Programme Specialist (Safe Environment and Opportunities), NO-3, FT, #136635, Ecuador, Quito - LACR

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling.

Job Purpose

The Programme Specialist (Safe Environment and Opportunities) will lead integrated Child Protection and Education initiatives, strengthening national systems and promoting safe, inclusive environments to accelerate sustainable results for children and adolescents at scale. Under the Deputy Representative's guidance, this role involves strategic development, coordination, and implementation of programmes, focusing on integrated, systems-strengthening approaches. The Specialist will advance UNICEF's contribution to national priorities by enhancing governance, public policies, financing, and service delivery systems, fostering cross-sectoral integration and partnerships across government, IFIs, private sector, and civil society. This position is crucial for driving evidence-based advocacy, programme coherence, and innovation to achieve measurable and sustainable results, emphasizing equity, systems transformation, and national ownership.

Responsibilities

The Programme Specialist will lead the strategic development, coordination, and implementation of the Safe Environments and Opportunities Programme, linking Child Protection and Education. This includes ensuring a shift towards integrated, systems-strengthening approaches that deliver impact at scale. The role involves strengthening governance, public policies, financing, and service delivery systems, while fostering cross-sectoral integration and partnerships with government, IFIs, private sector, and civil society. The Specialist will act as a key national-level convener and technical leader, driving evidence-based advocacy, programme coherence, and innovation to accelerate results for children, aligning with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan and Country Programme. Key functions include knowledge management for programmes, programme development and management, optimum use of programme funds, programme monitoring and evaluations, implementing a rights-based and results-based programme management approach, national and local capacity building and sustainability, rights perspective and advocacy at national, community, and family levels, and partnership, coordination, and collaboration.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience is required in one or more of the following areas: Child Protection, Education, social policy, planning and management, or finances.

Skills

Knowledge management, Situation analysis, Programme monitoring and evaluation, Results-based programming, Partnership collaboration, Strategic development, Coordination, Implementation, Systems strengthening, Advocacy, Innovation, Capacity building

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