Planning Officer

Organizational Context

Ghana, a peaceful and stable lower-middle-income country, faces challenges including poverty disparities, climate change, and regional security risks, impacting child well-being. UNICEF Ghana collaborates with the government and partners to uphold children's rights and potential, aligning with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Partnership. The country programme focuses on immunization, nutrition, learning, ending child marriage, and open defecation, utilizing strategies in social protection, advocacy, behavior change, and knowledge management.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF's mandate to advocate for children's rights and expand their opportunities in Ghana. The Planning Officer will contribute to the development and monitoring of annual work plans, ensuring alignment with the Country Programme Document and national priorities. The position involves coordinating micro-plans for grants, supporting programme reviews, and monitoring implementation modalities. Additionally, the role will enhance UN-wide coordination through contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and Common Country Analysis. A key aspect is driving knowledge management by integrating insights from surveys, evaluations, and best practices into the planning cycle, ensuring UNICEF's strategies effectively address the needs of disadvantaged children and families.

Responsibilities

The Planning Officer will provide essential technical support for developing and monitoring sectoral Annual Work Plans, including tracking equity and gender markers. Responsibilities include coordinating the development and oversight of micro-plans for OR-funded grants, ensuring timely implementation and reporting on deviations. The role involves supporting the organization and management of country programme reviews (annual, mid-year, mid-term, end-term) to align with the Country Programme Document and contributing to the Annual Management Plan. Technical support will also be provided for monitoring work plan implementation, including reviewing modalities like Direct Cash Transfers. Furthermore, the officer will assist in developing and strengthening issue-based planning mechanisms at the national level in collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission and contribute to improving UNICEF Ghana's planning systems. The role also entails coordinating annual planning and reporting for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and supporting other UN-wide engagements like the Common Country Analysis (CCA). A significant component involves driving knowledge management by engaging country office sections in developing knowledge products from surveys, evaluations, and best practices, and integrating this knowledge into the planning cycle.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience is required, with 5 years of relevant experience being desirable. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel and PowerBI, is mandatory. Experience with statistical software is an advantage. Skills in data analysis, synthesis, writing, verbal communication, digital competency, and planning processes, including developing SMART workplans, are essential. Previous experience with UNICEF is considered an asset. Strong oral and written communication, drafting, formulation, and reporting skills are necessary.

Skills

Key competencies include teamwork, drive for results, accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Values such as care, respect, integrity, trust, and sustainability are important. Expertise is sought in economics and finance, development programmes, and communication.

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