Diversity and Inclusion Officer

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.

Bangladesh has been cognizant of the growing issue of disability rights, and thereby enacted several legal frameworks, including acts, policies and rules which seek to uphold the rights of persons with disabilities and underline the need for access to all basic services. In alignment with the country context, UNDP Bangladesh’s CPD (2022-2026) also emphasizes the need for inclusive policy and regulatory framework to accelerate structural transformation for sustainable development as well as proper access to market- driven skills development opportunities to advance poverty eradication in all its forms and dimensions. Driven by its commitment to ‘Leave no one Behind’, UNDP’s relentless endeavours to reach the furthest behind first allows and enables promotion of equal opportunities for people with disabilities. UNDP is supporting interventions which address manifold cross-cutting areas including employability of young people with disabilities, digital inclusion and access to financial services, vulnerability to the impacts of climate change among many others.

Building on the groundwork, UNDP is keen to progress in the realm of disability inclusion, which includes the exploration of conducting a through stocktaking of building a portfolio. In this endeavour, UNDP will engage in collaborative efforts with Government counterparts, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), youth-led organizations, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and relevant development partners, UNDP will commission a comprehensive stocktaking exercise to develop a disability inclusion-focused portfolio. Additionally, a thorough assessment of digital inclusion will be undertaken to evaluate the accessibility of existing digital services for Persons with Disabilities (PWD). This will encompass initiatives to promote awareness and advocacy through dialogue.

In the given context, UNDP Bangladesh is looking for young talent with passion to contribute to areas of inclusion, empowerment and emancipation. The incumbent talent will have the opportunity to contribute to knowledge creation, management and evidence-based interventions focused on persons with disability.

As part of UNV’s disability inclusion strategy, UNV seeks to 1) provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to serve as UN Volunteers 2) enable UN partners to expand diversity and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their workforce worldwide 3) build a talent pipeline of qualified professionals with disabilities who can contribute to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at national and global levels, with focus on national capacity. The Host Office is in charge to fund and put necessary reasonable accommodation measures that may be required.

For UNDP DOA include the following:

UNDP is implementing the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by translating them into concrete policies, systems, and services. The Bangladesh country office is committed to fulfilling the CRPD by understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. UNDP Bangladesh is consistently enhancing accessibility, which may involve measures such as accessible software, travel assistance for missions, or providing personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose any disabilities during the application process to ensure appropriate support are provided both during recruitment and throughout your assignment.

Task description:

The incumbent position will work under the supervision of the Programme Officer and Youth Coordinator of UNDP Bangladesh to perform the following activities:

a) Research and knowledge Management:
- Assist in conducting stocktaking exercises on issues related to disability inclusion. - Support the team in commissioning research/studies on the digital inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWD). - Assist in preparing need-based briefing notes and compiling good practices around digital inclusion

b) Network Management and Coordination - Assist in maintaining the liaison and exploring opportunities for networking and collaboration with youth organizations, CSOs and OPDS working on disability inclusion. - Assist in maintaining communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

c) Project Implementation - Assist in implementing the project activities. - Assist in preparing and executing project activity plan activities. - Support in organizing events, including workshops for PWD (Persons with disability), consultation meeting, policy dialogue. - Assist in monitoring the progress of the project activities.

d) Report Development - Assist in reviewing reports relevant to the project. - Assist in developing the project completion report and result oriented report.

In addition to the specified tasks, the incumbent position would perform other need-based tasks assigned by the supervisor.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Working with teams • Communication • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity

professional experience related to youth engagement, research, project management and implementation.

Skills and experience: • Experience of working with youth organizations, CSOs, OPDs and platforms focusing on disability inclusion and advocacy • Experience in project implementation, management and coordination • Experience of social mobilization is an asset. • Experience in organizing skill-building and (or) entrepreneurial training and capacity building activities. • Experience in research, data collection, analysis and reporting (relevant experience in research in the area of disability inclusion and rights is preferable)

Dhaka is located in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the center of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centers are available for internationals. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another.

Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants. The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March).

Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.