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For every child, A Champion!
In response to growing inequities that hinder equal opportunities for children’s development and empowerment in Côte d’Ivoire—a lower-middle-income country striving toward upper-middle-income status—the new UNICEF Country Programme 2026–2030 is designed to be both transformative and inclusive. The programme aims to ensure that newborns, children, adolescents, young people, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and mothers—especially those in underserved and vulnerable communities—fully realize their rights to health, nutrition, education, protection, social protection, and a safe, healthy environment.
This vision is anchored in the strengthening of national systems to make them more integrated, equitable, high-quality, climate-resilient, innovative, and sustainably financed.
To bring this ambitious agenda to life, UNICEF Côte d’Ivoire will adopt a more strategic and integrated programming approach, with a strong emphasis on cross-sectoral collaboration. Recognizing that children exposed to protection risks are less likely to access or benefit from quality education, the programme will foster deeper integration between education and child protection interventions—ensuring that every child has an equal opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment.
In this context, the role of the programme specialist (education-protection) in field offices is essential. Based in the Man or Korhogo Field Office and reporting to the Head of the Man/Korhogo Field Office, who oversees the overall management and delivery of the integrated programme results, the Programme Specialist (Education-Protection) will play a key role in promoting operational synergies between education and protection systems at the local level, thereby contributing to improved outcomes for children within the Man or Korhogo Field Office's area of supervision.
How can you make a difference?
Purpose of the Job
The Programme Specialist (Education- Child Protection) supports the integrated delivery of the Education and the Child Protection programmatic interventions and is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and reporting the progress of these two programmes within the country programme at the Man or Korhogo field office.
The Programme Specialist (Education-Child Protection) provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of integrated results in Education and Child Protection aimed at improving learning outcomes and ensuring equitable and inclusive education and protection of children in school and in the community, with attention to children who are the most marginalized, disadvantaged and excluded.
The Programme Specialist (Education-Child Protection) contributes to the achievement of results according to plans, allocation, results-based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework.
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:
Within the delegated authority and the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be accountable for all or assigned areas of the following major duties and end results.
1. Strategic Integrated Planning and Programme Development
• Conduct timely and evidence-based sectoral analysis and contribute to the Situation Analysis and its periodic updates to inform Education and Protection integrated programme design.
• Provide technical inputs to the development of programmatic documents and related planning tools (e.g., Plans of Action, Programme Recommendations).
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop integrated Education and Protection strategies that address both immediate needs and underlying causes.
• Promote intersectoral linkages and innovative approaches to improve education and protection outcomes for children.
2. Programme Implementation, Technical Support, and Emergency Preparedness
• Lead the implementation of integrated Education and Protection work plans, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and timely delivery of results.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGOs, and other partners throughout all stages of programme implementation.
• Identify training needs and conduct capacity-building activities for government personnel, implementing partners, and UNICEF staff.
• Support emergency preparedness planning and coordinate humanitarian responses in line with the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs), including supply requisitions and partner coordination.
3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Results-Based Management
• Conduct regular field visits and participate in programme reviews to monitor implementation progress and recommend necessary adjustments.
• Maintain and use systems for collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data to inform programme decisions and reporting.
• Apply a rights-based and results-based management approach across all programme phases to ensure accountability and alignment with UNICEF’s strategic objectives.
• Document lessons learned on Education and Protection integrated results and contribute to evaluations to improve programme quality and sustainability.
4. Resource Management
• Coordinate with Operations and Supply teams to ensure accountability for supply and non-supply assistance in Education and Protection interventions.
• Certify disbursements and monitor the allocation and liquidation of programme funds in line with approved plans and budgets.
• Take corrective actions to optimize the use of resources and ensure programme efficiency and transparency.
• Submit financial status reports and support partners in understanding UNICEF’s financial and supply procedures.
5. Partnerships, Coordination, and Advocacy
• Establish and maintain effective partnerships with government, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and the private sector to support Education and Protection integrated programme implementation and advocacy.
• Facilitate information exchange and joint planning with internal and external stakeholders to enhance coordination and programme visibility.
• Contribute to the development of communication and advocacy materials.
• Support policy dialogue and knowledge sharing through participation in networks, forums, and technical working groups.
Impact of Results:
1. Strategic Integrated Planning and Programme Development
• Timely and evidence-based sectoral analysis and Situation Analysis updates to inform effective planning and design of integrated Education and Protection programmes.
• Development and implementation of integrated strategies through collaboration with internal teams, government, and local institutions and partners.
2. Programme Implementation, Technical Support and Emergency Preparedness
• Technical guidance and capacity building to government, NGOs, and partners throughout all stages of integrated programme implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Timely delivery of planned integrated results through strategic work planning, application of technical expertise, and continuous support to implementing partners.
• Emergency preparedness and coordinate effective humanitarian Education and Protection responses in line with the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs).
3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Results-Based Management
• Monitoring and evaluation of integrated programme implementation to inform adjustments and improve delivery and sustainability, ensuring the use of gender-disaggregated data.
• Application of a rights-based and results-based approach across all Education and Protection programme phases, ensuring accountability and alignment with UNICEF’s strategic objectives.
4. Resource Management
• Optimal use of programme funds and supplies, maintaining accountability for both UNICEF and implementing partners.
5. Partnerships, Coordination, and Advocacy
• Strengthened and effective partnerships with local government, UN agencies, donors, and the private sector to support advocacy, resource mobilization, and technical cooperation.
• Facilitated knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and networking to enhance programme visibility, influence investment decisions, and promote child rights.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
- Education: An advanced 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, or another relevant technical field.
- Work Experience: Minimum five years of relevant professional work experience is required. Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset. Background/familiarity with emergency is considered as an asset.
- Language Requirements: Fluency in French is required. Working knowledge of English is desired. Knowledge of a local language is an asset.
Desirables:
Specific Technical Knowledge Required
- Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.
- UNICEF Programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.
- Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners UN system partners and other country office partners and donors on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, best practices, and approaches on education/child protection related issues to support programme management, implementation and delivery of results.
- Participate in education/child protection programme meetings, including programme development and contingency planning discussions on emergency preparedness in the country or other locations designated, to provide technical and operational information, advice and support.
- Some understanding of the overall global development context, including issues such as: poverty, conflict and the impact of these factors on education/child protection and vice-versa; and inter-sectoral approaches to address such issues in collaboration with other sectors (including Social Policy, Nutrition, WASH, Health, and Communications within UNICEF).
- Some knowledge of global developments in education/protection and international engagement strategies, including the application of the equity lens and human rights perspectives to programming.
- Some education/protection sector planning knowledge/ability, including the range of modalities for delivering education, linkages between different sub-sectors, cost-effectiveness and efficiency issues, key institutional structures, components and processes, as well as governance issues. ·
- Some programme management in education/protection, including programme design, costing, monitoring and evaluation and reporting. · ·
- Some understanding of gender and inequity issues in relation to education/protection and development and the application of gender / equity analysis to policy and planning in education/protection.
Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced
• UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
• UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
• UN security operations and guidelines.
• UNSECORD training for members of Security Management Team.
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…
Core Values:
⦁ Care
⦁ Respect
⦁ Integrity
⦁ Trust
⦁ Accountability
⦁ Sustainability
Core Competencies:
⦁ Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
⦁ Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
⦁ Works Collaboratively with others (2)
⦁ Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
⦁ Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
⦁ Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
⦁ Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
⦁ Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)
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. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. 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 [women and persons with disabilities] 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.
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.
