacy and communication strategies for the Amazon region to engage political actors, civil society, the news media, the business community and others, with a view to raising awareness on indigenous issues and galvanising support to transform social norms and overcome discrimination.

6. Assesses staffing and administrative requirements to support programme goals and prepares funding submissions. Establishes an office work plan for the Semi-Arid Platform and oversees its implementation. Fosters good management and staff relations through effective information sharing and open channels of communication. Manages the cost-effective, appropriate utilization, protection and accounting of all organizational resources, (i.e., financial, human, fixed assets, as well as programme supplies, equipment and cash assistance) in accordance with UNICEF rules and procedures.

7. Documents and informs on all Semi-Arid region programme activities through regular and special reports, (i.e. annual progress reports, donor and financial status reports, etc.) indicating progress as well as difficulties and recommending actions to be undertaken. Meets with government couterparts, partners as well as the community to gain first- hand knowledge of the conditions and effectiveness of all programme activities and monitors progress.

8. During emergency situations, undertakes a rapid assessment of situations and prepares recommendations for intervention, (e.g. changes in priorities and courses of action and reallocation of funds), and situation reports to facilitate immediate decision-making on opportune UNICEF action.

9. Identifies, promotes and undertakes resource mobilization initiatives and approaches in close coordination with the Resource Mobilization Manager.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Advanced university degree in any of the following: Social Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, Public Health, Education, or other fields related to the work of UNICEF.

Eight years of relevant work experience in planning and administration of social development programmes at the national and international level, including experience in the management of human, financial and material resources. Desirable experience in emergency programming and preparedness planning.

Fluency in English and either French or Spanish. Fluency in Portuguese important. Commitment to become fluent rapidly, essential.

Thorough knowledge of current trends (i.e., social issues), and practices in specialized field(s) of the profession related to UNICEF work.

Demonstrated ability for leadership, negotiation, advocacy, and social mobilization.

Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise a team of senior level, technical, and support staff. Demonstrated ability to innovate and communicate ideas effectively.

Demonstrated ability to devise, plan, develop and implement programmes.

Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and ourside the organization.

Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
• Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
• Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
• Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
• Ensures that team or department follows relevant company policies and procedures.
• Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization's future potential.
• Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
• Sets clearly defined objectives and produces comprehensive project plans for the organization.

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.

More Info and Application