PROGRAMME SPECIALIST AT UNICEF

JOB ALERT

PROGRAMME SPECIALIST (P-3) AT UNICEF

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Organization: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Job Number: 596620

Position Reference: #108799

Job Type: Fixed-Term Appointment

Job Category: Research, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Qualification: Advanced University Degree

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience

Application Deadline: 10 November 2026

ABOUT UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to protect children’s rights, save lives and help every child reach their full potential.

UNICEF is seeking a qualified and experienced Programme Specialist to support the effective coordination, planning, monitoring and management of its Nigeria Country Office.

JOB PURPOSE

The Programme Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the UNICEF Representative, providing strategic planning, coordination and management support to ensure the efficient functioning of the Nigeria Country Office.

The successful candidate will help monitor key programme and management processes, coordinate senior management activities, strengthen communication with regional and headquarters offices, and support the implementation of UNICEF’s country programme priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the Representative in planning, coordinating and monitoring key programme and management activities.
2. Coordinate priority actions, decisions and workflows within the Representative’s office.
3. Monitor important programme and management processes and ensure timely follow-up on decisions.
4. Conduct research and consultations and prepare position papers, programme documents and other substantive materials.
5. Coordinate meetings of the Senior Management Team and Country Office Management Team, including documentation and follow-up actions.
6. Prepare briefing notes, speeches, background papers, reports and correspondence for senior-level meetings.
7. Maintain effective communication and liaison with UNICEF’s Regional Office, Headquarters, UN agencies, government institutions and other partners.
8. Support the development, implementation and monitoring of the Country Programme Management Plan and Annual Management Plan.
9. Track priority issues affecting the Nigeria Country Office and advise on possible actions for management consideration.
10. Support quality assurance and ensure the timely preparation of management documents and reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. An advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development or another relevant technical field.
2. At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in programme management, planning, monitoring or evaluation.
3. Strong planning, coordination, management and prioritization skills.
4. Fluency in English.

ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES

1. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish, or a local language.
2. Relevant country-level experience, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking, partnership-building, ethical awareness, collaboration, innovation, results orientation and the ability to manage complexity and lead teams effectively.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

UNICEF is committed to inclusion, diversity and child safeguarding. Qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applicants should note that UNICEF does not charge any application, recruitment, interview or training fees.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official UNICEF careers portal using the link below.

Application Link

Application Deadline: 10 November 2026, West Central Africa Time.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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