Programme Officer (Field Services)

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Education, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 31/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Assignment context

UNICEF India works across the country through its field presence and the Office of the Chief of Field Services in New Delhi provides oversight and support to its 13 state/field offices. The National UN Volunteer Programme Officer will support the Chief of Field Services in strengthening knowledge management, systems and information sharing with field offices and ICO sections; coordination between field teams and sections; preparation of updated situation analysis and programme documents; regular monitoring and follow-up of action trackers; budget and programme oversight; and planning, scheduling, review and strategic direction of ongoing partnerships and field-service priorities.

The assignment also builds on the existing Programme Officer role in the CFS’s Office, including coordination of CFO meetings and CFO–Section Chief engagements, preparation of briefing materials and position papers, support to monthly reporting mechanisms and state-office quality reporting, and support to review and oversight of key planning processes such as rolling management plans, mid-year and end-year reporting and emergency preparedness plans.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Field Services, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support the Chief of Field Services in coordination, system-setting and monitoring of actions and recommendations arising from key management bodies and forums, including CFO meetings and CFO–Section Chief meetings.

2. Strengthen knowledge management for field services by supporting data collection and analysis, information exchange, accurate reporting, documentation of lessons learned and preparation of management reports and briefing materials.

3. Liaise with Field Offices and ICO sections to support meeting planning, agenda preparation, circulation of records, follow-up of action points, and effective information/document exchange across teams.

4. Support programme development and management by contributing to situation analysis, programme workplans, recommendations, tracking critical intervention points and analysis of relevant socio-political and economic trends affecting programmes.

5. Maintain and update action trackers for state/field offices and support routine monitoring of progress, including follow-up on agreed actions, decisions and deadlines.

6. Support planning and oversight processes, including annual/monthly travel plans or proposals for the Representative and Chief of Field Services, mid-year and end-year reporting, and coherence across state presentations.

7. Support field offices in regular monitoring, annual sector reviews and reporting on results, including roll-out and quality assurance of monthly reporting mechanisms/tools.

8. Participate in official meetings, missions or events as directed, and provide support to the Front Office and Office of the Representative during staff absences, when required.

Skills and experience

• At least 4 years of relevant professional work experience in programme management, external relations, public affairs, general office administration, international development cooperation, knowledge management, planning, monitoring or reporting; experience with the United Nations or a similar international organization is an asset.
• Strong drafting, formulation, editing and reporting skills, including preparation of briefing notes, meeting records, management reports and position papers.
• Strong coordination and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work inclusively with field offices, programme sections, government counterparts, UN partners and other stakeholders.
• Ability to collect, analyse and present programme information; familiarity with quantitative methods, monitoring tools and reporting mechanisms is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and ability to work with databases, artificial intelligence tools and standard office technology.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and monitor a large volume of work, manage competing deadlines, and follow through on action points with accuracy and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team, exercise discretion and sound judgement, maintain confidentiality and provide responsive support to senior management.
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision, while maintaining close communication with the supervisor and relevant internal stakeholders.
• Affinity with UNICEF’s mission, child rights, results-based management, and volunteerism as a mechanism for sustainable development.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions

New Delhi is a family duty station and the capital city of India, with access to major domestic and international transport connections, medical facilities, banking services, communications infrastructure and a wide range of housing options.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi, India. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions. Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable).

You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .

For information specific to your assignment, please see below:
• Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA): INR 70,158.41
• Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350 (equivalent in INR)
• Relocation costs: $175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if the duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV)
• Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): $120 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life, and malicious acts
• Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
• Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources

The UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.