General

Description of assignment title: Programme Coordinator

Assignment country: Grenada

Expected start date: 09/25/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 4. Quality education

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Expert

Host entity: UNICEF Grenada

Type: Onsite

Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: St. George’s

Details

Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does – in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, and thrive, so that they develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. Every child must have an equal chance in life – in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions – and for her or his rights to be protected. The evidence is clear that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens – and by addressing inequity – will not only give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also leads to the sustained growth and stability of countries. As such, the focus on equity is vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. UNICEF works with governments and other partners to ensure that all countries fulfil the commitments they made at the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, that every child can grow and develop to reach their full potential without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Context

The Governments/UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean (ECA) multi-country programme covers 12 countries and territories: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos Islands. To improve country presence and programme support at the national level, the UNV Programme Coordinator will support Government/UNICEF country programme and contribute to the coordination with authorities and partners, to position children’s rights. Under the guidance of the supervisor, the UNV will advise and guide overall technical, managerial and operational support and be accountable for planning, design, implementation and administration of programmes and specific projects, focused on achievement of UNICEF’s Priorities under the UN Joint Country Implementation Plan in close cooperation with the UN Resident Coordinators Office (RCO) and their National Coordinators, present in selected countries of the ECA. The emphasis is on increased demand for and delivery of integrated and inclusive services through a focus on four key windows of opportunity in (i) Education, (ii) Child Protection, (iii) Social Protection, and (iv) Climate Action and Resilience, supported by three cross-cutting programme components: recovery from COVID-19; (mental health and well-being; and disaster risk reduction (DRR), with gender transformative programming across all areas.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief, Inclusive Education Section or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Coordinator, will:

•  Support programme planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting, to ensure pro-gramme performance with national partners and institutions. To include providing and sup-porting gender/sex disaggregated data and inputs relevant to country programme as integral part of programming. Support programme work plans/recommendations/reports.
•  Provide regular updates on the Situation Assessments/Analysis, identifying opportunities and provide strategic advice to UNICEF and national authorities to address advance critical programme interventions and address complex issues in support of the implementation of country level needs.
•  Coordinate with UNICEF staff to ensure that programme funds are optimally used and provide technical guidance to implementing partners for: i) the development of workplans, reporting tools and requirements, including HACT.
•  Support a joint inter-agency approach for coordinating intersectoral work in collaboration with the RCO national coordinators, focussed on achievement of UNICEF’s priorities; liaising with other UN agencies to develop joint communication and community engagement initiatives. Support the development of joint proposals/concept notes.
•  Contribute to increasing and strengthening national partnerships and financing for development opportunities in support of the UNICEF MCPD, Country Implementation Plan and joint programming initiatives.
•  Contribute to developing and maintaining partnerships and network with Government, national authorities, youth organizations, NGOs, cultural and religious organizations, the private sector, local media and academia for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme development/management/coordination, information sharing and networking to advance children’s agenda.
•  Support advancing child rights monitoring in Programmes.
•  Facilitate knowledge management, sharing, and capacity building on UNICEF programmes with partners.
•  Identify the required support and resources to strengthen national disaster risk and response efforts and mechanisms within the context of regional frameworks or programmes, including those under the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Support adequate emergency preparedness measures through the development and updating of country contingency plans and establishment of early warning mechanisms, which leads to more effective preparedness and response to specific emergencies; and supports in the coordination of emergency response. Results/expected outputs:
•  Government/UNICEF ECA’s programmes are effectively implemented with and in support of national authorities and partners, including children to maximize results for children, demonstrating results at country level context and UNICEF’s contribution towards achieving them.
•  Joint UN programmes/projects are efficiently and effectively developed, funded, implemented, monitored and reported, with UNICEF’s contributions.
•  Strengthened advocacy and communications and knowledge management at country level.
•  Increased national partnerships and financing for development opportunities in support of UNICEF’s MCPD, Country Implementation Plan and joint programming initiatives.
•  Comprehensive preparedness and coordination for disaster risk management and humanitarian response, linked to Core Commitments for Children.
•  Partnerships and networks are harnessed for promotion and leveraging of results for children; and government and stakeholders are aware and supportive of UNICEF’s mandate.
•  Best practices and results at national levels are documented and shared as knowledge management.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 35 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

15 years of experience in programme/project management, and/or related technical area; including in the following technical areas: protection, social protection, education and skills development, climate and DRR, etc.

•  Experience in coordination of various entities/sectors in programme management, joint planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
•  Experience in leading advocacy efforts, including representation, and presentation skills to a wide and diverse audience.
•  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.
•  Human Rights, Gender equality and diversity awareness
•  Synthesis of information and report writing
•  Background/familiarity with emergency is considered as an asset.
•  Knowledge about the UN is desirable.

Area(s) of expertise

Development programmes, Education

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or another relevant technical field.

Competencies and values

•  Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
•  Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
•  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
•  Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
•  Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
•  Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
•  Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
•  Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Eastern Caribbean countries and territories are characterized by notable political stability, with open and competitive democratic systems. Social indicators are relatively good among ECA countries/territories, which points to the commitment of governments to improving the quality of life of its residents. The security level in Grenada is low (2). All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UN Department of Safety and Security procedures and recommendations during their assignment. In relation to housing, different types of short and long-term accommodation are available: standalone houses, houses in gated compounds, apartments. Conditions of Service for Expert national UN Volunteers The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. Travel to duty station will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and exit allowance for satisfactory service. Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage. Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), Expertise differential, Entry / Exit lump sums, among others, are available at: https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at: https://explore.unv.org/cos.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.