Stretch Assignment: Assistance for setting up a programme support hub, Programme Coordination, Cameroon Office (Onsite)
Title: Programme Specialist (Programme Hub Support)
Level: P2/P3Reports to: Deputy Representative Programme
Duration: 3,5 months
Section: Programme Section
Location: Yaounde, Cameroon
Dates/Duration: Stretch assignment from 15 September to 31 December 2025.
Eligibility: All Fixed-Term, Permanent or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members currently working in UNICEF worldwide.
- Context
Join UNICEF Cameroon on stretch assignment as Programme Specialist (Programme Hub Coordination). Cameroon CO is looking for someone to set up a functioning programme support hub. In this role, you will play a key role in promoting children's rights by leading and overseeing the full range of operations within the transactional support hub. Your leadership will directly enhance the office’s efficiency, effectiveness, and ability to deliver results for children. You will leave a legacy in setting up a fully functioning hub for the years to come. This new hub will report to the Deputy Representative and will be servicing all programme sections.
- Purpose of Assignment & Justification:
As Hub Coordinator, you will be at the center of implementing partnership management, budgetary oversight, and service delivery, ensuring we operate with impact, efficiency, and integrity. During this stretch assignment you will be asked to:
- Set up and act as secretary for the working group to be set up to oversee the implementation of the hub
- Define the scope of the tasks of the programme support hub including detailed tasks lists that the hub will perform
- Develop standard operating procedures for routine tasks
- Develop standard templates for all routine tasks
- Set up monitoring dashboards to support effective monitoring of the work of the hub
- Assess progress made in an agile manner and adjust processes accordingly
- Onboard the first staff joining the hub and ensure they are able to deliver on the tasks assigned in an efficient manner
- Build capacity of the hub where needed to ensure the hub is fully functional
3. Main responsibilities and tasks:
The tasks include the below and the programme support hub specialist on stretch assignment will be responsible for setting up the functioning of the hub in all of these areas.
People Management
You will lead and develop a high-performing team, ensuring integration, responsiveness, and performance against key indicators. Through coaching, mentoring, and performance monitoring, you’ll foster a highly efficient, collaborative, accountable, and inclusive work environment.
Service Delivery & Operational Efficiency
Champion the service hub model by ensuring efficient delivery of core transactional services such as budget oversight, HR processing, travel, and partner payments. You'll maintain quality standards, oversee SOPs, and ensure cost-effectiveness and client satisfaction in service delivery.
Strategic Budget & Financial Monitoring
Take the lead on financial planning and oversight of centrally managed grants. You'll develop dashboards, track budget performance, advise on reallocations, and ensure compliance with donor and organizational requirements, including during grant closure.
Implementing Partnership Management
Provide expert support in formalizing and managing partnerships with government and civil society. You'll ensure alignment with UNICEF's policies and help streamline partnership agreements and documentation using corporate tools like e-Tools and UNPP.
HACT Implementation
Support the implementation of the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT), coordinate assessments and assurance activities, and help the office close audit recommendations. You'll also work closely with the regional office for technical guidance.
Quality Assurance
Contribute to maintaining high standards in partnership and HACT documentation, ensuring procedures and assurance activities meet corporate requirements and lead to actionable follow-up.
Monitoring, Analysis & Reporting
Use tools like InSight and e-Tools to track key metrics on partnerships and cash transfers, highlight risks, and inform country management through regular reporting.
4. Qualifications
Education:
- Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: Development studies, International Development, Business Administration, Financial Management, Economics, Auditing, Project/Programme Management, or another relevant technical field.
Experience:
- Work Experience: Minimum of 5-years’ professional experience in Programme Management which includes a few areas such as HACT/IPM, budget management and related programme processes including management of KPIs. · Proven supervisory and people management experience including developing and maintaining high performing teams is desirable. · Demonstrated experience in leadership of projects and matrix organizations. · Experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. · Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, required.
- Skills: Proven supervisory and people management experience including developing and maintaining high performing teams is desirable. Attention to detail. Very good organizational skills. Effective and efficient working attitude focused on timeliness and quality delivery of tasks.
Demonstrated experience in leadership of projects and matrix organizations.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel required.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English and French (written and oral) is required.
Funding arrangement
This is a temporary development opportunity and there will be no changes to the staff member’s status (position number, level, etc.).
The Office will cover the ticket for economy class travel and 100% of the UN DSA rate during the first 14 days, and 50% DSA for the remaining time.
Interested UNICEF staff should discuss this opportunity with their supervisor and seek the approval of their management before applying.
Candidates considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.
