Programme Officer

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response Programme & Policy

Overview

Support UNICEF's humanitarian programs in Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile, Sudan.

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) is an asset
• Ability to write and speak English. A local language is an asset.
• Strong understanding of Nuba and its people, and of the humanitarian context in both areas.
• Humanitarian experience working in complex/insecure contexts and in a relevant technical field: WASH, Health & Nutrition, Child Protection or Education.
• 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.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• 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 the current Sudan context.

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.

This UNV assignment is to support UNICEF’s work in the Nuba Mountains area of South Kordofan and in parts of the Blue Nile (2 Areas), Sudan which is characterized by a complex interplay of historical grievances, political aspirations, and socio-economic challenges. The area is under the control of non-state actors with established governance systems that oversee access to the areas, local resources and facilitate the approvals of humanitarian aid activities. The April 15th 2023 war in Sudan has worsened the humanitarian situation in the area; movement of people and flow of goods has become more restricted.

The humanitarian situation in the 2 Areas is critical, with ongoing conflict exacerbating vulnerabilities. Immediate and sustained humanitarian assistance is necessary to address food insecurity, health/nutrition needs and protection concerns. Collaborative efforts between local authorities, NGOs, international organizations, and United Nations Agencies are essential to improve the situation for affected populations.

UNICEF in partnership with international and national NGOs is supporting Health, Nutrition, Education, WASH and Child Protection Programmes in both areas. The programmatic activities are a mix of emergency response – for example cholera and other disease outbreaks, severe and acute malnutrition, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, among others as well as development programming on education provision, child protection, and cohesion.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Emergency Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the focus of work of the UN Volunteer Programme Officer is as follows:

• Programme Support: Providing field level technical support to partners working on UNICEF’s key areas of intervention: WASH, Health and Nutrition, Child Protection, Education and Social & behavioral Change. • Emergency Response: Participating in assessments to identify needs and gaps that will inform UNICEF’s priorities. As well as providing expertise for the development of emergency response planning during humanitarian crises. • Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of UNICEF’s sectoral interventions to ensure they meet objectives and improve outcomes for children. • Reporting: Contributing to the preparation of periodic progress reports, briefings, and other documentation as required. • Collaboration and Coordination: Working with other UN agencies, key local stakeholders, NGOs, and community organizations to coordinate efforts and maximize impact. • Capacity Building: Support the capacity building of local partners as part of UNICEF’s commitment to a localization strategy. • Data Management: Supporting the collection and analysis of field data in coordination with the field-based Programme Coordinator to support evidence-based programming. Prepare and present findings to key local stakeholders and partners. • Resource Mobilization: Providing input to funding proposals as requested, by providing contextual updates and understanding of changing programmatic priorities in the field. Attending donor coordination meetings. • Community Engagement: Facilitating community consultation as part of design and implementation/monitoring of programmes to ensure cultural relevance and sustainability as well as facilitate community awareness of UNICEF-supported interventions. • Other: Undertaking regular travel to the field, and support with additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor in relation to humanitarian activities

• Integrity: Upholds UN and UNICEF ethical standards; acts with transparency and fairness; resists undue influence and promotes accountability. • Teamwork & Diversity: Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work harmoniously in multicultural environments; promotes inclusion, respect for diversity, and gender equality. • Continuous Learning: Demonstrates initiative and adaptability; committed to acquiring new skills and staying updated with evolving practices. • Planning & Organizing: Skilled in prioritizing, coordinating, and managing multiple tasks efficiently under pressure. • Communication: Clear and effective communicator in English; strong reporting, presentation, and interpersonal abilities across diverse audiences. • Flexibility: Adaptable to challenging conditions and willing to travel or relocate as operationally required. • Commitment to UNICEF Values: Dedicated to UNICEF’s mission and guided by principles of solidarity, compassion, and service.

• Ability to write and speak English. A local language is an asset. • Strong understanding of Nuba and its people, and of the humanitarian context in both areas. • Humanitarian experience working in complex/ insecure contexts and in a relevant technical field: WASH, Health & Nutrition, Child Protection or Education. • 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. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • 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 the current Sudan context.

There is no mobile phone network in Nuba, internet is available only in offices of organizations and authorities. ‘City electricity’ does not exist, low level solar capacity is procured by organizations or businesses – some HHs have solar lights, but most have none. There is no centralized water provision. There is no banking facility available, the economy is cash-based. The market availability of even basic goods is extremely limited. Local field hospitals are available which offer basic medical care which can also be impacted at times, by lack of supplies.

Accommodation is largely in traditional huts. The duty station offers a unique and challenging experience for candidates who are resilient, have a mature level of cultural awareness, are conflict-sensitive and a commitment to delivering benefits to a diverse population with complex needs and priorities. Physical hardship and potentially hazardous living conditions typify the duty station.

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Potential interview questions

Added 6 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: unv.org