Disability Inclusion Assistant

Contract

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

This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF Iran’s programme initiative on disability inclusion and implementation of global UNICEF Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS). UNICEF Iran has been working with other UN agencies and government partners, including Ministry of Education, State Welfare Organization and Iranian Red Crescent Society to promote access of children with disabilities to inclusive education and rehabilitation services and also to improve disability inclusion across the UN. The disability inclusion UNV reports to the Education officer/Disability Focal Point. The UNV provides technical, operational and administrative assistance to Education and ADAP section’s work on disability inclusion. The UNV prepares, manages and implements a variety of technical and administrative tasks, related to the implementation on disability inclusion activities and promotion of disability inclusion both externally and internally in UNICEF ICO and across the UN system. Specifically, the UNV’s office-wide responsibility would be to support ICO disability focal point in implementing UNICEF DIPAS (Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy) across Programme and Operations teams.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Chief of Education or his/her designated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

• Support the Iran Country Office (CO) Education section in implementation of activities under the workplans with the Ministry of Education, State Welfare Organization, Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, Iranian Red Crescent Society, and Vice Presidency for Science and Technology • Support Iran CO disability focal point in the implementation of UNICEF DIPAS (Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy) across Programme and Operations teams, including in: • Drafting a country-specific action plan for implementation of DIPAS, under the regional action plan; • Providing support to programme and operations sections in ICO in improving Disability Inclusion across their work (including in Comms, and Emergency sections), adopting a two track approach (both mainstream and targeted interventions); • Following up on the implementation of the disability-inclusive activities mapped in ICO’s cross-sectoral monitoring matrix; • Reviewing of all proposals and project plans to ensure adequate measures, and budget allocation, for inclusion of children with disabilities; • Reviewing of internal processes and structures to improve accessibility of UNICEF office • Providing input to UN disability taskforce for improvement of disability inclusion across UN system in Iran, including UNDIS Action Plan and UNSDCF Disability Flagship Initiative; • Supporting Iran CO’s Innovation Flagship programme on Assistive Technology • Support resource mobilization and reporting related to disability inclusion interventions. • Support development of communication materials on disability inclusion and other programmatic works of UNICEF Iran Office, for internal and external promotion and visibility • Support the Education and ADAP sections in other general tasks (programmatic and administrative) related to the implementation of workplans beyond disability work.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

disability, Education, Rehabilitation, Social Sciences, social work, or another relevant field • At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in disability, education, rehabilitation, international development, community outreach or other relevant programmes; experience working with people with disabilities and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills in English and Farsi; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PPT, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; familiarity with data visualization is an asset. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Have affinity with or interest in children, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Benefits and Entitlements: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service.

Monthly living Allowance (per month) is around USD 1051.5 Entry Lump Sum (one-time payment) USD 400 Exit Allowance (for each month served paid on completion of assignment) USD 109.58 Medical and Life Insurance Coverage

Leave entitlements:

Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: 30 days Uncertified Sick Leave: 7 days Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days