Programme Specialist - Coordination, Cotonou

General Description of assignment title: Programme Specialist - Coordination Assignment country: Benin Duty stations: Cotonou Work location: On UN premises Expected start date: 07/15/2026 Duration: 12 months(with possibility of extension)Long-term benefits and allowances Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being Host entity: UNICEF Modality: Onsite Type: International Volunteer category: Specialist UCoS from Apr2026 Work schedule: Full-time Number of Assignments: 1 Details Mission and objectives: The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children's rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society's most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. Context: This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF's Resilience flagship programming in the Benin northern departments, affected by the spillover security crisis from the Sahel. The coordinate the resilience and nutrition project funded by the Germany under finalisation. The UNV will contribute to the overall strategic and operational work on resilience, including intersectoral and multisectoral coordination in support of the Deputy representative. The UNV will work with all UNICEF sectors and with external stakeholders, the government of Benin, the CSOs and NGOS. The UNV will be accountable for programme, planning, design, implementation and administration of specific projects within a major programme, in accordance with the Country Programme Recommendation and Country Programme Management Plan, focussed on achievement of UNICEF's Priorities. Task description: Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative , the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Knowledge Management for Programmes Ensure that area/country programmes are strengthened by knowledge management through 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 through donor and media visits as well as in the development of training and orientation materials. 2. Programme Development and Management Contribute to the preparation of the Situation Analysis for programme development. Administer a consistent and transparent monitoring system, providing accurate analysis of country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects. Support preparation of programme work plans as required. Responsible for preparation of program recommendations for inclusion in formal programme documentation, and new approaches, methods and practices. 3. Optimum Use of Programme Funds Assist in establishing programme work plans and monitors progress and compliance. Help to manage allocation and disbursement of programme funds, ensuring that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds. Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation. 4. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations Undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action. Carry out a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation and participate 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. Ensure the timely preparation of annual programme status reports. 5. Rights-Based and Results-Based Programme Management Approach Assure the quality of child rights-based programmes through consistent and effective planning, design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programmes and projects. Bring coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using a results-based management approach to programme design. Ensure viable recommendations on project implementation, alternative approaches, and optimal utilization of resources that contribute effectively to the fulfilment of the rights of children and women, and recommendations on new programme initiatives and management issues to ensure achievement of stated objectives. 6. National and Local Capacity Building/Sustainability Provide government authorities with technical supports and guidance to plan and organize training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability. Ensure the building or reinforcing of the commitment and institutional capacities of the national and local partners starting with taking a strategic approach to the identification of these partners and partnerships. 7. Rights Perspective and Advocacy at the National, Community and Family Levels Conducts policy analysis from a children's and women's rights perspective and advocacy at the community and family levels for credibility in national and international policy debates. Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue. 8. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration Develop partnerships 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. Maintain collaboration with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers for effective overall coordination on programmes. Plans, develops and implements sectoral programme(s) by collaborating with the government and other partners. Provide leadership in 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 UNICEF programme and country level cooperation. Eligibility criteria Age: 18 - 80 Required experience: 3 years Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment. Assignment requirements Relevant experience: 4 years Languages: English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable German, Level: Native language, Required Required education level: Master's degree in International Relations, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Political Science, Human Rights, Communication, Public Administration, or related field ( Administration, Business management, Community development, Crisis and emergency response, Development programmes, Economics and finance; Education; Health; Social work) Competencies and values: i) Core Values · Care · Respect · Integrity · Trust · Accountability · Sustainability ii) Core Competencies (For Staff with Supervisory Responsibilities) · Nurtures, Leads and Manages People · Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness · Works Collaboratively with others · Builds and Maintains Partnerships · Innovates and Embraces Change · Thinks and Acts Strategically · Drive to achieve impactful results · Manages ambiguity and complexity Skills and experience: Experience with donor conditions from Germany is a strong asset.* - Experience in humanitarian or development programming. - Experience with UN agencies or international NGOs and/or knowledge of UNICEF systems for donor relations and reporting are an asset. - Demonstrable ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines. - Previous experience with multi-sectoral proposals preferred. - Experience in working in a team Area(s) of expertise: Business management, Development programmes, Communication Driving license: - Other information Tags aid coordination development assistance humanitarian response international cooperation volunteerism Skills Knowledge Management Program Development Investment Management Stakeholder Engagement Bilingual Communication The recruiting organization, UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund, has not specified a closing date for this vacancy or continues to list jobs after their stated closing date. 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