Planning Officer (United Nations Affairs)

Organizational Context

UNICEF is mandated to advocate for children's rights and their full potential, focusing on equity for the most disadvantaged. In Uganda, UNICEF's Country Programme (2026-2030) aligns with the National Development Plan IV and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The program covers health, learning, WASH, child protection, and social policy, addressing cross-cutting themes like teenage pregnancy, violence against children, and climate action. UNICEF utilizes gender-transformative approaches and strengthens humanitarian-development linkages.

Job Purpose

The National UNV Planning Officer (UN Affairs) will support UNICEF's strategic coordination for the implementation of the UNSDCF in Uganda. This role involves convening and coordinating programme teams for common UNSDCF planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. The officer will assist the Deputy Representative in coordinating broader UN agency engagement within UNSDCF Outcome and Result groups where UNICEF leads. Additionally, the UNV will support UNICEF programme teams involved in integrated or joint programmes with other UN agencies under the UNSDCF framework, ensuring cohesive efforts towards shared development goals.

Responsibilities

The role involves leading coordination, quality review, and finalization of UNICEF's inputs for One UN Workplans and Joint Programmes, ensuring alignment with UNSDCF objectives. The officer will provide quality assurance for all UNICEF contributions to UNSDCF Outcomes and Outputs and consolidated UN agency inputs in UNINFO. Strategic technical inputs for UN monitoring and evaluation initiatives, including Results-Based Management, will be provided to establish benchmarks and indicators. The position is responsible for Knowledge Management related to UNICEF's UNSDCF contributions, maintaining a repository of relevant documents. Monitoring UNICEF's contributions to integrated programmes, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing solutions are key duties. The officer will support UNICEF senior management in coordinating UN agency efforts for joint planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, potentially acting as Secretariat for UNSDCF Outcome and Result groups. Technical advice will be given to UNICEF Chairs on consultations with government and donors, ensuring coherence in UNICEF's initiatives. Support will be provided to the UNCT Programme and Operations Management Team for harmonized approaches. The role includes participating in strategic discussions, drafting evidence-based papers, and preparing updates for UNICEF Management on UNSDCF and Joint UN programme progress. Building strategic partnerships with UN system agencies through networking and advocacy is also a responsibility.

Work Experience

Requires 7 years of professional experience in social development programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy, or related areas. Experience within a United Nations system agency or organization is considered an asset.

Skills

Core competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Creativity, Judgement and Decision-making, Planning and Organising, Professionalism, and Self-management. Technical expertise areas include Administration, Development Programmes, and Economics and Finance.

Explore related opportunities