Chief Field Office

The Chief Field Office (CFO) is accountable for managing and leading the total programme commitment of a field office within a country programme. The CFO represents UNICEF in his/her Area of Responsibility, leads and oversees various program sectors and operational service teams ensuring delivery of quality results in accordance with UNICEF's programme of cooperation and country programme management plan.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the total programme commitment of a field office within a country programme.
• Represent UNICEF in the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
• Lead and oversee various program sectors and operational service teams.
• Ensure delivery of quality results in accordance with UNICEF’s programme of cooperation and country programme management plan.
• Support the overall vision set forward by the UNICEF Representative.

Requirements

• Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Social Science, International Studies, Public Administration, Public Relations/Communication, Sociology, Public Policy, Social Policy, Community Development, Development Studies, Government Relations or related fields.
• At least 8 years of relevant work experience in Programme Management, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Humanitarian Emergency Programmes, Field Operations, Project Administration or related fields.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and leading staff to deliver high-quality results in complex operational environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects with significant budgets, including planning, financial oversight, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.
• Substantial experience in the design, implementation, and management of development and/or humanitarian emergency programmes, with ability to adapt to rapidly changing contexts.
• Strong coordination and partnership-building skills, with experience working effectively across government counterparts, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent representation, communication, and advocacy skills, with ability to effectively represent UNICEF, promote its mandate, and safeguard the organization's interests in high-level forums and external engagements.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a track record of building, motivating, mentoring, and managing high-performing teams while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, sound decision-making, and ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering results under pressure.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language (Amharic) is an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts is an asset.

Skills

• Programme Management
• Planning and Monitoring
• Evaluation
• Humanitarian Emergency Programmes
• Field Operations Experience
• Project Administration
• Interdisciplinary Team Management
• Budget Management
• Financial Oversight
• Resource Allocation
• Compliance Management
• Development Programme Design
• Humanitarian Programme Management
• Coordination and Partnership Building
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Advocacy and Representation
• Leadership
• Strategic Thinking
• Decision Making

Languages

English