Senior Programme Manager – Polio Programme (P-5) – Kandahar

About the role

The Senior Programme Manager will lead UNICEF’s Polio Programme in Afghanistan’s Southern Region, overseeing integrated service delivery that links polio, routine immunisation, nutrition and primary health services. Reporting to the Chief of Field Office and the Chief of Immunisation/Polio Team Lead, the role provides strategic direction to protect children and support global eradication goals. The position is critical to interrupt poliovirus transmission and safeguard progress toward the eradication end‑game by 2029.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and overall managerial oversight for the Polio Programme in Kandahar and Helmand provinces.
• Drive policy dialogue and advocacy with local authorities and partners.
• Represent UNICEF at the Regional Emergency Operations Centre and coordinate closely with WHO and other humanitarian actors.
• Ensure quality implementation of eradication strategies, including monitoring, evaluation and innovation.
• Plan, execute and manage all phases of programme delivery, ensuring alignment with national and global eradication targets.
• Oversee integration of polio activities with routine immunisation, nutrition and primary health services.
• Maintain accountability for programme results and reporting to donors and partners.
• Facilitate capacity building for local health staff and community volunteers.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in public‑health programme management, preferably in immunisation or polio eradication.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑stakeholder coordination in complex humanitarian environments.
• Strong understanding of policy development, advocacy and integrated health service delivery.
• Experience working in Afghanistan or similar conflict‑affected settings is highly desirable.
• Ability to travel frequently within the region and work in insecure environments.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development within a global humanitarian organisation.