Regional Chief of Programme & Planning, P-5, FT, #020646, Dakar, Senegal - WCARO

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 Regional Chief of Programme & Planning provides essential programme-related technical leadership, management advice, and support across the region. This role is accountable for overseeing, ensuring quality assurance, providing technical assistance, and building capacity for country programmes in their design, planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The incumbent facilitates the application and adaptation of UNICEF policies, directives, and standards for programme documents in close collaboration with relevant Headquarters Divisions/Offices. Furthermore, the Regional Chief coordinates and strengthens UNICEF's contribution to the UN Coherence/UNSDCF agenda at the regional level by working with the R-UNDG WCA QSA/Programme Support Group and counterparts in other regional UN agencies. This position works closely with the Regional Director and Deputy Regional Directors to ensure Regional Office functions and accountabilities are adequately planned, monitored, and reported.

Responsibilities

The nature of this work is primarily advisory, offering authoritative policy advice and cutting-edge technical expertise to the Regional Director, Deputy Regional Directors, Country Representatives, and other managers. The Regional Chief's impact extends beyond programme design and implementation to influence regional strategies and policies within specific sectors. Their policy and strategy recommendations, along with technical decisions, significantly affect programme priorities, strategies, and UNICEF's cooperation with other partners and agencies. Key functions include providing advisory capacity and contributing to policy development, offering technical support and quality assurance in regional programme planning, and leading strategy development, support, and coordination. The role also encompasses knowledge management and research, capacity building for staff and partners, providing technical leadership, conducting regional monitoring and assessment, monitoring child rights, representing UNICEF in relevant forums, and fostering communication, networking, and partnerships.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in all aspects of programme management and/or advisory support within the relevant technical area or programme sector, leading to recognized expertise.

Skills

Networking, Supervision, Working with People, Capacity Building, Interagency Coordination, Advisory Support, Programme Management, Policy Development, Strategy Development, Knowledge Management, Child Rights Monitoring, Partnership Building

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