Programme Officer (HACT) at UNICEF

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For every child, Empowerment

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 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.

UNICEF Malawi works closely with Government and Civil Society partners to ensure basic social services for children. In managing implementing partnerships, UNICEF applies the Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT) framework. HACT is an inter-agency framework adopted by several UN agencies to obtain assurance that funds transferred to partners have been spent for their intended purpose, and results have been achieved as planned and/or reported by the partner. As the Programme Officer (HACT), you will be at the forefront in ensuring that risks associated with transferring cash to implementing partners is effectively managed across UNICEF, ensuring maximum impact and programme resource accountability.

How can you make a difference?

The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join our dynamic Risk and Compliance/HACT team where you will be responsible for providing professional financial, operational and administrative support throughout the programming process by preparing, managing and/or executing a variety of technical and administrative tasks to facilitate the effective implementation of HACT activities. In your role, you will be under the overall guidance and supervision of the Implementing Partnership Management Specialist.

The following minimum requirements:

• Education:

A university degree in one of the following fields is required: Development studies, International Development, Business   Administration, Financial Management, Economics, Auditing, Project/Programme Management or another relevant technical field.

• Work Experience:

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required:

Programme development/management, financial planning and management, or another related area.

Experience in auditing, risk management and compliance are considered is required.

Experience in development programming and partnerships is required Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Experience working in a developing country is considered as a strong asset.

Background and/or familiarity with emergency is considered as an asset.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• A strong understanding and technical knowledge of risk management, audit and compliance is required.
• A good understanding of development programming and partnerships is required.

Language:

• Fluency in English and a local language, both strong verbal and written skills, is essential.