Disability Inclusion Project Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The UNV will contribute to ESCAP’s continuous efforts to promote disability-inclusive development by supporting current projects that span from disability inclusion under the purview of Division of Administration, aligned with ESCAP’s Disability Inclusion Policy developed in 2020. The Policy, guided by the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS), sets out the key principles for programmes and projects to follow, with the vision for ESCAP to be a fully disability-inclusive organization. To operationalize ESCAP’s commitments, the Disability Inclusion Implementation Plan for 2020-2021 was rolled out and various disability-inclusive projects are currently in progress. As part of its role, the UNV will also serve as a catalyst to facilitate collaboration between ESCAP and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The UNV is expected to support bridging the activities of both organizations and enhancing their impact on disability-inclusive development in the region.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Facilities Management Unit in consultation with the Director of the Division of Administration, and under the direct supervision of the Facilities Management Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Research best practices and provide professional and technical advice on disability inclusion, in the areas of o universal design and physical accessibility of office space/premises o inclusive Human Resources policies and procedures; • Prepare reports, plans, specifications and cost estimates for activities (such as design improvements of office facilities); • Research and present benchmarks on best practices of inclusive work environments; • Review technical reports, evaluate, and prioritize improvement initiatives; • Support the compliance review according to regional and/or local accessibility codes and best practices; • Contribute to awareness-raising and communications campaigns to share achieved progress in the area of disability inclusion; • Support and advise on activities on reasonable accommodation; • Provides substantive support for reviewing project documents, preparing presentations, and developing technical reports; • Assist in administrative and logistical activities, including organizing meetings, liaising with relevant parties, drafting meeting information notes, proposing agenda topics, and tracking follow-up actions; • Implement initiatives to promote cooperation with Japan and support the expansion of ESCAP’s projects with the Japanese Government, which may involve facilitating information sharing and coordination among ESCAP, JICA, and other relevant stakeholders. • Perform other tasks as assigned.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• 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 in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • 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.

☐ Accountability ☐ Adaptability and Flexibility ☐ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☐ Commitment and Motivation ☐ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☐ Communication ☐ Creativity ☐ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☐ Integrity ☐ Judgement and Decision-making ☐ Knowledge Sharing ☐ Leadership ☐ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☐ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☐ Working in Teams

management and implementation of development projects. Experience in projects related to disability inclusion, universal design or accessibility is required.

• Understanding of regional accessibility codes (such as Asia-Pacific region) is desirable; • Strong organizing and planning skills with the ability to multi-task; • Good written and verbal communication skills with well-developed interpersonal skills; • Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suite, especially MS Project.

Bangkok allowed basic living needs, including accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities and telecommunications/internet services are readily available. All staple foods can be found in the markets, eg: rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil, salt, etc. Many imported goods are available in Bangkok and other places throughout Thailand. Bangkok has many good restaurants with good health standards and most guesthouses provide food. In Thailand, the most used means of transportation are taxi or local bus. Mobile phone is the most dependable tool to be in-touch with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available and affordable at most apartment complexes. ATMs are everywhere in Thailand and Western cards can usually be used to withdraw Thai Baht. For those with children, schooling options in Bangkok are to be well evaluated and determined before taking your children at duty station. School fees and area really depends on your preferences. Admission fees for school in Thailand ranges from $3,000 - $9,000 and tuition fee from $5,500 - $25,533 (per annum). Depending on educational quality and the area which comes with price tags, you may need to explore more on schools to find out what they could offer that serves the needs of your children. No specific allocation is available for schooling and Volunteers will need to bare the entire costs.