Chief Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, P-4, Fixed Term Position, #00008353, Beijing, China (until 31 December 2028, open for international candidates only)

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to a Future

Purpose of the job

Under the supervision of the Deputy Representative Programmes, responsible for coordinating the formulation, planning, design, and implementation of the integrated monitoring, evaluation, and research plan (IMEP) of the country programme, in collaboration with the sectoral chiefs. The role ensures a coherent, evidence‑driven country programme that supports UNICEF China’s strategic transition under the Future Focus Initiative (FFI) and the prioritization of the programmatic shift in 2026-2027 by guiding the IMEP processes in partnership with programme sections and relevant key national counterparts.

Key end-results

• Country Programme PME: Support/guide the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) functions and processes of the Country Programme, working in close cooperation with the Deputy Representative, including, but not limited to, mid-year reflections, strategy papers, annual reviews, and annual reporting processes; and Integrated IMEP development & implementation. Organize relevant training and liaise with counterparts as needed.
• Monitoring the funding, performance, and results-based implementation of the country programme: Lead PME section in: monitoring of programme implementation and programme performance & results; monitoring of funding; monitoring and management of all Programme Budget Allocation (PBA); strengthening of donor relations as relevant (including supporting donor reviews and providing quality assurance inputs to programme sections as requested). Together with the Deputy Representative Programmes and the Partnerships & Innovation Chief, support the Representative in resource mobilization and donor relations, including the preparation of donor proposals through active engagement with programmes.
• Evaluation: Support the programme sections undertaking evaluations under the Costed Evaluation Plan (CEP) in conjunction with the Multi-Country Evaluation Specialist (MCES) in the evaluation function: provide quality assurance and technical inputs as needed to all Programmes. Working closely with these sections, guide the Research, Study, and Evaluation (RSE) protocol as required for such evidence pieces, including technical advice on methodologies and approaches (e.g., sample surveys, sentinel sites, participatory methods, focus group discussions). Support management/design and necessary training to this end through collaboration with sections and the MCES as needed.
• Situation monitoring and knowledge management: Responsible for coordinating the development/management of an updated UNICEF-China knowledge base (accessible to all Office staff) on children and caregivers in China. Work with relevant sections to develop visual representations of up-to-date information/data (including data maps) on the situation of children and child rights, for use in external relations, fundraising, and advocacy, as applicable. Through technical inputs and data production, support the Communication, Programme, and Partnership sections in developing and producing knowledge- and evidence-based publications on children. Manage/design the necessary training for this purpose and liaise with counterparts as needed.
• Emergency coordination and management: Support the Deputy Representatives Programme and Operations as needed in coordinating the planning, funding, and management of UNICEF-China's support to emergency interventions both locally and for other countries.
• Capacity building: Lead the PME team in strengthening government (cross-sectoral) information systems; work closely with the National Bureau of Statistics to this end. Work with relevant sections and GJP M&E Level 4 UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND GENERIC JOB PROFILE Page 2 of 4 the MCES to strengthen national evaluation capacity.
• Management and supervision: Effectively manage and supervise the PME Section's workplan activities and projects, including those with counterparts. Help build the capacity of supervisees. Identify training needs in IMEP and within the UNICEF Office to strengthen monitoring and evaluation capacity. Carry out other administrative and management duties as part of the Country Office Senior Management team. Liaise, as needed, with the Regional Planning Officer, the Regional PME adviser, and the Evaluation Office at UNICEF Headquarters. Provide strategic advice to the Deputy Representative Programmes on refining the PME structure in alignment with the Planning Monitoring Data and Analytics (PMDA) strategy to ensure the section structure is fit for purpose to deliver on the country programme requirements and to drive the Future Focus Initiative (FFI) prioritization and programmatic shift for 2026-2027 and beyond, including effective engagement in the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) agenda.

Job grade factors (Level 4)

• Country Program Size: Medium or larger country program (based on UNICEF Country Office typology)
• Risk of Emergencies: Humanitarian crises may include sudden-onset natural disasters, longer-term, recurrent problems such as drought, or complex emergencies involving violence and displacement.
• Technical Breadth: Must be capable of independent leadership in IMEP development and management. Should have significant professional strength and office leadership responsibilities in at Least 3 of the remaining 4 functional areas (Social Data, Programme Planning, Evaluations, Capacity Building, Coordination and Partnership).
• Sectoral Breadth: Will be required to offer substantive support towards the CPD transition strategy and prioritization programmatic shift; should possess academic or professional work experience to advance Country Programme results.
• Innovation and Conceptualization: Considered fully competent to apply standardized approaches and models; also considered competent to autonomously innovate approaches, techniques, and policies while seeking support when necessary.
• Technical and Managerial Engagement: The primary role is overall management of the PME function, rather than technical support or quality assurance for PME activities. Counterparts extend beyond technical specialists to PME and program policymakers. Is frequently a Coordinator/Team Leader with broader managerial roles.
• Capacity Strengthening: Fully capable of organizing and delivering specialized training, including the design of materials and methods. Also fully capable of designing complex capacity-strengthening strategies.
• Networking: Ability to effectively liaise with and draw on knowledge institutions' inputs to identify innovations and lessons learned.
• Supervisory Role: Supervision of one or more professional PME staff of Levels 3 or lower is an important responsibility; may supervise multiple consultants up to Level 5 work.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: JD Chief PME P4.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree in social sciences, statistics, planning development, planning.
• Work Experience: Professional work experience in programme development and implementation, including monitoring and evaluation activities as follows: Eight years of relevant professional work experience. Developing-country work experience. At least one instance of exposure to emergency programming, including preparedness planning.
• Skills: Knowledge of Project Evaluation. Professional technical knowledge/expertise in Evaluation Process Management, Follow-up on recommendations, and Dissemination of M&E results. Emerging international good practice in monitoring and evaluation partnerships. Professional technical knowledge/expertise in demography, statistics, and data management. Professional technical knowledge/expertise in methodology of M&E, including theories, standards, and models, quantitative/qualitative/mixed methods, validity/reliability testing of data, data analysis and interpretation, and statistical inference methods.Professional technical knowledge/expertise in Activity Monitoring & Evaluation, Evaluation Design, data analysis, and reporting. Gender equality and diversity awareness
• Language Requirements: Proficiency in English is required.

Desirables:

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language
• Professional/technical knowledge/expertise in Team Management, Coaching & Training. Mastery of UNICEF’s M&E policies and procedures.
• Latest programme monitoring and evaluation theory, methodology, technology, and tools.
• Understanding of UN Mission and system, current key UN topics.
• International Code of Conduct.
• Understanding of UNICEF Mission Statement and UNICEF Guiding Principles.
• UNICEF policies, strategies promoting and supporting gender equality and diversity
• UNICEF strategic framework for partnerships and collaborative relationships
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
(8) Nurtures, leads and manages people

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.