UNV Specialist in Early Childhood Development

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Thursday 15 Sep 2022 at 00:00 UTC

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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.

In Madagascar, close to 2 million under-five children (42%) are stunted while only 37% of children will be as productive as they should once they grow up if they enjoy complete education and full health. This impacts greatly the economic development of the country and the progress toward the Sustainable Development Goal. Early Childhood Development (ECD) is essential to child development during the window of opportunities present from conception up to two years old. If chronic malnutrition is not prevented during this period, the child’s development potential is permanently compromised. The MICS 2018 the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) shows that only 67% of children under five are developmentally on track in Madagascar.

There is a need to support the national Government in the development of the national ECD strategy and a National multisectoral Early Childhood Development action/implementation plan and ensure the integration of ECD activities into ongoing nutrition interventions. UNICEF is looking for an International UNV who could contribute to these efforts by supporting the government in this process.

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist supports the development and preparation of the nutrition programme and is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the programme progress of a sector of the nutrition programme within the country programme.

The Nutrition Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results in ECD programme/projects.

The Nutrition Specialist will focus specifically, but not exclusively, on the finalization of the National ECD strategy and the development of the National multisectoral Early Childhood Development action/implementation plan as well as national and decentralized capacity strengthening in ECD. This is carried out according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology, as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework.

The Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist will undertake the following tasks :

Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities/competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results. Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management. Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals. Actively monitor programmes and projects through field visits, data analysis and/or exchange of information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress. Identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and take timely and result-based decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution. Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations, procedures, donor commitments, and standards of accountability. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources. Prepare regular and mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress. Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.

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; 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.

Results/expected outputs:

Build and sustain effective working partnerships with the Ministry of Population, the National Office of Nutrition, the Ministry of Health through its Nutrition Service and their decentralized services to:

Finalize the national ECD strategy Develop the National multisectoral Early Childhood Development action/implementation plan Provide technical support to the implementation of the ECD interventions through a system strengthening approach Identify sectoral ECD programmes elements which can be prepared as draft articles for peer-reviewed journals, case studies for publication in non-peer reviewed journals (UNICEF field notes, ENN, etc.), joint UN nutrition initiatives, integrated programming involving nutrition, etc. Prepare advocacy, communication, and information materials to raise awareness on ECD Support the nutrition section to steer and coordinate UNICEF programme sections engagement into ECD Provide technical support to implementation of ECD activities supported by UNICEF (in Analanjirofo and South Madagascar) and complete documentation Participate to field visits, especially in UNICEF supported regions Draft, review and finalize human-interest stories, articles, press releases, and other advocacy/information materials on early childhood development Support literature review, including published reports and articles and unpublished nutrition reports Provide a final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed. Capacity development through mentoring, monitoring and continuous training, working (including supervision) with national staff or counterparts of the counterpart (governmental or non-governmental, including implementing partners). The age, gender and diversity (AGD) perspective is applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment A report of achievements in the area of volunteering for peace and development during the assignment, such as the number of volunteers mobilized, participation in activities and contribution to capacity development

Diversity and inclusion: Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible. Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behaviour; 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 behaviours; 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

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Experience in management, development and revision of national policies and norms related to ECD Through knowledge and understanding the Nurturing Care Framework and the Essential Nutrition Actions as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) Experience in adapting and integrating ECD and nutrition multisectoral interventions Experience in training of trainers and training of health staff (medical and para-medical) and key actors from other nutrition related sector on the ECD and MIYCN counselling package developed by UNICEF in collaboration with WHO Experience in Social behavior change strategy (SBC) Fluency in French is required (mandatory). Knowledge of Malagasy, English or another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNICEF with professionalism, dedication and client orientation, and who must be willing both to work on programmatic/substantive aspects and to provide operational/logistical services. The following qualifications are required:

Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members and authorities at different levels; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Excellent ability to quickly grasp and synthesize inputs; 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; Desirable: experience with project development and management, monitoring and evaluation, human rights-based approaches, capacity development approaches, are all assets

With its specific architecture and its maze of small streets, Antananarivo, commonly called Tana, is the dynamic capital of Madagascar. It reflects hundred years of history as the heart of the Merina kingdom and offers a window on the country diversity. Tana is a place to discover food and new taste with an accessibility to a mix of different cuisine such as Malagasy, French, Indian, Lebanese, Chinese, using astonishing aborigines' spices. Weekend can be used for shopping. The more adventurous can find interest in different hiking opportunities around Tana to admire the beauty of the city's surroundings or lemur observation in national parks. Long breaks can be used to access to coral diving or simply to relax on the beach. Summer generally runs from November to April. During this time, temperatures are fairly high, with an average of between 21°C / 70°F and 27°C / 81°F. In Antananarivo, summertime temperatures have been known to reach a record high of 35°C / 95°F. This time of year, also sees a fair amount of rain. From January to March, there's a greater risk of tropical cyclones. These strong winds tend to cause the most damage in coastal areas… Winter (June to August) tends to be quite cool ranging from 10C to 20C and a bit colder in the highlands so it advised to carry warm clothing in your luggage's. Madagascar is classified as a Duty Station B with a context welcoming families. Specific areas of the capital are recommended for housings based on security risk. Prudence is requested in public areas as petty theft is common day and night due to the chronic prevalence high poverty of the population. The use of common sense is required on beaches, in bars and at all times in any public areas to prevent unwelcome outcomes. Different types of long-term accommodation are available in Antananarivo: standalone houses, houses in gated compounds, apartments. These could be furnished and/or fully serviced, or unfurnished. Realtor agencies and mouth-to-mouth recommendations is habitually used to explore the different options. Concierge, maid, nanny, cook, driver, security services can be procured by formal and informal ways. In most housing settings, it is required to procure yourself the desired television bouquet as well as the type of internet. High speed optic fiber internet is available with different providers. Most of international staff’s children attend international schools (French, American, British, and other) with an academic system that is widely recognized abroad. International schools often include a kindergarten and pre-school classes for younger kids. It is advisable to ask your embassy in Antananarivo or office colleagues which schools your compatriots prefer for their kids. As per UN rules, it is required to not participate in political movements. The application of an ethical behavior is required at all time and harassment of any kind is forbidden.

Supervision, induction, and duty of care of UN Volunteers

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations; Leave management;

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org