Programme Associate

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.

Oman’s GDP per capita stood at US $17,227.7 at the end of 2018, placing the country in the high-income category. Oman ranks 48 on the Human Development Index, indicating very high human development. The country’s economy is highly dependent on oil and gas, which contributed 78.2 per cent of Government revenue in 2018. Thus, making the economy vulnerable to volatile oil prices.

The government translated gains from oil revenues to an impressive social welfare system and ensured universal coverage of health and education services. These achievements have been well documented and recognized globally.

Founded on a solid collaboration with the Government, UNICEF has contributed towards numerous achievements on children and women in Oman since 1971. Given the high-income status of Oman, the operational modality of UNICEF is a unique experience. The programme is of an upstream nature focused on providing support to the government in the areas of strategic policy development, institutional capacity building as well as development of state of the art models aimed at children’s development. 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 realize their full potential; 2) Making Data Work for Children: Data disaggregated by age, sex, disability, governorate and income are used effectively in planning, monitoring, policy and practice related to children and the Sustainable Development Goals.

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

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Social Policy Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Associate will support the implementation of programme activities in the priority outcome areas, working closely with partners from the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Social Development (MOSD), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY), Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Tawazun Initiative and the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

To achieve programme objectives, the UNV Programme Associate will also liaise closely with the Partnerships & Communication Team as well as the Operations Team. The Programme Associate will report to the Social Policy Manager.

Key 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 coordination 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 and Arabic;

2. Overall Support

● Draft correspondence (in English and Arabic) 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.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

• At least 3 year of relevant professional work experience; • Reasonable knowledge of Government of Oman laws, policies and programmes addressing children’s rights; • Knowledge of UNICEF’s mandate is considered an asset; • Excellent, organizational, communication and writing skills; • Ability to work in a multicultural environment is essential; • Sound knowledge of Omani culture, traditions and communication protocols; • Fluent in English and Arabic.

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.