Information Management, Monitoring & Evaluation Junior Officer, Indigenous affairs

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.

With most of its territory in Roraima, the Terra Indigena Yanomami – the largest protected indigenous zone in the country – endures a critical humanitarian crisis, due to a significant increase in illegal mining and logging activities, which led to violence by the invaders against the indigenous population as well as disease outbreaks and increased child mortality. The situation has been aggravated in the past months by the lack of adapted health services and infrastructure as well as by logistical difficulties in these remote areas, with the absence of coordinated strategies to protect the indigenous population. The aggravated situation led the Government of Brazil to declare a Public Health Emergency on National Importance (ESPIN in Portuguese) on 20th January 2023. UNICEF supports the Emergency Operation Center of the Ministry of Health and has representatives in the technical working groups to strengthen coordination efforts at national and local levels. In 2021 and 2022, UNICEF supported the indigenous population of the Amazon (4 states) to mitigate the negative effects of the Covid-19 outbreak after signing an MoU with DSEI Yanomami for the implementation of water supply infrastructures and improved access to toilets and sinks in Indigenous Basic Health Units in Yanomami territory as part of an ECHO-funded multisectoral project. 13 UBSi and 22 communities were reached, benefiting a total of 2,463 indigenous peoples of the Yanomami people. In addition, 54 DSEI professionals were trained in WASH and infection prevention and control (PCI). A complemental ECHO-funded multisectoral initiative is ongoing and aims to support the development of a disaster preparedness and response plan in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory, working with indigenous organizations on early alert systems, strengthening communication, protection and surveillance (community radio and communication technologies in 25 strategic communities, structural support for 5 protection centers). Over this crisis overlapping context, the UNV will support the implementation of information management, monitoring and evaluation activities in the context of UNICEF’s response to the humanitarian crises and in the development context in the State of Roraima, with a special focus on indigenous affairs, the ECHO disaster risk reduction project, the current support to the Government-led ESPIN response and the work being done to provide culturally adapted assistance to indigenous people from Venezuela and facilitate their integration. Under the supervision of the Chief of Field Office in Boa Vista, the UN Volunteer will assist the Indigenous Affair Consultant in Boa Vista, in coordination with the Humanitarian Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (HPM&E) in Boa Vista and the technical support of the Humanitarian Affairs Officer for Humanitarian Performance Monitoring (HPM) in Brasilia. The UN Volunteer will work to support the indigenous agenda, in alignment with the Information Management, Monitoring and Evaluation efforts that cut across the areas of Nutrition, Health, Education, Child Protection, WASH, Social Protection and SBCC. The UN Volunteer will also work in close collaboration with Programme areas, with Communication and Accountability to Affected Populations areas and with implementing partners.

Under the direct supervision of Chief of Field Office in Boa Vista, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Support the elaboration of database related to UNICEF’s work with indigenous organizations and communities • Support the review of relevant sources of information with child-focused data related to indigenous communities risks and vulnerabilities indicators; • Create a database, in collaboration with implementing partners, with key parameters and indicators to monitor risks and social progress in the indigenous territories, including on the integration of indigenous people from Venezuela. Support the Humanitarian Performance Monitoring & Evaluation of UNICEF’s work with indigenous organizations and communities • Support HPM&E tools and activities, making sure that information is properly collected against set deadlines and consolidated to help decision making and reporting, ensuring alignment with UNICEF Humanitarian indicators; • Support the update of the Humanitarian Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) related to indigenous affairs; Assist the Indigenous Affairs Consultant in Boa Vista daily tasks related to UNICEF’s work with indigenous organizations and communities • Support UNICEF participation in inter-agency and local coordination meetings on the ground, and keep track of relevant stakeholder’s reports and/or information, especially regarding the situation of children in the context of the migration and indigenous crisis response • Contribute to writing situation reports, donors reports, and proposals and other related materials and content related to indigenous affairs • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor related to UNICEF’s work with indigenous organizations and communities. 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.

Results/expected outputs:

• HPM&E tools and systems improved and aligned with UNICEF Humanitarian indicators; • Quality material and knowledge products for internal and external audiences produced in a timely fashion; • Capacity development and technical assistance provided to the Boa Vista Office, when working with governmental or non-governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), considering also the Humanitarian-Development nexus.

• 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 mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

monitoring and evaluation, statistics and/or data management; • Experience with indigenous affairs is considered a strong asset • Strong analysis and writing skills; • Experience in data and information management, including at least one of these systems such as Excel, RStudio, SPSS or Stata, Power BI and/or Tableau Knowledge is required; • Knowledge of GIS tools considered an asset; • Experience of working in field locations. Background/familiarity with humanitarian operations considered an asset; • Experience in working with international organizations considered an important asset; • Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Previous experience with indigenous communities and organizations would be highly regarded; • UNICEF strongly encourage indigenous people candidates to apply to this position.

Boa Vista is the capital and the most populated municipality of the Brazilian state of Roraima. Concentrating approximately two thirds of the population of the state, it is located on the right bank of the Branco River. It is the only Brazilian capital located totally north of the Equator line. The city stands out among the capitals of the Amazon for the radially organized urban layout, planned in the period between 1944 and 1946, similar to the streets of Paris, in France. It is a typically administrative city that concentrates all state services. Banking, transportation, telecommunications, and recreational facilities are available.

The UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Brazil advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to the high levels of serious and violent crime, especially in major cities. Violent crimes such as assaults, armed robberies, kidnappings and sexual assault are very important. The most frequent security incidents in the region are robberies, various types of fraud and minor crimes. Slums (favelas) in large cities should be avoided and in case of attack, one is advised not to resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and can turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment, both on and off duty. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reserves, special procedures may apply; United Nations personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance. Additional means of communication can be provided in Pacaraima.

Basic health services are available but specialized services are not offered locally. Travelers are advised to carry a supply of the necessary prescription medications. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory, and evidence of yellow fever vaccine is required (at least ten days before the trip to the area). Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya and yellow fever are transmitted by the same mosquito, Aedes Aegypti. Preventive measures are key. The mosquito feeds mainly at dusk and dawn, indoors, in shaded areas or when the weather is cloudy. Wear long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellents, place windows with screens, keep residences cool with air conditioning and use mosquito nets.

The climate of Boa Vista is considered tropical humid), with the dry winter and the rainy summer; Autumn and spring are practically not perceived. The temperature varies from 22 ° C to 35 ° C. The estimated population of Boa Vista is 375 374 people (IBGE, 2018), being the most populated municipality in the state.

Boa Vista has an inefficient urban transport, despite its two modern bus terminals, real shopping centres with food stores, various businesses, air-conditioned environment and elevators. The city's population also uses taxis shared by several passengers (not recommended for UN personnel). However, the streets of Boa Vista are wide and well-marked. Boa Vista connects with the rest of the country via air and by land. There is an airport (Atlas Brasil Cantanhede International Airport). Boa Vista also has an International Bus Terminal, the José Amador de Oliveira - Baton International Rodoviária, which connects the city with others from the interior of Roraima, the Amazon (Manaus), Guyana, Esequiba and Venezuela.

No furnished housing available. Power cuts are frequent but short. As this is a national UN Youth Volunteer assignment, the UN Youth Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. Roraima is a unique State and has a unique humanitarian operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential