Programme Officer (Climate Change and Clean Air), NO-1, Belgrade, Serbia

Contract

This is a NO-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-1 contracts.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

Climate change, environmental protection and air pollution are equity issues, with children and young people often being the most vulnerable and affected. Addressing these issues is vital for building a more sustainable future for children. In Serbia, air pollution is a very serious problem during long winters due to the burning of unclean fuels to stay warm, and due to other sources of air pollution. It is an unprecedented maternal and child health crisis with many immediate and long-term consequences. Impacts include but are not limited to preterm birth, low birthweight, fetal death, impaired brain and lung development, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, and cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological problems later on in life.

The Climate Change and Clean Air Officer will provide professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process through the application of theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analysing and presenting technical programme information and learning organizational rules, regulations and procedures, to support the development, formulation and implementation of the climate change, environmental protection and clean air programmes/projects within the Serbia Country Programme. This includes the provision of programmatic and policy guidance and technical assistance to address the risks to children across sectors, developing partnerships, engaging with children and youth, conducting analysis and advocacy, and capturing, developing and disseminating knowledge products and information.

Key functions and accountabilities:

1. Providing support to programme development and planning by doing research and analyses of relevant trends and facilitating the establishment of climate change and clean air programme goals, objectives and strategies;
2. Ensuring programme management, monitoring and delivery of results by developing detailed programme implementation plans in line with donor grant conditions, working closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners, and participating in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual programme reviews with government and other counterparts;
3. Providing technical and operational support to programme implementation through field visits and surveys and reporting on critical issues, as well as supporting the development of communication and behaviour change materials and national campaign on air pollution;
4. Building and sustaining effective close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders, including other UN agencies;
5. Participating in innovation, knowledge management and capacity building initiatives to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• A university degree in one of the following fields: Environmental Sciences, Social Sciences, International Development, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy or other relevant disciplines.
• A minimum of one year of relevant work experience in areas related to children’s rights, environmental issues, international development, children’s health, and/or climate change and sustainable energy.
• Knowledge on environmental issues related to air pollution and climate change impacts.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting or facilitating participatory monitoring, evaluation and learning initiatives.
• Proven capacity to work with cross-functional teams in collating, managing, sharing knowledge and learning.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, advocacy and presentational skills.
• A high level of ethical awareness and integrity.
• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively.
• A result-driven attitude with the ability to manage ambiguity.
• Fluency in both English and Serbian.
• Experience in working within UNICEF or other UN/international entities and/or familiarity with the work of UNICEF is an asset.

Important notes:

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability.

*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 discrimin**ation. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.*