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Job Organizational Context:

Afghanistan remains one of the world's most complex humanitarian and development contexts, characterized by protracted crises, recurrent natural disasters, displacement, widespread poverty, food insecurity, and significant operational and access constraints. Since August 2021, the operating environment has become increasingly challenging and dynamic, requiring UNICEF to continuously adapt its programme delivery modalities to ensure that critical services reach vulnerable children, women and families. 

To support continued delivery of lifesaving and resilience-building interventions, UNICEF Afghanistan established a Project Management Unit (PMU) to provide operational, programme management and quality assurance support for large-scale humanitarian cash transfer and incentive payment programmes. The PMU works across multiple programme areas, supporting programme planning, monitoring, reporting, risk management, accountability mechanisms and partner oversight to strengthen programme quality and implementation.

Given the scale, complexity and risk profile of cash transfer and incentive payment programmes, UNICEF Afghanistan applies a risk-informed approach to programme monitoring and assurance. This includes routine field monitoring, third-party monitoring, post-distribution monitoring, post-payment verification, grievance redress monitoring and other quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that programmes are implemented effectively, efficiently and in accordance with UNICEF policies and agreed operational procedures.

Purpose for the Job:

Under the guidance of the supervisor, the Programme Officer (Monitoring and Knowledge Management) will provide technical and operational support to the Project Management Unit (PMU) in strengthening planning, monitoring, reporting and knowledge management for humanitarian cash transfer and incentive payment programmes. The incumbent will support the development and implementation of monitoring systems, tools and processes that generate timely, reliable and actionable information on programme performance, accountability and operational risks. The incumbent will work closely with programme sections, field offices, implementing partners, service providers and Third-Party Monitoring Organizations (TPMOs) to support programme monitoring, third-party monitoring, post-distribution monitoring, post-payment verification, review processes and reporting requirements. The role will contribute to programme assurance, risk monitoring, organisational learning and evidence-based decision-making to strengthen programme quality, accountability and results for children and vulnerable populations.

Key Functions, Accountabilities and related Duties/Tasks:

1. Knowledge Management for Programmes

Lead PMU knowledge management processes by collecting, organizing, maintaining and disseminating programme information, monitoring evidence, lessons learned and good practices.

Support the management of SharePoint and other information-sharing platforms to ensure programme documentation, guidance, reports and reference materials are well organized, accessible and up to date. 

Contribute to the development of knowledge products, presentations, briefs and learning materials based on programme implementation experience, monitoring findings and review processes.

Facilitate information sharing and knowledge exchange across programme sections, field offices and partners to strengthen organizational learning and use of evidence. 

2. Programme Development and Management

Support country office and PMU planning, monitoring, review and reporting processes, including annual work planning, humanitarian performance monitoring, corporate reporting requirements and programme review exercises. 

Collect, consolidate and analyse programme information from multiple sources to support tracking of results, implementation progress, risks, bottlenecks and emerging priorities. 

Support the preparation of situation analyses, programme reviews, management updates, donor reports and corporate reporting processes by ensuring the availability of accurate and timely programme information. Contribute to routine and ad hoc analyses to support evidence-based decision-making in evolving humanitarian, operational and access contexts. 

3. Programme Monitoring and Evaluations 

Undertakes field visits to monitor and assess programme implementation and decides on required corrective action. 

Lead the implementation of monitoring systems and tools for humanitarian cash transfers and incentive programmes, including field monitoring, process monitoring, third-party monitoring, post-distribution monitoring and post-payment verification activities. Assist in the development and revision of monitoring frameworks, indicators, data collection tools, monitoring plans and reporting templates to strengthen programme oversight and accountability. 

Coordinate with programme sections, field offices, implementing partners and Third-Party Monitoring Organizations (TPMOs) to support timely implementation of monitoring activities and reporting requirements. Support development and maintenance of dashboards, trackers and monitoring databases to facilitate timely reporting, risk monitoring and adaptive programme management. 

Contribute to the management of TPM activities, including preparation of terms of reference, review of deliverables, follow-up of recommendations and monitoring of contract performance.

Analyse monitoring findings and trends related to programme implementation, payment processes, grievance mechanisms, compliance risks and beneficiary experience, and support dissemination of findings to relevant stakeholders. 

4. 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. Take appropriate recommendations or actions to optimize use of programme funds. 

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 

Support capacity-building initiatives for UNICEF staff, field offices, implementing partners and monitoring service providers on monitoring tools, reporting requirements, data quality standards and knowledge management practices. Assist in the preparation of guidance materials, training sessions and orientation packages to strengthen monitoring and reporting capacities. Support efforts to promote consistent application of monitoring and knowledge management standards, methodologies and quality assurance practices.

7. Accountability, Learning and Risk Monitoring 

Support the documentation and analysis of programme risks, monitoring findings, lessons learned and emerging issues affecting programme implementation. 

Support the strengthening and coordinate the implementation of grievance redress mechanisms for cash transfer and incentive programs in coordination with SBC, PMU, field offices and relevant programme teams, including case follow-up, documentation, analysis and use of feedback to improve programme accountability and responsiveness. 

Support the identification and tracking of operational, programmatic and monitoring-related risks and assist in documenting mitigation measures and follow-up actions. Facilitate the systematic capture and dissemination of lessons learned and good practices from programme implementation and monitoring activities. 

8. Partnership, Coordination and Collaboration.

Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including programme sections, field offices, implementing partners, service providers, Third-Party Monitoring Organizations (TPMOs), UN agencies and national counterparts, to strengthen programme monitoring, learning, accountability and implementation of PMU-supported programmes. Facilitate collaboration and information exchange to support the collection, analysis and dissemination of programme data, monitoring findings, implementation status, risks and lessons learned, ensuring that relevant stakeholders have timely access to information required for decision-making and programme improvement.

Support coordination across programme, planning, monitoring and operations functions to strengthen programme oversight, reporting, internal controls and accountability mechanisms. Maintain linkages with regional and global knowledge networks and communities of practice to promote knowledge sharing, dissemination of good practices and access to current approaches, tools and guidance related to cash transfer programming, programme monitoring and knowledge management.

Impact of Results:

1.      Effective planning, monitoring and reporting systems are established and maintained for PMU-supported cash transfer and incentive payment programmes, enabling timely tracking of implementation progress, results and risks.

2.      Monitoring, third-party monitoring including post-distribution monitoring, post-payment verification and other programme assurance activities generate timely, reliable and actionable evidence to support programme quality and accountability.

3.      Monitoring findings, lessons learned, programme risks and implementation challenges are systematically documented, analysed and used to support adaptive management and continuous programme improvement.

4.      Programme reviews, situation analyses, reporting requirements and management processes are informed by quality data, timely analysis and evidence-based recommendations.

5.      Accountability, compliance and risk management mechanisms are strengthened through effective monitoring, follow-up of recommendations and timely identification of implementation issues and operational risks.

6.      Rights-based and results-based approaches are effectively integrated into programme planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting processes, contributing to improved programme performance and results for children.

7.      National and local partners, service providers and monitoring entities have strengthened capacities to implement monitoring, reporting and accountability requirements in line with UNICEF standards and expectations.

8.      Effective knowledge management, coordination and collaboration are maintained among programme stakeholders, ensuring timely information exchange, institutional learning and improved programme implementation and results.

Education: A university degree in one of the following fields is required: Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy, Development Studies, International Development, Information Management, or another relevant technical field. 

Experience: 

·       A minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience is required.

·       Experience in programme monitoring, reporting, knowledge management, information management, programme planning, data analysis, monitoring and evaluation, humanitarian programming or related fields is required.

·       Experience working with UNICEF or the United Nations system is considered an asset.

·       Experience supporting knowledge management processes, documentation of lessons learned, information sharing, organizational learning, reporting and management of collaboration platforms or knowledge repositories is considered an asset.

·       Experience supporting monitoring of humanitarian cash transfer, incentive payment, social protection or other large-scale humanitarian and development programmes is desirable.

·       Experience in field monitoring, third-party monitoring, post-distribution monitoring, programme assurance, accountability mechanisms, partner coordination or risk monitoring is an asset.

·       Experience in data analysis, dashboard development, reporting systems, digital data collection platforms and the use of information and knowledge management tools is desirable.

·       Experience working in humanitarian and emergency contexts, particularly in Afghanistan or similar complex operating environments, is highly desirable.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Dari or Pashto is is an asset.

Technical Knowledge   

a)     Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the Job)

•        Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF.

•        UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines in the Manual.

•        Monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including field monitoring, process monitoring and results monitoring.

•        Knowledge of humanitarian cash transfer and incentive payment programming.

•        Third-Party Monitoring (TPM), Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM), post-payment verification and programme assurance approaches.

•        Data collection, data quality assurance, analysis, visualization and reporting.

•        Knowledge management, documentation of lessons learned and use of collaboration platforms such as SharePoint.

•        Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), grievance redress and feedback mechanisms.

a)     Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)

•        Methodology of programme/project management

•        UNICEF programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies.

•        Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNCEF position and approaches.

•        UNICEF policies and strategy to address on national and international issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.

•        UNICEF emergency programme policies, goals, strategies and approaches.

•        Gender equality and diversity awareness 

b)     Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

•        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.

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 female candidates 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.

Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

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.

Applicants are requested to apply through the provided link:  Vacancies | UNICEF Careers

Applications received via ACBAR jobs online portal will not be given consideration.