Social and Economic Recovery Specialist

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.

IOM has been nominated by WHO as the focal point for regional and national preparedness and response along mobility continuum in main points of entry (POEs). In this regard and working in close coordination with WHO, IOM seeks to support the government of Zimbabwe in the following critical areas:

• Strengthening Points of Entry (POEs) including active surveillance at the (Beitbridge, Chirundu, Plumtree and Mutare);
• Analysis of mobility trends; Population Mobility Mapping and flow monitoring to identify space of vulnerability and risk to inform preparedness and response;
• Capacity building (training) of border health staff including migration officers in collaboration with IOM’s Integrated Border Management team (including SOPs, IPC);
• Screening at IOM health facilities preparing refugees for resettlement and activation of SOPs for refugee resettlement programme at Migration Health Assessment Centres;
• Strengthen prevention activities through Risk Communication and Community Engagement including handwashing at the POE and tailored messaging for migrants, travellers and migration affected communities;
• Border infrastructure, Logistics/procurement and health system strengthening along the vulnerable corridor including referral system;
• Strengthening cross-border coordination road maps;
• Mainstreaming gender equality and women’s empowerment for inclusion for economic development in COVID-19 Response.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Mission (COM) in Zimbabwe and the direct supervision of the Head of Programmes, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Assist in identifying and mapping relevant stakeholders and develop potential partnership and collaboration forums and strategies to help in the context of economic recovery of migrants;
• Support in the compilation, reviewing and documenting national, regional and international instruments, policies and strategies relevant for migrants’ protection and rights;
• Assist the Migration and Development Unit to work closely with national and international civil society organizations/NGOs and report on their activities and provide data to update the Migration, Governance and Management in Zimbabwe information;
• Support the preparation and facilitation of workshops/training activities organized by the office and prepare reports on activities;
• Assist the planning, organizing, agenda setting and documenting of cross-border coordination forums that IOM conducts with relevant government counterparts, development and humanitarian partners;
• Contribute to the preparation of the weekly, monthly and final reports of the projects under the Migration and Development portfolio;
• Support the collection, preparation and dissemination of case stories, best practices and success stories to promote visibility of the Organization’s activities;

• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

• Accountability

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Client Orientation
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Empowering Others
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Judgement and Decision-making
• Knowledge Sharing
• Leadership
• Planning and Organizing
• Respect for Diversity
• Technological Awareness

• Working in Teams

• Interest and/or experience (ideally one year) in governance and institutional development;

• Good research and analytical skills;
• Good written and oral communication in English;
• Strong interpersonal and ability to working in a multi-cultural setting;
• Confirmed interest in migration issues (prior experience working with migration-related affairs will be considered an advantage);
• Knowledge of recent global migration trends and development in Sub-Saharan Africa will be considered an advantage;
• Computer/software literate (knowledge in Microsoft Office is mandatory);
• Cultural and gender awareness;
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (e.g. studies abroad, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded).

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa, lying between latitudes 15° and 23°S, and longitudes 25° and 34°E. Most of the country is elevated in the central plateau (high veld) stretching from the southwest to the northwest at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,600 m. About 20% of the country consists of the low veld under 900m. The country has a tropical climate with a rainy season that usually lasts from late October to March. The climate is moderated by the altitude. Zimbabwe is faced with recurring droughts and floods. The rainy season covers October to March, and by April and May most of the rain is gone, leaving a verdant setting, which starts to dry out. The nights in June, July and August are cooler (winter season) and into September and October the temperatures rise once again, with November being considered an unpredictable month (it can be hot and dry, or it can also see the season’s first rainfalls).

Zimbabwe has 16 official languages, with English, Shona and Ndebele being the most widely spoken languages in the country. Approximately 70% of the population speaks Shona as their first language and around 20% Ndebele. All official languages are acceptable in education, government, etc. but English is traditionally used for official business and it serves as a common language for most Zimbabweans.

The country is reasonably safe, with a moderate level of crime (UNDSS security level 2). Mugging, pick pocketing and jewelry theft can eventually happen in city centres, especially after dark. Street lighting can be poor. There have been occasional armed robberies but it is not a common practice.

Zimbabwe’s economic situation remains unpredictable. Whilst the primary legal tender in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL), it is currently possible for tourists to transact using the US Dollar at the official exchange rate. The exchange rate is currently unpredictable. Prices and transactions will mainly be in Zimbabwean dollars but US dollars are widely accepted. Some businesses, including some medical providers, may not accept payment by credit or debit card. The country is currently experiencing a shortage of cash. Cash withdrawals can be made at some ATMs and bank branches with an international bank card, but availability cannot always be guaranteed. Credit and debit cards are increasingly being used for transactions, but the charges can be very high. There are also some challenges with international transfers from outside of Zimbabwe. Small denominations are rarely available and small change is a problem.

Almost all essential goods are available in the capital Harare and less in other parts of the country. Note that the voltage for appliances is 220 volts with square pin/plug. Plugs are mainly square 3-pin (Type G), however some houses have the round 3-pin plugs (Type D). Adapters are available in the markets.

Both furnished and unfurnished properties can be found in Harare. House rentals and prices differ depending on size and location. The main recommended residential neighborhoods in Harare are Avondale, Chisipite, Highlands, Borrowdale and Mount Pleasant. Before renting a place, it is important to ensure that the property has a prolific borehole with a water tank in place, as there is shortage of water throughout the year. There are also lots of short-term accommodation options which vary in price range and standard (UNDSS can recommend a list of temporary accommodation facilities (hotels and lodges) which can be used while in Zimbabwe. Most guest houses and hotels have an internet service that is either included in the room or may be accessed through the payment of a fee.

Road conditions within Harare are generally good on the main roads, although on some roads you might encounter some potholes. Driving conditions are not difficult but can be frustrating during rush hours, especially in the central business district. Extra care should be taken after dark because some roads do not have street lights.