Disability and Rehabilitation Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office of Bahrain was recently established with the first WHO Representative appointed on the first of June 2021. It is the 20th WHO country office to open in the Eastern Mediterranean region, and the 152nd WHO country office globally. The Country Office sets forth to support national health authorities through on-the-ground programmatic interventions to strengthen the provision of healthcare services; enhance the exchange of best practices and lessons learned locally, regionally, and globally; as well as promote collaboration and coordination with other United Nations agencies, ministries, and government institutions to advance towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This UNV assignment is part of WHO Country Office of Bahrain efforts to strengthen technical leadership in the area of disability, establish bridges of trust with Ministry of Health and UN agencies in Bahrain, as well as develop and coordinate implementation of evidence-based technical materials to address the needs of persons with disabilities and ensure that no one is left behind.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of WHO Representative and Head of Office, the UN Volunteer Disability and Rehabilitation Specialist will:

• Support the planning and implementation of the WHO Country Office activities to advocate and promote the rights of people with disability, and mark international days including the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (i.e. workshops, seminars, and awareness raising events, etc.), and document the results of these activities • Conduct research and compile a variety of data and information related to disability and health, including Bahrain success in developing the action plan to increase access to assistive technology, to inform the decision-making process and promote action • Engage and strengthen communication loops with influencers and community heroes, including Bahrain’s participants in Tokyo Paralympics, to promote disability inclusion, access to assistive technology and ensure that their voice are heard • Support the discussion with the Ministry of Health on way forward to operationalize and implement the action plan to increase access to assistive technology • Support the implementation of the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the years (2022-2026) • Develop and monitor the technical content and materials appropriate for the WHO website, and social media platforms • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility

At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in the field of health and disability. Relevant experience within the UN system or other international development organization is an advantage. Other desired required technical knowledge: • Ability to rapidly gather and consolidate information from multiple sources, and translate research into tangible policy recommendations • Excellent writing skills and ability to produce documentation to a high standard • Ability to work in a multicultural environment and facilitate and encourage open communication • Ability to perform efficiently under work pressure and actively work towards continuing personal learning and development

Bahrain is an island state that consists of 33 natural islands. With a population of just over 1.3 million people, Bahrain may be small, but it is also the fourth most densely populated sovereign state in the world. With Bahraini nationals only accounting for 48% of the population, you’ll find expats from all corners of the world. Workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Egypt make up the largest foreign communities. The Kingdom of Bahrain joined the UN in 1971 and signed an updated Strategic Partnership Framework with the UN country team in 2021.

According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Bahrain is a family duty station (category A hardship). As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.