UNICEF Malawi
The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028. All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF CPD 2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also directly linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. Besides Malawi’s 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063; UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Transformative Agenda.
The Social Policy Programme in Malawi aims to safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable children through strengthening inclusive and equitably financed social protection and social services. The Programme Associate will be at the forefront of ensuring the Social Policy Programme achieves results through effective monitoring, tracking and feedback on the status of implementation. To achieve this, the Programme Associate works in close collaboration with a range of staff in the country office and external partners.
How can you make a difference?
The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join our dynamic Social Policy team. Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief of Social Policy, you will be responsible for carrying out a range of program support functions to help develop, implement and monitor the programme, ensuring effective and timely delivery that is consistent with UNICEF rules and regulations.
This position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated and committed individual to make a significant impact on ensuring more vulnerable children in Malawi live in resilient communities and benefit from integrated, equitable, shock-sensitive, evidence-based and efficiently financed social protection and social services. By excelling in this role, you will contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:
- Facilitating the development of Programme Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) by providing information and drafting selected sections of it.
- Ensuring the timely and accurate recording and administrative processing of government and NGO’s proposals and requests for Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs).
- Conducting programme monitoring in UNICEF focus districts for cash and supplies and informing team-members on the status.
- Helping conduct regular spot checks of partner’s projects to assess their financial record-keeping, expenditure controls and reporting systems.
- Monitoring and tracking the efficient distribution of supplies that are required for effective programme delivery.
- Carrying out transactions in VISION ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans (AWPs) and making amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.
- Carrying out transactions in VISION pertaining to grants and programme-related items for the section including, but not limited to, registering grant allotments and tracking expiring programme grants.
- Preparing monitoring and reporting information for your supervisor and team on agreed performance indicators to drive more efficient management and accountability for results.
- Regularly monitoring budgets and financial expenditures of the section by employing applicable tools, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping your supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision and/or follow up.
- Helping prepare periodic or ad-hoc financial reports relating to country office and donors to support the office in optimizing use of programme funds.
- Supporting capacity development activities related to programme development by preparing training materials and participating in exercises.
You are encouraged to download the detailed job description 
Generic JD Programme Associate G-6.pdf in order to view the full role and its requirements.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
The following minimum requirements:
Education
- Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to Business Administration, Management, Finance, Supply and Logistics, or any other relevant field of discipline.
** For this position, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Supply and Logistics or any other relevant field of discipline may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace additional two years.
Relevant Experience:
- A minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional work experience is required in administrative or clerical work.
- Prior experience in programme support functions will be prioritized.
- Background and/or familiarity with support functions within an emergency context is considered as an asset
- Previous experience in a UN agency is required.
- Ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
Technical knowledge and skills:
- Prior hands-on experience in effectively managing the financial resources of an office / section and monitoring as well as analyzing the budget use and utilization is required.
- Hands on experience with an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) System (i.e. VISION/SAP) is required.
- Experience with Budget and Data Analytics, Key Performance Indicators and Data Visualization is required.
- Knowledge of technological platforms, particularly SharePoint and Enterprise-Content Management (ECM) systems is an asset.
- In-depth knowledge of the UNICEF programme operations, including monitoring and evaluation, budget and travel processes is a significant asset.
- Experience using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other administrative software is required
- Prior hands-on experience of working in a UNICEF country office or operation is a distinct asset
- High attention to detail with strong organizational, planning and prioritizing skills and abilities is required.
- High sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment with strong office management skills is required.
Language:
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.