Stretch Assignment - Deputy Representative Programme (P-5/P4/NOD) - N’Djamena, Chad

UNICEF Chad is seeking the support of an interested and eligible staff member to provide leadership continuity for the Programme coordination in N'Djamena through a three-month stretch assignment.

The Deputy Representative reports to the CO Representative for general supervision and direction and serves as the principal adviser on the overall management of the CO, development of CO policies and strategies; and under delegated authority, for coordinating and managing all phases of the Country Office Programme, from formulation to delivery of results in accordance with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework, ethics, and integrity.

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 contexts, the Representative ensures the delivery of a timely, efficient and principled humanitarian action and advocacy in accordance with UNICEF global Policy and Framework for humanitarian action.  Where clusters are activated, the Representative ensures that UNICEF CLA responsibilities are fulfilled.

The assignment focus is to maintain Programme and team continuity, unblock priority results, strengthen partner engagement, and position the Programme Coordination for an effective transition to the next country Programme.

• 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 advance 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 and alignment with the UNICEF Strategic Plan, corporate guidelines, policies/procedures and regional and national priorities.
• 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 Executive Board review and approval.

• 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

• 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.
• Coordinate and/or provide advice on the preparation of mandated Programme and operational reports. Confirm accuracy of reports prior to approval by the Representative

• 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 UNDAF development planning and agenda/priority setting.
• Collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF (One) 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 wellbeing, mobilize resources, seek cooperation and establish alliances

• 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 Sector[1] 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 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

• 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

To be eligible to apply and qualify for this stretch assignment, candidates should have an existing Fixed-Term, Permanent or Continuing appointment within UNICEF that runs through the duration of the assignment, be at P-4/NOD, P-5 or an equivalent level as permitted under applicable stretch-assignment rules, and meet the following requirements:

• An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: social sciences, international relations, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development, or another relevant technical field
• A minimum of ten years of professional development experience that combines technical and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level, some of which served in developing countries is required. Relevant professional experience in any UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset
• Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Uphold UNICEF Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability;
• Demonstrate UNICEF competencies, particularly nurturing, leading and managing people; self-awareness and ethical awareness; collaboration; partnership building; innovation and change; strategic thinking; drive for impactful results; and management of ambiguity and complexity.

If selected for this opportunity, the relevant staff member will remain in their existing post and will be on mission status with UNICEF Chad for the duration of the stretch assignment. Upon completion of the stretch assignment, the staff member will return to his/her respective post. 

The staff member's salary will continue to be paid by the releasing office during this assignment.  Chad Country Office will pay for economy class travel and 100% of N’Djamena DSA rate for the first four weeks and 50% for the remaining period. 

If interested, please discuss this assignment with your supervisor and obtain your supervisor’s agreement for your application to be submitted as part of your learning and development plan for the year. The agreement of your supervisor endorsed by the Head of Office is a prerequisite for any such stretch assignment. 

Upon receipt of the supervisor and Head of Office’s agreement, please send an email with the subject: Applications should be sent by email with the subject line “Stretch Assignment – Dep Rep Programme, P-5” to ahaba@unicef.org and gmcdonnell@unicef.org by October 10, 2026, with the following: 

-           Your updated UNICEF profile,

-           Your last two performance evaluations,

-           A cover letter detailing your interest, qualifications, and suitability,

-           Approval of your supervisor and CO representative.

Candidates considered potentially well matched for the stretch assignment may be contacted for an informal interview. Supervisors may also be contacted for references.

Advertised: 28 Sep 2026 W. Central Africa Standard Time
Applications close: 05 Oct 2026 W. Central Africa Standard Time

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