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For every child, the right to education
UNICEF Moldova, with the financial support of the Global Partnership for education (GPE), supports the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) in implementing a comprehensive set of activities aimed at improving the learning outcomes and achieve the goals of the Development Strategy Education – 2030.
UNICEF as grant agent and coordinating agency of a GPE System Capacity Grant, supports the MER in conducting the curriculum reform. The overarching objective of the proposed project is to develop and institutionalize a comprehensive curriculum evaluation and development process within the general education system. This initiative aims to address the deficiencies highlighted in the existing curriculum framework, particularly considering the poor performance of Moldovan students in international assessments.
How can you make a difference?
Under the guidance of the Education Officer at NO-B level, the Programme Officer, NO-A will provide professional technical assistance and support for programme design, planning and implementation, management and evaluation of programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, in support of programme goals and objectives.
KEY END-RESULTS EXPECTED
1. Technical contribution to and participation in effective knowledge management made to strengthen country programme management and activities, including data collection, analysis, and information sharing/exchanges.
2. Effective monitoring system administered and analysis of country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications provided for the identification of critical programme intervention point and measures; changes in programme work plans and recommendations drafted or prepared as required.
3. Programme funds effectively monitored for optimum use.
4. Programme monitoring and evaluations effectively conducted to improve programme performance, and programme status reports timely prepared.
5. Technical support and assistance provided to elevate the quality of rights-based projects /programmes, and add coherence, synergy and value to project management process by using results-based management.
6. Contribution and support provided to build and reinforce commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners.
7. Rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels incorporated in policy analysis for establishing and elevating UNICEF’s credibility in policy debates.
8. Technical support and assistance provided to enhance effective communication and networking through partnership and collaboration.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS
1. Knowledge Management for Programmes
- Contribute to country programmes by supporting knowledge management through providing professional assistance in data collection and analysis, complete and accurate reporting as well as participation in the Programme Knowledge Network system of "lessons learned" and other corporate-level databases.
- Participate in information exchange with partners as well as in the development of training and orientation material by providing professional technical assistance.
2. Programme Development and Management
- Provide professional technical assistance in the preparation of the Situation Analysis for programme development and management by collecting and analyzing data and monitoring implementation progress.
- Contribute to the identification of critical intervention points and measures by administering a consistent and transparent monitoring system; analyse country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects. Draft or prepare programme work plans as required. Propose adjustments/changes in work plans.
- Propose programme recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices for supervisor.
3. Optimum Use of Program Funds
Monitors programme implementation progress and compliance. Monitors the allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate recommendations or actions to optimize use of programme funds.
4. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations
- Undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action.
- Collaborate with partners to carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation and participate in the major programme evaluation exercises in consultation with the Representative, the Operations Officer, the Evaluation Officer and others to improve efficiency and quality of programme delivery.
- Participate in annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. Collaborate and prepare annual program status reports in a timely manner, as required.
5. Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach
- Support a rights-based programmes approach in the formulation of programme goals and objectives and development of strategies and implementation frameworks. Collaborate with partners and assist in the strengthening of quality child rights-based programmes through consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and projects. Contribute to coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to programme planning and design.
- Provide professional technical assistance in preparing viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, new initiatives and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfilment of the rights of children and women.
6. National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability
- Provide government authorities with technical assistance and support in planning and organizing training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.
- Promote and maintain the building and reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners by identifying these partners and partnerships and providing continuous support, coordination and collaboration for sustainability.
7. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community and Family Levels
Analyze programme related issues and policies from a children's and women's rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels for elevating credibility in national policy debates. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through active advocacy and communication.
8. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration
- Facilitate partnership and collaboration with internal and external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, in order to improve the ability to collect and disseminate development data and information, exchange information on programme/project status and implementation and movement/distribution of supplies. Establish and maintain linkage to the Regional Programme Knowledge Network to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme data.
- Collaborate with the Operations Section to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of programming endeavours and to coordinate financial and supply management requirements and accountability. Approve allocation and disbursement of funds ensuring they are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated in accordance with the programme budget allotments (PBA).
- Maintain close collaboration with Regional and HQ Advisers for overall coordination.
- Provide professional support in the provision of technical advice, negotiation, advocacy and promotion of area/country level goals, leading to agreement on practicable and priority actions to be supported by the UNICEF programme.
JOB GRADE FACTORS
- The nature of decision-making is primarily choosing methods of work and prioritizing project activities in accordance with the established workplan. Regularly make recommendations to the supervisor on appropriate courses of action regarding project adjustments
- The impact of the actions affects the quality of services, efficiency of processing and delivery in support of a country programme.
- Work requires understanding of principles and technical knowledge, skills, acquired through formal training at the university level.
- Conduct research, data collection & analysis requiring analytical / conceptual thinking and organization skills at a professional level. The work requires evaluation and analysis of programme implementation, with basic professional technical input into programme design, implementation, evaluation, data analysis and progress reporting.
- Provide briefings, trainings, support and/or guidance to programme team and others, requiring communication and presentation skills, human relations skills and teamwork.
- The decisions and recommendations are primarily based on interpretation of rules, procedures and methods.
- Draft correspondence, reports for signature of supervisor, requiring professional writing and reporting skills.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have
Minimum requirements:
- Education: A university degree in one of the following fields is required: Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, Economics or another relevant technical field.
- Work Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant professional work experience.
- Language Requirements: Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English.
Desirables:
For every Child, you demonstrate
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are
- Builds and maintains partnerships (1)
- Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)
- Drive to achieve results for impact (1)
- Innovates and embraces change (1)
- Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
- Thinks and acts strategically (1)
- Works collaboratively with others (1)
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from targeted underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are considered to be on abolished post status may apply for this temporary position and, if selected with a start date before 31 December 2025, may take it up as a temporary assignment, in line with UNICEF guidance on separation due to the abolition of posts or staff reduction. They will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. For other scenarios where a Temporary Assignment may be possible, please refer to Additional guidance on IP to IP temporary assignments after completion of the full TOD.pdf (accessible to UNICEF personnel only).
The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.
Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
