Senior Programme Associate GS-7, (HOPE) at UNICEF

Purpose

The Senior Programme Associate (Data) will work closely with the Information Management Officer (IMO) and report to Health Manager to effectively manage the direct transfer of cash to beneficiaries through the Humanitarian Cash Transfer Management Information System Management Information System (HOPE MIS).

The Senior Programme Associate (Data) will play a crucial role in the collection, management, monitoring, and reporting of beneficiary information on the HOPE platform.

This position is essential for ensuring the efficient collection, processing, and reconciliation of beneficiary data and payments in alignment with UNICEF's humanitarian cash transfer policies. HOPE is UNICEF’s humanitarian cash transfer management information system, designed to enhance the administration of cash transfer programmes by providing a comprehensive platform for beneficiary data collection, programme association, payment management, and reconciliation.

UNICEF has collaborated closely with the government at national, state, and ward levels during outbreak responses and planned Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIA). The need for direct payment to beneficiaries has become crucial for efficient programme delivery and planning.

The HOPE Data Associate will ensure the timely processing, management, and integration of beneficiary data, and will provide regular reports on the status of cash transfers. Additionally, the Data Associate will offer feedback to the Health Section to improve programme efficiency and effectiveness. At the G-7 level, the below tasks are expected to be carried out with a high level of independence.

How can you make a difference? 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Under the direct supervision of the Information Management Officer and the strategic leadership of the Chief of the Health Section, the Senior Programme Associate (Data) will perform the following tasks:

• Manage recipients’ data on the HOPE MIS platform, ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Consolidate data from various sources including UNICEF's KoBo or ONA Collect and data collected by other partners (UN agencies, governments, etc.). Associate recipients’ data with specific cash programmes within HOPE MIS.
• Send payment lists to finance and ensure successful transmission.
• Reconcile payments with finance, ensuring all transactions are accurately recorded and discrepancies are addressed.
• Coordinate with IMO and field data officers on collecting payment verification information directly from beneficiaries.
• Coordinate with IMO and HOPE HQ teams to generate regular reports on the status of cash transfer programmes, payment reconciliation, and beneficiary feedback.
• Provide data insights and recommendations to improve programme efficiency and effectiveness.
• Any other related work with information management and accountability mechanisms

Minimum requirements:

Education: A university degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience:

• Two years of experience in data management, programme management, or cash transfer programmes.
• Strong understanding of management information systems and data collection tools (e.g., KoBo Collect).
• Experience in beneficiary data system for humanitarian cash transfer at field level.

Skills:

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience in working with UN agencies or NGOs (UNICEF experience preferred) at interagency level.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.