Batch recruitment: Planning & Monitoring Specialist, NO-3, Fixed Term, Mazar-i-Sharif (132850), Jalalabad (132849), Kabul Central Region (132848)

Role summary How can you make a difference? 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. In Afghanistan, UNICEF operates in a complex and evolving context, characterized by protracted humanitarian needs, deep-rooted structural vulnerabilities, and limited access to basic services. The Country Office implements a dual programming approach that combines humanitarian action and basic human needs (BHN) programming, supporting life-saving interventions while contributing to longer-term resilience and development outcomes. UNICEF’s engagement is grounded in the Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action(CCCs) and guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The office actively contributes to inter-agency coordination platforms, including sector and cluster coordination groups for Nutrition, WASH, Education, and Child Protection. It also supports the Afghanistan community and humanitarian partners in improving service delivery, evidence-based planning, and accountability. Planning and Monitoring is essential to UNICEF’s programmes, ensuring they are effective, inclusive, and responsive. It involves integrated planning, collecting and analysing data to guide decisions, manage risks, and adapt to changing needs. Planning and Monitoring supports accountability to stakeholders and aligns with UNICEF’s rights- and results-based management approach. It focuses on complex systemic change, not just linear outcomes, and promotes equity by using disaggregated data to address diverse needs. UNICEF also strengthens national data systems and collaborates with partners to improve data quality. By tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement, planning and monitoring enhances programme quality and ensures better outcomes for children and their communities Strategic office context: The position is located in one of these zonal offices: Northern (Mazar-i-Sharif), Eastern Region (Jalalabad) and Central Region (Kabul) and is responsible for planning, programme monitoring (including budget monitoring), Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfers (HACT), ESS (Environmental and Social Safety Standards), and serves as the focal point for cash-based programming and social protection for the Zonal Office. The incumbent will report to the Chief of Field Office (CFO). Duties and responsibilities Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of Field Office, the Planning and Monitoring Specialist NOC will provide support to and facilitate the planning and monitoring functions for the Zonal Office, (ZO) to enable country programme delivery. This will be done in close collaboration with other P&M Section members and zonal sectoral programme staff. 1. Programme Planning 2. Programme Monitoring 3. Planning and Monitoring Capacity Building 4. Coordination and Networking If you would like to know more about the positions, please review the complete Job Descriptions here: Classified Job Descriptions - 132848 Planning & Monitoring Specialist.pdf Classified Job Descriptions - 132849 Planning & Monitoring Specialist.pdf Classified Job Descriptions - 132850 Planning & Monitoring Specialist.pdf Job requirements To qualify as a champion for every child you will have… Minimum requirements: Education : Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Social Science, Statistics, Development studies, Planning, or any other related field. Work Experience : At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Programme, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Budget monitoring or any other related field is required. Skills : Knowledge in Data analysis, Team coordination, Results-based management, Risk mitigation and Analytical skills are required. Language Requirements : Fluency in English is required. Desirables: Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset. Field work experience, Emergency programming experience, Humanitarian crisis response experience, Cash-based programming experience and Third-party monitoring experience are assets. Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.