Deputy Representative Programmes, D-1, Islamabad, Pakistan [FAST TRACK]

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up.

Under the general guidance of the Representative, the Deputy Representative (Programmes) provides leadership, coordination, advice and management for the UNICEF Pakistan Country Programme of Cooperation 2023–2027 to improve the situation of children, adolescents and women within the child rights framework. The incumbent provides strategic advisory support and management guidance to programme sections, ensuring coherent programme delivery across national and provincial level in a diverse and complex development, humanitarian, climate and security context. S/he will manage and respond to differentiated programmatic needs through equity-focused, gender-responsive, risk-informed and convergent programming, with strong linkages across health, nutrition, WASH, education, child protection, social policy, adolescent development, early childhood development, disability inclusion, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action. The incumbent should have proven experience in strategic representation, policy advocacy, alliance building, resource mobilization and UN system coordination, including engagement with government institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, international financial institutions, civil society, academia and private sector partners to accelerate sustainable results for children in Pakistan.

The Deputy Representative reports to the Representative for overall supervision and direction and serves as the Principal Adviser on the overall management of the Country Office, development of UNICEF strategies and policy approach in Pakistan. The Deputy Rep., exercises delegated authority, to lead coordination and management of 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, Program champions organizational effectiveness and an inclusive office culture that reflects UNICEF values and competencies, promotes staff wellbeing, and strengthens matrix management through cross-sectoral collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.

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 settings, the Deputy Representative is accountable for the delivery of a timely, efficient and principled humanitarian programmes, in accordance with UNICEF global Policy and Framework for humanitarian action.

The Deputy Representative’s key functions and accountabilities include:

• Developing and planning the Country Programme;
• Support to the Representative on managing the CO;
• Monitoring, Evaluation and quality control of the Country Programme;
• Humanitarian Action and Emergency Leadership;
• Representation, alliance building and UN System coordination;
• Strategic Programme Leadership and Social Policy Analysis;
• Resource Management, Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building.

1. Developing and planning the Country Programme;

• Define programmatic strategies through a consultative process among sectors and offices; Creating child centered convergent programmes with strong linkages between different sectors
• Provide strategic leadership for the planning, implementation, monitoring and review of the Country Programme, ensuring alignment with national priorities, UNICEF Strategic Plans and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Lead integrated and cross-sectoral programming approaches that strengthen linkages across health, nutrition, education, child protection, WASH, social policy and other programme areas.
• Ensure programme coherence, quality and alignment with UNICEF policies, standards      and results-based management principles.

1. Support to the Representative on managing the Country Office;

• Serve as the principal adviser to the Representative on programme strategy, policy development, operational effectiveness and organizational performance.
• Participate actively in Country Office management decision-making processes and provide leadership on strategic, operational, human resources and programme management matters.
• Establish overall programme workplans, monitor compliance with performance standards and support teams to achieve expected results for children.
• Ensure effective workforce planning, succession planning, staff development and capacity building to strengthen programme delivery and organizational effectiveness.
• Foster an organizational culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, wellbeing, safety and inclusion.
• Serve as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Representative.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation and quality control of the Country Programme;

• Provide overall leadership and direction for situation analysis, programme monitoring, evaluation, documentation, reporting and learning.
• Ensure programme performance is regularly assessed and that recommendations from evaluations, reviews and audits are systematically implemented.
• Foster inter-sectoral coordination, knowledge sharing and evidence-based decision-making to strengthen programme effectiveness and accountability.
• Monitor programme implementation through field visits, reviews and performance assessments and recommend corrective actions as required.
• Ensure that programme objectives and expected results are achieved efficiently and effectively.

1. Humanitarian Action and Emergency Leadership;

• Provide strategic leadership and managerial guidance for UNICEF's humanitarian preparedness, emergency response and recovery efforts.
• Coordinate humanitarian interventions and cluster responsibilities, ensuring effective collaboration with government counterparts, UN agencies, development partners and humanitarian actors.
• Provide strategic leadership in risk-informed programming and strengthen office capacity to anticipate, prepare for and respond effectively to evolving emergencies and crises.
• Promote the integration of humanitarian action and resilience-building approaches into programme planning and implementation.

1. Representation, alliance building and UN System coordination;

• Represent UNICEF in high-level engagements with government counterparts, donors, development partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
• Advocate for the rights of children and women and promote UNICEF priorities through policy dialogue, strategic partnerships and resource mobilization efforts.
• Strengthen collaboration within the UN system, including Delivering as One initiatives, inter-agency mechanisms and humanitarian coordination platforms.
• Negotiate programme strategies, establish strategic alliances and influence policies that advance children's rights and development outcomes.
• Enhance UNICEF's visibility, credibility and impact through effective external engagement and partnerships.

1. Strategic Programme Leadership and Social Policy Analysis;

• Provide leadership and guidance on programme analysis related to social policy developments, public sector investments, poverty reduction, vulnerability and human rights issues affecting children and women.
• Keep abreast of national, regional and global trends that influence UNICEF's mandate and identify innovative approaches to improve programme effectiveness and impact.
• Promote integrated policy and programme responses that address inequities and contribute to sustainable development outcomes.
• Foster enabling environment for effective organizational learning and policy development through documentation of good practices, innovation and participation in regional and global knowledge-sharing initiatives.

• Lead financial stewardship of programme resources with appropriate allocations and efficient use of resources. Ensuring close coordination and linkages between national level and provincial programmes and by defining the accountability framework and management plan for the same in close conjunction with the Chief of Field Service and Chief of Operations.
• Oversee programme resource management, including budget implementation, utilization of funds, expenditure monitoring and donor reporting.
• Promote innovation, knowledge management and organizational learning across programme sectors.
• Strengthen the capacity of government institutions and partners through technical support, institutional development and sustainable capacity-building initiatives.

• An Advanced University Degree in social sciences, international relations, government and public relations, public or social policy, sociology, social or community development or other related fields, is required.

• A minimum of thirteen (13) years of professional development experience that combines intellectual and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level  including programme management, monitoring and evaluation, humanitarian response and organizational leadership, some of which served in developing countries is required.

• Experience in emergency and humanitarian programming, inter-agency coordination, social policy analysis, and management of significant financial and people & culture is highly desirable.

• Relevant leadership experience in any UN system agency or organization is an asset.

• Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

• Excellent managerial and people skills with demonstrated capacity to lead, empower and motivate a large team of programme professionals in the direction of better results for children and quality control of programmes and to nurture teams with conviction of wellbeing, safety and health of all personnel as a priority concern.
• Demonstrated commitment to staff wellbeing, safety and health as organizational priorities.
• Current knowledge of development issues, policies as well as social programming policies and procedures in international development cooperation.
• Strong analytical, advocacy and policy dialogue skills with demonstrated ability to influence decision-making processes and development outcomes.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas as well as to transfer knowledge and skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational ability, including in insecure environments.
• Good knowledge of technical cooperation programmes, programme administration, and project management in a UN context.
• Proven experience managing complex humanitarian and emergency situations.
• Good knowledge of technical cooperation programmes, programme administration and project management in a UN context.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Good political acumen, negotiation skills, maturity and sensitivity to handle difficult stakeholders in a highly complex environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing significant programme budgets, donor-funded initiatives, financial resources and people & culture.
• Good representation skills and expertise to deploy public relations and enhance UNICEF’s image in the public and with government and donors.
• Solid understanding of financial rules and regulations, risk management and fund raising strategies.
• Capacity to work under pressure in difficult security situation and in a rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Country income level: lower middle income country
• Duty Station: Islamabad, Pakistan is a “B” family Duty Station offering recreational and cultural options, open spaces and restaurants. However, some domestic travel requires permission by the host government authorities.
• Office size: The office currently has 352 staff members (not including other personnel like UNVs, consultants, etc.) with a total budget of about US$ 730 million for the Government - UNICEF Programme of Cooperation 2023 – 2027.
• Annual budget: US$ 183 million (US$ 38 million RR and about US$ 145 million OR)
• Schooling: Islamabad offers a number of schools, incl. international school options for all grade levels.

• Lower Middle Income Country with a population of over 240 million, largely populated with middle and lower class families with a median age of 20.2. While the country has made remarkable progress.
• Significant disparities persist in health, nutrition, education, protection and access to basic services.
• More than 80 million children and adolescents require sustained investments to reach their full potential.
• The country is highly vulnerable to climate-related shocks, natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies that disproportionately affect children and women.
• Development priorities include inclusive growth, urbanization challenges, resilience-building, disaster risk reduction and strengthened social protection systems.
• Pakistan remains one of two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic, reinforcing the importance of continued investments in eradication efforts.
• Close collaboration with government institutions, development partners and the United Nations system is essential to accelerating progress for children.

Core Values

• Commitment
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

Competencies

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others
• Nurtures, leads and manages people

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

***

This position is classified as “rotational” which means the incumbent is expected to rotate to another duty station upon completion of their tour of duty.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.

Advertised: 14 Sep 2026 Pakistan Standard Time
Applications close: 11 Oct 2026 Pakistan Standard Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend