Public Finance Officer
Organizational Context
UNICEF is dedicated to realizing the rights of every child, viewing their nurturing and care as fundamental to human progress. Established in 1946, UNICEF collaborates globally to overcome barriers like poverty, violence, and discrimination that hinder children's development. Operating in 190 countries, it champions child survival, protection, and development, focusing on health, nutrition, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. UNICEF is funded by voluntary contributions. In Zambia, despite policy commitments, severe nutrition challenges persist, with significant rates of stunting and wasting, exacerbated by critically low nutrition financing.
Job Purpose
This role supports UNICEF's Nutrition Section in Zambia, focusing on strengthening public finance management for nutrition (PF4C-N) and enhancing multi-sectoral nutrition coordination at the sub-national level. The objective is to assist the Zambian government in making informed budgetary decisions to combat malnutrition. The position will contribute to aligning national nutrition plans with budget processes, costing nutrition initiatives, and monitoring budget allocation and execution for nutrition interventions. A key aspect involves building the capacity of government program managers and local authorities in public finance management and nutrition coordination, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for children, adolescents, and women through increased and better-coordinated investments across various sectors.
Responsibilities
The Public Finance Officer will support the UNICEF Nutrition Section, working closely with the Nutrition Specialist to advance policy work on Public Finance Management for Nutrition in Children (PF4C-N) and build multi-sectoral nutrition coordination capacity at the sub-national level. Key responsibilities include: - Annual Planning and Budget Formulation: Assisting in aligning national nutrition plans with Mid-Term Budget Plans (MTBP) and contributing to the costing of nutrition plans. - Monitoring Budget Allocation, Tracking, and Execution: Supporting the monitoring and tracking of nutrition budgets, particularly at sub-national levels, to assess allocation and execution towards nutrition interventions. - Building Capacity in Public Finance Management: Providing support and capacity building to government program managers on public finance management for nutrition and governance at provincial and district levels. - Supporting Capacity Building for Local Authorities: Facilitating capacity building for District Food and Nutrition Coordinators and their supervisors in multi-sectoral nutrition coordination for joint planning, budgeting, and monitoring. - Data Analysis and Reporting: Assisting with data extraction, analysis, and reporting within the PF4C-N framework to support evidence-based decision-making and advocacy.
Work Experience
While no specific prior experience is mandated, demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to two years) in budget analysis, public finance management, or working within public sector institutions is preferred. Familiarity with budget instruments, decentralization processes, and local government budgeting systems is beneficial. Experience with nutrition programs is an advantage. Strong communication, analytical, interpersonal, and Microsoft Office skills are essential.
Skills
Core competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Ethics and Values, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity. Technical skills encompass Economics, poverty reduction, livelihoods, Finance, accounting, and Community development. Proficiency in English and Microsoft Office applications is necessary.