Inclusive Education Liaison Support 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.

The Nepal Education Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) has been recognized at the national- and global level for its broad- and inclusive sector dialogue, which includes Government, development partners and civil society and stakeholder representatives. As part of the SWAp, the Government and its partners has established a technical level dialogue through thematic working groups and undertakes joint reviews and planning meeting to support the implementation of the recently initiated School Education Sector Plan (SESP). Equity and Inclusion are at the core of UNICEF’s values and engagement in the Nepal education sector. The Inclusive Education Liaison officer would be part of UNICEF’s team that supports the Government in the undertaking of SWAp related processes, in close collaboration with the technical assistance that is mobilized (partly through UNICEF) to strengthen capacity to implement the SESP as well. The Liaison officer would support UNICEF in the co-leading the Equity and Inclusive education thematic working group and the programmatic work on disability-inclusive education, as well as support the UNICEF team in strengthening inclusive sector dialogue and processes.

The UNV will carry out the following responsibilities:

BIG Three Responsibilities: 1. Supporting the Chief of Education and team on strengthening inclusive practices within the SWAp. 2. Supporting the UNICEF education team in the work under the Equity and Inclusive education Thematic Working Group. 3. Supporting the UNICEF education team in the disability-inclusive education programmatic work under the UNICEF Country Program Action Plan (CPAP).

Detailed Job Role

1. Supporting the Chief of Education and team on strengthening inclusive practices within the SWAp. a. Support preparation- and participate in Budget/Joint Review Meeting (BRM and JRM), participate in joint field trips, and review of Terms of References, Annual Strategic Implementation Plans (ASIPs)/Annual Work Plan and Budgets (AWPBs), LEDPG's Technical Assistance (TA) framework, and other planning and policy documents, to assess. b. Support the development of a SWAp inclusive engagement strategy.

2. Supporting the UNICEF education team in the work under the Equity and Inclusive education Thematic Working Group. a. Support UNICEF education specialists in the Equity and Inclusive education thematic committee and working group meetings. b. Support the technical dialogue on targets and activities under the SESP inclusive education targets and strategies. c. Support the development of the Inclusive education roadmap to operationalize the inclusive education approach paper.

3. Supporting the UNICEF education team in the disability-inclusive education programmatic work under the UNICEF Country Program Action Plan (CPAP).

a. Support UNICEF and its partners in the disability inclusive education modelling and the strengthening of assessment and referral mechanisms b. Support research undertaken by/ in partnership with UNICEF on inclusive education (including the LIFE research) c. Support the education team in the disability task team and cross-sector initiatives and events with a focus on children and people with disabilities.

• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

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.

• The Liaison officer will collaborate with the UNICEF Chief education, the education 4.2 (inclusive and formal education) output manager, and the education specialist on system strengthening and sector engagement • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to the AIN; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to AIN 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, the AIN and the Government of Nepal 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 AIN’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

the national and/or international level in the field of education, or other relevant programmes; experience of working within the Nepal education SWAp is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Understanding of the federal structure and the Nepal education sector institutional setup is an asset • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • 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, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in education and system strengthening volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The UNV will be based in Kathmandu. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.