UNICEF works in some of the worldโs toughest places, to reach the worldโs most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, dedication.
Cuba is an upper middle country, the capital city is La Havana, with a area of 109,884 sq km and a population of 11 million, official language is Spanish,
During 2022, the country continued to go through a deep economic crisis, which has marked the Cuban context with Trade restrictions related to the U.S. financial and economic embargo are still in place and are resulting in significant shortages of basic consumption, dietary and hygiene supplies. Financial and banking systems pose significant limitations on transactions both from the operational perspective and for individual staff members, Economic growth has been very limited in the recent years.
Despite the above limitations, most child-related indicators perform better than regional levels (school attendance, child mortality, Basic social services are free and universal. >Recurring climate-related emergencies (hurricanes from June to November, prolonged droughts in some regions and a high-risk of earthquakes in the Eastern region,ย The CO work through direct Implementation modality, About 75% budget is spent for supply procurement and the country has limited local fundraising opportunities. Ministry of Trade and Investment is the government-assigned counterpart to coordinate international cooperation.
How can you make a difference?
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
CO programme planning and development Support to the Representative on managing the CO Monitoring and quality control of programmes Alliance building and UN System coordination Private Sector Engagement and Partnerships Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building1. CO programme planning and development
Coordinate the planning and updating of the situation analysis by the programme sectors in the CO to establish comprehensive data and information for programme development planning, management, monitoring and evaluation. Guide the various sectors throughout the process of programme formulation, planning and preparation of the Country Programme ensuring harmonization of approaches and alignment with UNICEFโs Strategic Plan, corporate guidelines, policies/procedures and regional and national priorities. Provide technical and operational support throughout the process. Coordinate the necessary technical programming support from PD/Regional Office. Review the Country Programme recommendation before approval by the Representative to ensure the quality of the Country Programme recommendation and alignment with the UNICEFโs Strategic plan, compliance with policies and procedures and that documentation materials are completed accurately and comprehensively to facilitate Executive Board review and approval.2. Support to the Representative on managing the CO
Serve as officer in charge in the absence of the Representative. Monitor and assess programmes and operations and provide advice on best and innovative programming and management practices to enhance programming and operations. Advise the Representative on CO annual work planning, setting priorities/targets and establishing performance measurements. Monitor implementation and progress of work plans; collaborate with colleagues to assist, advise and guide the Representative to ensure achievement of results according to targets and performance standards. Take timely decisions to achieve results and/or alert the Representative for timely action. Establish clear performance objectives, goals and timelines; and provide timely guidance to his/her team to enable them to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently. Plan and ensure timely performance planning, management and assessment. Work collaboratively with the Representative and the various sectors to facilitate/contribute to the preparation of the CO budget proposal. Monitor critical issues to resolve problems and/or recommend to the Representative appropriate action to ensure appropriate and optimum use of resources.3. Monitoring and quality control of programmes
Participate in meetings/events and annual/midterm reviews with the government and other counterparts/stakeholders to contribute to strategic programme discussions, planning and assessments. Evaluate overall programme progress; identify weaknesses, bottlenecks and potential problems. Collaborate with the sectors and/or other partners and stakeholders to resolve issues and/or advise the Representative on resolutions to ensure delivery of results as planned and allocated. Monitor the optimum and appropriate use of programme resources (financial, human, administrative and other assets) and verify compliance with organizational rules, regulations and procedures, donor commitments and standards of accountability and integrity. Approve disbursements and allocations in accordance with delegation of authority established by the Representative. Coordinate and/or provide advice on the preparation of mandated programme and operational reports. Confirm accuracy of reports prior to approval by the Representative4. Alliance building and UN System coordination
Represent the UNICEF Representative in the UN Country Team (UNCT) to collaborate with the RC and UN system partners to strengthen UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, cooperation and harmonization of programming, common services and operations. Ensure organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF development planning and agenda/priority setting. Collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF (One) country development planning of programmes/projects. Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with government institutions, national stakeholders and global partners/allies/donors/academia to advocate UNICEF goals to advance childโs right to survival, development and good being, mobilize resources, seek cooperation and establish alliances.5. Private Sector Engagement and Partnerships
6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
Advise the Representative and other internal colleagues in the CO on the development and implementation of policies and procedures, use of the latest information technology and introduction of innovation and best practices in the CO to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy in programming and operations. Coordinate the collection, institutionalization and sharing of lessons learned to enhance performance and to use lessons learned in development/policy planning. Promote learning and development through planning and organization of training events, activities and other capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies/productivity of staff members.To qualify as an advocate for every child you will haveโฆ
Education: An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social sciences, international relations, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development, or another relevant technical field. Experience: A minimum of eight years of professional development experience that combines technical and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level, some of which served in a developing country is required. Relevant professional experience in any UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencyย ย settings or DRR are considered an assets. Expertise in promoting multisectoral approaches to programming. Experience working in complex political settings, good track record at managing ambiguity and complexity. Language: Fluency in English and Spanish is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEFโs 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
UNICEF competencies required for this post areโฆ
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with othersย (8)ย Nurtures, leads and manages people.
During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.
UNICEF is here to serve the worldโs most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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. 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.
Remarks:
UNICEFโs active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable male candidates, from programme countriesย are encouraged to apply.
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.