Programme Specialist, Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office

About the role

Two-year fixed-term P-3 position at UNICEF’s Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office in Nairobi. The Programme Specialist sits inside one of the regional thematic teams (child protection, education, health, nutrition, WASH, or social policy) and supports 21 country offices across the region. Reports to the Regional Adviser for the chosen thematic area. Deadline 30 June 2026 for the next intake.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance to UNICEF country offices in Eastern and Southern Africa on programme design, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Develop regional programme frameworks and strategy papers in collaboration with government partners.
• Co-author regional flagship reports and contribute to UNICEF global publications.
• Travel up to 30 percent of working time to country offices for technical missions.
• Represent UNICEF in regional coordination forums alongside the African Union, EAC, SADC, and IGAD.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in development studies, public policy, public health, social sciences, education, or a closely related field.
• Five to eight years of progressive professional experience in international development, with at least two years in Africa.
• Working knowledge of UNICEF’s programme cycle, results-based management, and at least one thematic area.
• Strong written English. Working knowledge of French, Portuguese, Swahili, or Arabic is welcomed for specific country-office portfolios.
• Demonstrated experience working with government partners on policy design.

Nice to have

• PhD in a relevant field.
• Prior UN, UNICEF, or major NGO experience.
• Publications in peer-reviewed development journals.
• Experience with humanitarian-development nexus programming.

How to apply

Open the UNICEF Careers portal at the apply link, search for “Programme Specialist Eastern Southern Africa”, and submit through the UNICEF online system. Submit CV, cover letter addressing each Required and Desired criterion, three professional references, and any required UN P11 forms. Closing date 30 June 2026.