Programme Specialist – NOC (Wash & CEED) – Fixed‑Term

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a Programme Specialist to lead the Safe Environments and Opportunities (NOC) programme, linking child protection and education. Reporting to the Deputy Representative, the specialist will drive strategic development, coordination and implementation of integrated, systems‑strengthening interventions at national level.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design, coordination and delivery of the Safe Environments and Opportunities programme, ensuring cross‑sectoral integration of protection and education.
• Strengthen governance, public policies, financing and service delivery systems in partnership with government, IFIs, private sector and civil society.
• Act as national convener and technical leader, promoting evidence‑based advocacy and programme coherence.
• Manage knowledge‑management processes: data collection, analysis, reporting and contribution to UNICEF’s lessons‑learned network.
• Conduct situation analyses and monitor socio‑political‑economic trends to inform programme planning.
• Support the preparation of work plans, monitoring frameworks and training/orientation materials.

Required profile

• Proven experience in programme development and management in child protection, education or related sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to work with government, multilateral donors and civil‑society partners.
• Strong analytical capacity to translate trends into actionable programme adjustments.
• Commitment to equity, systems transformation and national ownership of interventions.

Required skills

• Knowledge management and data analysis.
• Monitoring and evaluation of large‑scale programmes.
• Situation analysis and strategic planning.

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence national policies affecting children’s safety and education.
• Professional development within a global humanitarian organization.
• Fixed‑term contract with UNICEF’s competitive benefits package.