Research Specialist (UNV)

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.

UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2019-2023) is aligned with the Government of Malawi’s Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS III) and the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). The programme supports the Government of Malawi to meet its commitment to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights in line with international conventions and standards. The country programme is guided by the principles of children’s rights, equity, gender equality, inclusion and resilience, and supports evidence-based, integrative and innovative programming. The vision is that ‘all girls and boys in Malawi, especially the most disadvantaged and deprived, realize their rights’. The programme focuses on early childhood (parenting, high-impact social services, early stimulation and learning), middle childhood and adolescence (learning, multi-sectoral services, active citizenship), communities (decentralized services and systems, community ownership, social norms), programme effectiveness (monitoring, evaluation, HACT, Innovation, Social Protection and Social Policy and External Communication. The programme is based on ‘leaving no child behind’, realizing ‘rights for all children in Malawi’.

The Research Specialist reports to the Chief of Research and Evaluation and Knowledge Management (REKM) Section. Under the guidance and supervision of Chief of REKM, the Research Specialist will assist in all research related work within the country office and provide support for review, quality assurance, progress and use of all key research and studies being undertaken by MCO and captured in Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (IMEP) and REKM’s workplan in accordance with UNICEF standards on research.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Chief of Research, Evaluation and Knowledge Management, the UN Volunteer, Research Specialist will perform the following tasks:

Assist in coordinating and establishing the major research objectives, priorities, and activities in UNICEF Plan for Research, Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation (PRIME), in consultation with all programmes and relevant partners.

Provide support in tracking status of research activities in the Evidence Information System Integration ( EISI), information collection and analysis, writing progress reports and communication material, and support training and capacity-building sessions on research at national and sub-national level with special attention to quality, ethics and timelines of deliverables.

Support in coordination with all programmes, assisting in tracking and quality assurance of deliverables committed in IMEP/REKM workplan by closely working with programme sections and partners.

Assist programmes to formulate and review Terms of Reference and research designs ensuring high quality in compliance with the UNICEF quality standards and guidelines.

Assist in conducting and managing high quality research with ethical standards meeting UNICEF quality assurance for research and establishing platforms that could strengthen quality and compliance to ethical standards.

Support the collection of information on issues and indicators relevant to UNICEF programmes, Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) and other key social development indicators (through document review and web searches), when required by UNICEF programmes.

Assist in coordination of activities contributing to preparation/updating of data and information on child rights and deprivations, specifically on child poverty and emergencies, providing accurate analysis of country level socio-political-economic trends and their implications for ongoing programmes and projects.

Assist in preparation of technical guidance notes, workflows and other documentation to strengthen the research function, as required.

Provide support in ensuring that current and accurate data and results are included in relevant UNICEF annual and other reports, Result Assessment Module (RAM) reports, UN, regional or multi-country studies, and knowledge sharing networks.

Support coordination with MCO and other UN agencies and public sector organizations to facilitate UNICEF programmes work on SDGs for children.

Assist work with the One UN to maximize synergy in the areas of evidence and provide support in coordination work on Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for SDGs, as required.

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, where needed.

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.

Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behavior; resists pressure in decision-making from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority.

Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the wider UN system; demonstrates the values of UNICEF in daily activities and behaviors; seeks out new challenges, assignments and responsibilities; promotes UNICEF’s cause.

Communication: Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; presents information with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well-structured and logical way.

Working with people: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well.

Drive for results: Sets high standards for quality of work; monitors and maintains quality of work; works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; focuses on the needs and satisfaction of internal and external partners; accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm.

the field of research and/or evaluations in the development sector.

Sound knowledge of research methodologies and quality standards.

Demonstrated experience in working with multiple stakeholders across government and civil society in the areas of research and evaluation.

Good coordination and negotiating skills, project management and time management skills.

Ability to engage stake holders under UNICEF mandate at higher levels.

Ability to guide, develop and provide training in research related workshops.

Ability to correctly and promptly identify problems, develop solutions and resolve issues.

Takes responsibility to respond to service needs promptly and proactively.

Demonstrates a high degree of integrity, reliability and honors matters of confidentiality.

Ability to handle work quickly and accurately under time constraints.

Demonstrates courtesy, tact, patience and ability to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

Excellent communication 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.

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.

Malawi is a unique country and Lilongwe is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. The successful candidate will be supported with a cost-of-living volunteer living allowance (VLA) payable monthly. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.