Advocacy & Policy Officer, NO-2, Fixed Term Appointment, Yangon, Myanmar # 90713 (Open to Myanmar Nationals Only) (position will move to Naypyidaw in the near future)

Contract

This is a NO-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-2 contracts.

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 fulfill 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.

For every child, A Future

UNICEF Myanmar

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the Chief of Advocacy, Partnerships and Communication, the Advocacy Officer is responsible for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of UNICEF Myanmar’s advocacy strategy. He/she will be responsible for establishing strategic relationships and partnerships with key external stakeholders in order to further UNICEF’s advocacy efforts on behalf of children.

Key functions and accountabilities of the position (detailed job description attached): SJP_Advocacy & Policy Officer, NO2 #90713 (final).pdf

• Coordinate development and implementation of UNICEF Myanmar’s advocacy strategy, working closely with APC partnerships and communication colleagues, and across office sections, to ensure a coherent approach.
• Coordinate with programme and programme effectiveness sections, as well as field offices, to coordinate and guide their advocacy efforts.
• Undertake regular analysis of the political and socioeconomic landscape in Myanmar and use this analysis to identify strategic opportunities and threats, proposing and implementing appropriate response measures and sharing intelligence as appropriate among office colleagues in support of cross-office advocacy efforts.
• Build and nurture UNICEF’s relationship and values-based partnership with key stakeholders including Parliamentarians, faith based organisations and faith leaders, civil society organizations, private sector entities and think-tanks, leveraging these relationships in support of UNICEF advocacy objectives.
• Assist in preparation of briefing notes for high level meetings and visits, and provide support for planning, logistics and administrative arrangements around such meetings and visits.
• Develop policy briefs, advocacy and communication products, in coordination with relevant programme sections.
• Support provision of advocacy capacity building for office colleagues and partners through trainings, development of standard operating procedures and guidance, etc.
• Provide support for other activities of the Advocacy, Partnerships and Communication Section, as required.

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

• A university degree in one of the following fields is required: Social Sciences, International Law, Political Science, Communication, Journalism, and development studies or another relevant field.
• A bachelor degree from a different field supplemented by either relevant post-graduate courses/diplomas or relevant technical experience background will be considered acceptable.
• At least 2 years work experience in Government, the media, non-government organizations, the United Nations, international organizations, or relevant private sector cooperations.
• Proven ability to develop and implement advocacy strategies, ideally through experience working in a relevant organisation from the United Nations, non-governmental organisations, government bodies, delivery agencies including line ministries at Union, States and Regions, faith-based organisations, media, and/or private sector.
• Demonstrated familiarity with Myanmar’s political and socioeconomic context, and with the development and humanitarian issues facing children in Myanmar, and ability to synthesize analysis, advocacy strategies and policy briefs from a wide range of information sources.
• Written and spoken fluency in English and Myanmar is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, 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...

Core Competencies (For Staff without Supervisory Responsibilities)

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements when possible.

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 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.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable all diverse profiles are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.