Senior Programme Manager, P-5, Fixed Term Position, #00138037, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of children's rights not just as a job but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The Senior Programme Manager provides strategic leadership and managerial oversight for the Polio Programme in Afghanistan's Southern Region, a critical area for polio eradication. Reporting to the Chief of Field Office and Chief of Immunization/Polio Team Lead, the role drives policy dialogue with local authorities, strengthens programme integration, and represents UNICEF at the Regional Emergency Operations Center. Key responsibilities include coordinating with WHO and humanitarian partners, overseeing the quality implementation of eradication strategies, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring effective planning and management of all polio programme phases. The position demands senior-level coordination and accountability to achieve programme results aligned with organizational priorities and the global polio eradication endgame strategy.

Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager is accountable for providing managerial guidance, policy advice, and coordination for the Polio Programme in the Southern Region. This includes fostering knowledge management, contributing to country programme development and management using a rights-based and results-based approach, and ensuring the optimum use of programme funds. The role involves rigorous programme monitoring and evaluation, facilitating national and local capacity building of frontline workers, and advocating for children's rights at national, community, and family levels. Promoting networking through partnership and collaboration with internal and external counterparts is essential. The manager will also be responsible for coordinating emergency response efforts, particularly in disease eradication/elimination within a complex humanitarian environment, and potentially overseeing large-scale Social Behavior Change programmes and vaccine supply management.

Work Experience

At least 10 years of relevant work experience at national and international levels in development, planning, programming, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and management of health/immunization programmes and public health emergencies within UN organizations. Professional experience in a managerial or technical expert position in child survival and healthcare is required.

Skills

Strategic leadership, Data-driven decision-making, Strong monitoring systems, Community engagement, Partnership, Collaboration, Negotiation, Programme management, Health programme implementation, Public health emergencies, Emergency response coordination, Advocacy

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