Re-Advertisement: SSRRE 2027- 2028 - Deputy Representative Programmes, D-1, Sudan

Duty station: Port Sudan

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil 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.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in Programmes, 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. 

How can you make a difference?

Sudan is currently operating in a large-scale L3 emergency context following the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, which triggered widespread displacement and a sharp escalation in grave violations against children. The operating environment remains highly volatile, particularly across Darfur and Kordofan, requiring a response that simultaneously delivers life-saving humanitarian assistance while sustaining systems across the humanitarian–development–peace nexus.

UNICEF’s programme response is centered on child protection priorities, including mental health and psychosocial support, gender-based violence prevention and response, support to unaccompanied and separated children, and explosive ordnance risk education, underpinned by the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism on grave violations.

Within this context, the Deputy Representative Programmes plays a critical leadership role in driving programme strategy, coherence, and delivery at scale. The role is responsible for ensuring that programme priorities are effectively translated into results in a highly constrained and rapidly evolving environment, strengthening integration across sectors, and maintaining alignment between humanitarian response and longer-term systems strengthening. As a member of the senior management team, the Deputy Representative Programmes supports overall office leadership, contributes to strategic decision-making, and ensures that programme delivery is riskinformed, results-focused, and responsive to the complex operational realities on the ground.

The Deputy Representative supports the Representative in leading and leveraging partnerships with both public and private sectors for the achievement of results and fulfilment of the rights of children. In fragile and humanitarian settings, the Deputy Representative is accountable for the delivery of a timely, efficient and principled humanitarian programmes, in accordance with UNICEF global Policy and Framework for humanitarian action.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. CO Programme planning and development
2. Support to the Representative on managing the CO
3. Monitoring and quality control of Programmes
4. Representation, alliance building and UN System coordination
5. Private Sector Engagement and Partnerships
6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
7. Security of personnel, programmes and organizational assets

1. CO Programme planning and development

• • Coordinate the planning and updating of the situation analysis by the various sectors in the CO to establish comprehensive data and information for programme development planning, management, monitoring and evaluation.
  • Provide advice to the Representative on strategies, direction and planning of programmes and projects to translate analytical data/information (from situation analysis) and national priorities and goals into concrete country programmes and projects that
  advances UNICEF goals in the country on child rights, survival and development.
  • Guide and advise the various sectoral teams throughout the process of programme formulation, planning and preparation of the Country Programme ensuring harmonization of approaches (including linking humanitarian, development programming and contribution to peace) and alignment with the UNICEF Strategic Plan, corporate guidelines, policies/procedures and regional and national priorities.
  • Provide overall strategic direction, leadership and guidance to the CO team in the monitoring the situation of children, women and communities with a view to detecting imminent crises; identifying major unmet humanitarian needs of children and taking
  appropriate measures to address them.
  • Ensure timely, effective and principled humanitarian preparedness and response by UNICEF teams, clusters/sectors and partners in compliance with the commitments and standards enshrined in the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action, by ensuring the mandatory use and application of the Emergency Procedures, as applicable.
  • Provide technical and operational guidance to the heads of sectors and their team, as delegated by the Representative, throughout all stages of the programming process to ensure cooperation, collaboration and harmonization of programmes and projects.
  • Coordinate 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 UNICEF’s Strategic plan, compliance with policies and procedures and that documentation materials are completed accurately and comprehensively to facilitate.

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 individual 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. Strategic Monitoring, Quality Assurance and Oversight of Programme resources

• • Participate in meetings/events and annual/mid-term reviews with 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.
  • Ensure that mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality of humanitarian programmes and their effective monitoring, collecting and using the feedback from affected populations to inform programme design and course correction in countries with humanitarian clusters/sectors conduct yearly cluster coordination performance monitoring (CCPM).
  • Coordinate and/or provide advice on the preparation of mandated programme, cluster/sector and operational reports. Confirm accuracy of reports prior to approval by the Representative.

4. Representation, alliance building and UN System coordination

• • Represent UNICEF (as appropriate/delegated) in organizational, regional, global, public information/relations events and key meetings to contribute to strategic discussions on programming issues, policy dialogue, discuss initiatives, report on progress achieved, present papers/ideas and/or advocate UNICEF’s vision in the Country that is consistent with UNICEF Strategic Plan and supportive of national development goals and priorities.
  • Represent the UNICEF Representative in the UN Country Team (UNCT) to collaborate with 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 UNSDCF development planning and agenda/priority setting.
  • Collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNSDCF 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 child’s right to survival, development and well-being, mobilize resources, seek cooperation and establish alliances on behalf of UNICEF and the sectors with UNICEF-led clusters/sectors, including as a Provider of Last Resort.

5. Business Engagement and Partnerships

• • Lead the creation of a conducive and optimal environment, capacities and systems within the country office, to allow the business and public sectors to be engaged appropriately for achieving programmatic results.
  • Systematically integrate considerations and strategies around work with and on the private sector into programme strategies and plans; articulate the private-public sector joint contribution to achieving results for children in support of the Country Programme;and where applicable, the programmes globally.
  • Ensure the consideration and integration of the Business Sector1 as an active stakeholder across programme sectors in the country programme planning process and (SitAn, Stakeholder Mapping, ToCs, Strategy Notes, Results Framework and Country Programme
  Management Plans) and subsequent roll out strategies and plans.
  • Actively engage in identification and prioritization of potential Business and Public Sector stakeholders who can contribute significantly to achievement of country office results and global Strategic Plan Goals.
  • Lead the office to build strategic engagements with the Business Sector to advance UNICEF’s programmatic goals through different engagement modalities at outlined in the Programme Guidance for Country Offices on Engagement with Business.
  • Support the development and smooth execution of the resource mobilization strategy from public and private sectors, linking to the programme results. Engage with partners on concrete initiatives, linked to programmes initiatives that are supported by them.
  • Lead the planning, monitoring and reporting of achievements and results (qualitative and quantitative) of business engagement and partnerships initiatives within the country programme planning cycle and process, to create a holistic results narrative.
  • Ensure alignment and stay updated on the latest developments, tools and guidance linked to Business for Results (B4R) through the Regional Offices, Regional Programme Networks, Regional Support Centers for PFP and Headquarter Divisions especially Programme Division. Lead the application of these tools and the capacity building of staff to integrate private sector engagement systematically in all programme areas.

6. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• • Advise the Representative and other internal colleagues in the CO on the conceptualization, development and implementation of policies and procedures, use of 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.

7. Security of personnel, programmes and organizational assets

• • In support of the Representative and in close coordination and consultation with UNDSS and United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) organizations and partners, apply the UNSMS Security Risk Management framework to assess external and internal
  security-related risks and supervise the implementation of UNSMS policies, systems and required SRM measures and procedures (in compliance with Designated Official decisions).
  • Ensure that all personnel are fully aware of security procedures and policies, and their own responsibility and accountability.
  • Follow and implement all UNICEF internal security-related policies and guidelines, including, but not limited to, the actions required in the UNICEF Framework of Accountability for Security.
  • Leadership promotes a culture that aligns with the organization’s standards of conduct.Complaint and feedback mechanisms are in place and accessible to affected populations and external stakeholders.
  • Ensures Duty of care measures are in place for all UNICEF personnel, and that they receive information on available care/support as needed.
  • Protect staff and minimize the risks associated with MRM and other monitoring and reporting mechanisms and frontline child protection work by measures to ensure staff safety and duty of care.
  • Staff are provided with adequate resources, office space, equipment, transportation, accommodation, security and logistics support which meet the duty of care principles and facilitate the delivery of programmes.

Impact of Results

The efficient and effective support of the Deputy Representative to the successful development, planning and implementation of the country programme and achievement of concrete and sustainable results directly impacts on the establishment of a healthy and protective environment for the most marginalized and vulnerable women and children in the country. This in turn contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to continue to provide programme services to protect the rights of children and promote greater social equality to enable them to survive, develop and reach their full potential in society.

Country Typology:

• All duty stations in Sudan are currently classified with special hardship classifications of “E”.
• Large conflict situation, with highly fragile periods of stability and volatile political situation.
• High child mortality rates in parts of the country with inequities; country is behind on most of the SDGs; challenges in sustaining investment for social sectors. Conflict and chronic underdevelopment continue to challenge any progress.
• Protracted conflict in select states (Darfur and Kordofan, Blue Nile.) and evolving, active conflict in new locations.
• Complex socio-political environment, challenged by sub-national disparities and inequities
• Large office of more than 400 staff, with high number of international and national in the capital and a wide range of field locations (11 field offices excluding Khartoum).
• Tour of Duty is three (3) years.

Brief country context:

Sudan is one of the largest countries in Africa, with an estimated population of around 42 million, approximately half of whom are children. Prolonged political instability, coupled with the absence of a fully functioning government, has contributed to widespread insecurity and culminated in large-scale conflict since April 2023, affecting most states, including the capital, Khartoum. This has led to a severe deterioration of both the economic and humanitarian situation, with an estimated 15.8 million people, roughly one-third of the population—requiring humanitarian assistance.

These overlapping crises have significantly worsened conditions for children. Mortality rates remain high, with approximately one in 18 children not surviving to their fifth birthday. Those who do survive often face multiple deprivations, including malnutrition, disease, limited access to safe water and sanitation, inadequate protection systems, and disrupted access to education. Even prior to the escalation of conflict, an estimated 6.9 million children aged 6 to 18 were out of school, a figure that has likely increased further due to displacement and insecurity.

Climate-related shocks continue to compound vulnerabilities, with recurrent flooding and drought-like conditions contributing to water shortages and food insecurity. At the same time, outbreaks of endemic diseases such as malaria, cholera, and dengue fever remain widespread across multiple states.

Sudan is also a situation of concern under the UN Security Council agenda on Children and Armed Conflict, requiring systematic monitoring and reporting of grave violations against children. The UN operates within an integrated mission setting, with the UN Country Team led by a Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC), alongside the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS).

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

Education:
An Advanced University Degree (Master’s and above) in one of the following areas is required: Business management; Financial management; Accounting; Public Finance; and related operations function (Supply Chain, Human Resources, Information Technology, International Business, Project management, etc.) or a full professional accounting designation (CA, ACA, ACCA,CPA, CIMA, CPFA) from an internationally recognized institute/body of accountancy with valid membership in good standing is required.

Experience:
• A minimum of Thirteen (13) years of progressive professional experience, at the national and international level, is required, specifically in advocating and implementing strategic organizational initiatives in one or more operations management areas including budget;
financial management and reporting; facilities management; administration; supply and logistics management; information and communication technology; human resources.
• Prior experience in the development sector or UN system/ international NGOs would be an asset.
• Experience in large scale cash assistance program is desirable.
• Additional experience in one or more of the following areas would be desired: Audit and investigations, Safety and security, Grant Management, Enterprise Risk Management
• Experience in emergencies and complex contexts is highly desired.
• Experience in a UN system agency, large private or public company, or experience working in a developing country and/or humanitarian/ emergency context is an asset.
• Experience in working with corporate ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning) and IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) is highly desirable.
• Experience in Results Based Management is a requirement.
• Experience in managing successful client-oriented work units is an asset.
• Experience in co-creating policy is desirable.
• Prior experience working with diverse stakeholder groups or multi-stakeholder partnership is highly desirable.
• Previous hands-on experience in strategic and managerial leadership is required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications is required.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language and the local language (Arabic) is an asset. For every Child, you demonstrate.

For every child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values Competencies

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 promoting 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. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Remarks:

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). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.