Program Officer for “Scaling Internet of Good Things for Social and Behaviour Change in Eastern and Southern Africa and South Asia regions” cross-regional initiative

Contract

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

This UNV assignment is part of the ROSA SBC/C4D section to support the coordination and scale up of a cross-regional initiative aiming to reinforce the use of the Internet of Good Things (IoGT), a platform that hosts mobile-packaged content designed to make life-saving and life-improving information available for free, even on low-end devices. This UNICEF-led initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by providing localized and relevant content to parents, caregivers, young people and frontline workers. The platform also provides training opportunities, referral information to access essential services as well as a space to provide feedback through polls.

The UNV assignment will contribute to the “Scaling-up Internet of Good Things for Social and Behaviour Change in Eastern and Southern Africa and South Asia” cross-regional initiative. The incumbent will mainly focus on supporting South Asia region. However, exchanges and coordination are envisaged with the East and South Africa (ESA) and headquarters (HQ) components of the initiative.

The cross-regional initiative will run up to December 2022 and is expected to achieve the following targets: Target 1: After 12 months of programming, increase the number of adolescents and young people visiting and interacting with IoGT resources and engaging with Social and Behaviour Change content in ESA and SA over a 12-month period by at least 40%. Target 2: After 12 months of programming, increase the number of adolescents and young people reached by mental health and psychosocial support content, SRH/HIV information and climate change content through IoGT by at least 40%. Target 3: After 12 months of programming, increase the representation of women and girls in two-way engagements on IoGT by at least 8%. Target 4: After 12 months of programming, increase the number of frontline workers engaged in two-way communication through IoGT by at least 40%.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the C4D Regional Advisor (Second decade of life and Digital/Technology platforms) or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Programme Coordinator will:

• Coordinate the implementation of the South Asia component of the “Scaling-up Internet of Good Things for Social and Behaviour Change in Eastern and Southern Africa and South Asia regions” initiative. • Support the development and management of tools to monitor the implementation of the initiative in SA countries and ensure quality and timely delivery of the countries’ plans. • Support SA countries to adjust their implementation plans, as required. • Support the documentation of lessons learnt and the development of other knowledge products generated through the initiative; and widely disseminate them. • Support knowledge and good practices exchanges between countries involved in the cross-regional initiative. • Under the guidance of HQ and ESARO IoGT focal points, support capacity building and technical guidance to countries involved in the cross-regional initiative.
• Contribute to the development of regional guidance to roll out and scale up IoGT. • Collect and compile information from countries to ensure timely and quality reporting on the cross-regional initiative as per reporting requirements. • Support the coordination of meetings with HQ and South Asia to ensure optimum implementation of the cross-regional initiative.
• 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.

• Professionalism: • Integrity: • Teamwork and respect for diversity: • Commitment to continuous learning: • Planning and organizing: • Communication: ; • Flexibility: • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

Required Degree Level: Master's degree Required Experience: 5 years

a) Education, qualifications, skills, experience, areas of expertise

• Advanced higher degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant area, e.g. Social Sciences, Behavioural Science, Public Administration, Development Planning and Management, Business Administration; a first-level university degree or equivalent in combination with relevant training and/or professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree; • At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and/or international level in the management and monitoring of development projects related to Social and Behaviour Change and the use of Digital/Technology based platforms. Experience in the coordination of multi-country projects in developing countries is required. Experience with UNICEF in South Asia is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge • 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; • Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills; • Experience of managing multi-faceted projects operating between several level of implementation (Global, regional, country level), preparing and managing project timelines and plans. • Experience of strategic planning and monitoring financial resources; • Ability to demonstrate drive, initiative and be pro-active. Demonstrate strong attention to detail and to problem solve; • 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; • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in promoting children’ rights to survival, protection and development, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The post is based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most of the assignment will be done from Kathmandu with potentially missions to select countries in South Asia.

The Kingdom of Nepal is nestled in South Asia between India and the Tibetan region of China. Its stunning views of the Himalayan range attract people from around the world, particularly to locally-called “Sagarmantha” or Mount Everest. Nepal can be divided into four distinct regions. From north to south they are: (a) the Himalayan range with an altitude of over 5,000 m including Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali), 8,848 m; (b) the hills at an altitude of 500 to 5,000 mt. with long terraced slopes leading to fertile valleys such as Kathmandu and Pokhara; (c) the Inner Terrai with its low river valleys; and (d) the fertile Outer Terai between 180 and 350m. The Himalayan range accounts for a third of the total land area whereas the Hills and the Terai occupy roughly 45 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.Nepal moved from a monarchy to a parliamentary democracy in 1951. The country was strife with civil war in the 1990s and early 2000s and ultimately replaced the world’s last Hindu monarchy with a secular government in 2008. The 2018 new constitution shifted powers from the centralized parliament in Kathmandu to its seven provinces as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The Nepalese people, also referred Nepali, are a diverse mix of over 125 ethnic groups with almost as many languages between them. They are deeply spiritual, and the practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and other indigenous and folk religions have left their mark on their customs and festivals.

Nepal has four distinct seasons that vary according to its region. Spring is warm with rain showers and temperatures around 22°C, lasting from March to May. Summer is the monsoon season and lasts from June to August/September, with temperatures in the low 30’s°C in the day and about 20°C at night. Rain is rare and scattered outside of this season. Autumn is the season that attracts most tourists interested in trekking. September to November is cool with clear skies with average daily temperatures of 25°C and cool nights as low as 10°C. The winter months of December to February get cold and may have sub-zero °C temperatures; although maximum temperatures can rise to 20°C. The climate in Kathmandu is agreeable and people eat outside most of the year.

Nepal, including Kathmandu is generally safe, including for families and solo female travelers. Crime is low; however petty-theft is a risk like anywhere. The Nepalese are known for being friendly and helpful towards foreign travelers. While it is generally fine to walk at night, be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution when doing so, especially in urban areas.