Internship - Roma and Egyptian Inclusion (Open to candidates who are identifying as Roma and Egyptians and who are living in Montenegro)

Contract

This is a Internship contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about Internship contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, opportunities

**Background****: Based on the 2011 census, in Montenegro, Roma composes 1.01% of the total population, with the largest population concentration in Podgorica, Berane and Niksic. Additionally, 0.33% of the total population declared themselves as Egyptians.

MICS 2018 data reveal a number of health and ECD-related concerns and inequities. About 36% Roma and Egyptian women aged 20-24 had at least one live birth before the age of 18. Only every seventh Roma child under 6 months is exclusively breastfed. Little less than one third of Roma children aged 6 – 23 months obtains a minimal variety of nutrition (five out of eight recommended food groups), and only one fifth has a minimal acceptable diet. Every fifth child under 5 is stunted, while this applies to 7% of children in the overall population. Percentage of Roma children aged 24-59 months with whom mother, father or any adult household members have engaged in four or more activities is only 51% while it is 91% in the overall population.

Four out of five Roma children do not attend preschool, thus entering the first grade of school unprepared, lacking knowledge of basic numeracy and an ability to follow instructions. This, in turn, not only leads to their lagging behind their peers, but also to their feeling of being discouraged and demotivated. The lack of quality and the inequity of education has negatively affected the educational outcomes of girls and boys, even prior to the pandemic, especially children from vulnerable groups, such as the Roma. Based on the MICS 2018 data, primary and secondary education completion rates for general population stand at 96 percent and 86 percent, respectively, while only 56 percent of Roma and Egyptian children (59 percent boys and 51 percent girls) complete primary education. The completion rate for lower secondary school stands at mere 29 percent and is lower for girls (23 percent) than for boys (34 percent). Roma almost never complete tertiary education, with a single-digit number of adolescents enrolling and completing each year.

Children, adolescents, and young people from Roma communities are engaged in begging and exposed to other forms of violence and exploitation. The practice of arranged child marriages in Roma and Egyptian communities remains a concern. The prevalence is significant with child marriages seen as a traditional practice rather than a violation of children’s rights[1]. More than one third (32.5 percent) of girls aged 15–19 and more than one in six boys (15.8 percent) are currently married or in union.[2]A 2018 study found that drivers of child marriages include the low level of girls’ education, poverty, lack of opportunities, social norms and customs, marginalization of the Roma community, legislative gap allowing the marriage at the age of 16, implementation gaps in the execution of the laws, absence of a clear definition of child marriage, lack of statistical data and weak protection, rehabilitation and reintegration systems for victims.

The institute of associates in social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians is established, but accordingly there are a number of identified challenges. Some of them include insufficient number, systematization in certain areas, lack of continuous training and similar.

The Government of Montenegro has adopted the Strategy for Social Inclusion of Roma and Egyptians for the period 2021-2025, which sets the vision and define interventions towards the improvement of the socio-economic and legal position of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro, through the creation of an inclusive and open society dedicated to the fight and the elimination of all forms of discrimination, antigypsyism and poverty. The adopted Strategy is in alignment with the Government Work Program for 2021, which puts importance on improving the position of members of minorities and ensuring equal rights for all citizens.

The European Union's strategic framework for Roma for the period 2021-2030 calls for recognition of the diversity among Roma people and communities when designing national strategic frameworks and empowerment of Roma women, young people and children to overcome socio‑economic gaps, fully exercise their rights, realize their potential and be agents of change. Participatory approach is promoted at the EU level and by countries aligning with the EU framework. Participation of Roma is considered sine qua non for the development of integration policies and interventions which can be effective and have long-lasting positive effect on Roma communities.

The National Strategy for Sustainable Development until 2030, which is the implementation document of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 in Montenegro, indicates the insufficient level of integration into the Montenegrin society as the most important from the series of problems faced by members of the Roma population (primarily the problems in the area of the necessity of adequate regulation of the legal status, education, employment, health and housing). However, despite the moderate progress, Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro continue to face serious challenges in exercising their rights. While all Roma face high poverty and material deprivation rate, the Study on Multidimensional Child Poverty in Montenegro additionally showed that Roma under the age of 5 are the most deprived sub-group of children and how poverty is experienced in daily life. In practice, the ‘multidimensional poverty’ translates to a combination of unmet child needs – areas in which the child is deprived. The needs include those of appropriate nutrition, housing, health care, and acquiring skills within formal education that would support them on the labour market, but also support to protect them from violence, abuse and exploitation. Hence, the multidimensionality of poverty requires a holistic, multidimensional and multisectoral response.

The UNICEF Montenegro Country Programme Document (2023-2027) rests on the three pillars (i) Protection from poverty, violence and exploitation; (ii) Early childhood development; (iii) Skilled, empowered and well-supported children, adolescents and young people and support to

[1] MICS, 2018

[2] Statistical Office of Montenegro. (Monstat), Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2018

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of Social Policy Officer in UNICEF Montenegro, the intern will:

• Support UNICEF programme of Cooperation with the Government of Montenegro 2023-2027 in implementation of the priorities identified for accelerating Roma and Egyptian inclusion across sectors (Early Childhood Development, Child Protection, Education, Social Policy, Adolescent Development and Participation, Child Rights Monitoring) and in close cooperation with UNICEF colleagues, provide inputs, guidance, and support to program development and implementation;

Expected deliverable: Monthly Report summarizing work and achievements.

• Support the mapping of the Associates for Social Inclusion of Roma and Egyptians (Roma mediators) and other supporting professionals, such as mentors, tutors etc. for the purpose of the more quality and targeted programme development and implementation.

Expected deliverable: Prepared draft report.

• Mapping of the existing organizations and stakeholders active in the area of the Roma and Egyptian social inclusion, on the regional, national and local level, with the focus on the promising initiatives, for the purpose of the more quality and targeted programme development and implementation.

Expected deliverable: Prepared draft report.

• Support CRM specialist in analysis and monitoring of the situation of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro and provide recommendations for further programmatic interventions.

Expected deliverable: Monthly Report summarizing work and achievements.

• Event support: the Interns will support organization of meetings and various events related to implementation of programme activities;

Expected deliverable: Monthly Report summarizing work and achievements;

• Support the UNICEF public advocacy and communication and social and behavior change efforts aimed at promoting equal rights and opportunities for Roma and Egyptian children among different audiences.

Expected deliverable: Monthly Report summarizing work and achievements;

• Support the Country Management Team to strengthen diversity and inclusion in the UNICEF team.

Expected deliverable: Monthly Report summarizing work and achievements;

• Support the Country Management Team to strengthen diversity and inclusion in the UNICEF team.
• Expected deliverable: Monthly Report summarizing work and achievements;

For every Child, you demonstrate... UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this internship assignment are..

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness(3)Drive to achieve results for impact(4)Innovates and embraces change(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity(6)Thinks and acts strategically(7)Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

Internship conditions:

Modality: Office-based. Intern will be expected to work either full-time or part-time in the office, depending on the subject availability.

Tentative start date: Monday, 16th January 2023

Duration: 3 months, with a possibility of extension.

Travel: In-country travel is expected. When required to travel as part of their official function, costs incurred during official travel authorized by UNICEF shall be covered in accordance with UNICEF procedure on Duty Travel .

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will:

Education:

• Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or have graduated within the past two years.
• have strong academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records or, if not available, a reference letter from an academic supervisor;

Experience:

• Familiarity with the context of Roma and Egyptian children and families in Montenegro and region.
• Previous exposure to areas of work relevant to UNICEF programmes’ – such as social and child protection, health, education, early childhood development is considered an asset.

Language:

• Good knowledge of Montenegrin.
• Basic knowledge of English is required.

Other:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Have no immediate relatives (e.g. mother, father, sister, brother) working with UNICEF;
• Strong willingness to learn on the job is required.
• Have good computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel);
• Good communication, writing skills and presentation skills;
• Ability to work with different stakeholders (Government institutions, NGOs, community organizations, international organizations, and other);
• Be able to work individually and as part of a team;
• Displays cultural, gender, religious and racial sensitivity, as well as awareness of different nationalities and age awareness.

Open to candidates/applicants who identify as Roma and Egyptians living in Montenegro

Payment: Stipend will be provided to Interns during internship assignment.

Insurance: UNICEF will not be responsible for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the intern's service. Therefore, the selected candidate must provide proof of enrolment in a health/accident plan prior to starting his/her work.

How to apply:

If you and wish to make a difference for every child you can apply online. Only completed online applications will be eligible for further review. When you apply, please attach the following:

• Your CV and a cover letter in English or Montenegrin stating your motivation for application;
• Proof of having completed a minimum of 1 year of university education;
• Proof of strong academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records or, if not available, a reference letter from an academic supervisor;
• Proof of two vaccine doses received against Covid-19;
• Copy of candidate's most recent official transcript showing good academic performance;
• Please further note that the successful candidate will require to further provide proof of having medical insurance at the time of communicating for the job offer.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for personnel with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

• For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply;
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process;

NOTE: UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.