Program Assistant

Contract

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

The Government of Oman – UNICEF Country Programme is centered around two priority outcome areas:

1) Enhancing Children’s Potential: Children of all ages have more equitable access to quality services in protection, education and health, and enhanced opportunities to re-alize their full potential; 2) Making Data Work for Children: Data disaggregated by age, sex, disability, gover-norate and income are used effectively in planning, monitoring, policy and practice re-lated to children and the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNICEF Oman is made up of a small dynamic team whereby the Programme Associate (International UN Volunteer) would be an integral part of the Programme team, assisting with varied tasks to support the smooth implementation of the country programme.

Under the direct supervision of Social Policy Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Programme Support:

● Support coordination of regular programme meetings, documentation and follow up; ● Liaise with counterparts for coordination of programme activities to ensure smooth and timely implementation; ● Follow up on the progress of specific activities as assigned by the Supervisor; ● Provide timely minutes of meetings to ensure effective actions can be taken; ● Provide technical support with preparations for workshops and meetings including drafting of agendas, drafting and reviewing of presentations; ● Provide logistical support and follow up for preparation of workshops, including coor-dination with the Operations Team on bookings, translation and printing of documents, and other requirements;
● Identify and extract information from various sources and prepare briefing notes and/or summaries for use in meetings, presentations or reports; ● Prepare briefing materials for supervisor concerning official trips or special meetings; draft responses to written inquiries on a variety of routine and non-routine questions; ● Contribute to the editing of documents in English;

2. Overall Support

● Draft correspondence (in English) based on first-hand knowledge of work schedule or events, rough notes, or verbal instructions, for the supervisor's approval; ● Ensure close coordination with the Operations, Programme and Communications Teams to ensure online log-book of correspondence is maintained; ● Ensure timely issuance of contracts and prompt monitoring;

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

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Working in Teams

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to 2 years) in Child and Youth Development • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Knowledge of UNICEF’s mandate is considered an asset; • Excellent, organizational, communication and writing skills; • Ability to work in a multicultural environment is essential;

DSA, currency and exchange rate: the current DSA for Muscat, Oman is USD 271 per day for the first 60 days and USD 203 thereafter. The local currency is the Omani Rials (OMR). The exchange rate is approximately 0.385 OMR to 1 USD. The exchange between USD and OMR can be done through any Money Exchange outlet.

Accommodation: Renting apartments or villa can be done through real estate agencies. The average monthly rent for furnished apartments is USD 1,000 - USD 1,200.

Public transport: Buses are available at a reasonable rate but only on main highways. Taxis are usually available outside shopping malls, airport and main roads.

Visa and registration: Visa is required to travel to Oman. Be sure to submit a scanned copy of your national passport and details of your flight to Tunis to Rasmiya Al Jahwari [email protected] at UNICEF Oman. The visa will be organized by the UNICEF Oman office ahead of your travel.

COVID-19 Measures: 2 shots (or 1 shot of single dosed) of COVID-19 vaccine is required to come to Oman in addition to a negative PCR test. These restrictions may change depending on the epidemiological situation and the Supreme Committees announcements. Please check with Rasmiya Al Jahwari [email protected] at UNICEF Oman for the latest restrictions.

Security: Muscat, Oman is assessed as security level 1 – minimal, all security clearance requests must be submitted through the Online Travel Requests Information Process (TRIP) accessed through the DSS travel portal: https://dss.un.org. Security clearance requests must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the proposed trip.

Weather conditions: The summer season starts in May when the temperature is 30°C - 40°C. The warm weather as well as the humidity continues until the end of September when the temperature drops. In winter, the temperature drops specially in the evenings where a light vest or jacket is needed.

Electric voltage and appliances: the power supply in Tunis is 220 volts AC 50 MHz cycles. Electrical appliances should have standard French plugs, and an international adapter is very useful.

Cell Phones: There are 2 mobile phone operators in Oman, Omantel and Ooredoo. Prepaid SIM cards can be easily purchased upon arrival at the airport or from any of the operators’ outlets in Oman.

Weekend: Friday and Saturday are the weekend days in Oman. Most shopping centers are open every day including weekends. Shopping centers are usually open from 9:00 a.m. and close at 11:00 p.m. Small shops may be open at different hours.

Language: The official language in Oman is Arabic but many speak English well, including some taxi drivers. Signs on highways and main roads are in Arabic and English.