General

Description of assignment title

Innovative Financing Associate

Assignment country

Indonesia

Expected start date

15/11/2023

Sustainable Development Goal

17. Partnerships for the goals

Volunteer category

International UN Youth Volunteer

Host entity

UNICEF Indonesia

Type

Onsite

Expected end date

15/05/2024

Number of assignments

1

Duty stations

Banda Aceh

Details

Mission and objectives

UNICEF works to help the children of Indonesia reach their full potential. We assist our partners to monitor and measure progress against these rights via the child-focused Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable children. Our programme interventions are rights-based, cut across different sectors, respond to the specific needs of girls and boys and address the vulnerabilities and strengths of children in their first and second decades of life. UNICEF has a strong on-the-ground presence in Indonesia, with seven regional and sub-regional offices. These are primarily in areas with the greatest disparities and service gaps. They complement our high-level policy and programme advice with practical support for planning, financing and service delivery, especially to advocate for quality, equity and sustainability. Indonesia has the world’s fourth largest child population. UNICEF’s presence in the country means we have the potential to impact more than 80 million children. We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to ensuring that children and adolescents – the building blocks of Indonesia’s future – have an equal chance in life.

Context

The National Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020-2024 reflects the Government of Indonesia’s (GOI) strong commitment to achieving the SDGs while making a significant shift towards low-carbon economic transformation and intensifying efforts to address underfunded sectors such as sanitation and developing the blue economy. Despite the many advances pre-COVID-19, a GOI study1 indicated that an estimated USD 4.7 trillion of funding is required to achieve the SDGs, of which an estimated 58% is to be mobilised from non-government sources.2 The COVID-19 pandemic has left the country with a fiscal deficit of USD 68bn (Rp 956.3 Trillion) or 6.09% of GDP) as of December 2020 which has exacerbated the SDG financing gap.3 Seizing the financing opportunity through innovative non-traditional sources is an imperative addition to optimizing the state income and to improving the quality of spending.4 UNICEF Indonesia Country Office has extensive experience of working with Islamic Financial Institutions at national and sub-national levels to address children’s needs in Indonesia. For example, at the national level, UNICEF has enjoyed a long partnership with MUI (Majelis Ulama Indonesia) through supporting the issuance of a Fatwa (Islamic Sharia legal ruling) that recognizes the importance of having good WASH facilities and practices for Indonesia’s development. UNICEF Indonesia have been continuing the support to strengthen the capacity of Islamic Financial Institutions, including Baitul Mal Aceh, in planning, budgeting, and programming for programmes benefiting children

Task description

Under the general supervision of the Social Policy Specialist (Public Finance and Innovative Finance) and the guidance of the Chief Field Office Aceh of UNICEF Indonesia Country Office, the UNV Innovative Financing Associate will provide direct support in planning and implementation of the Islamic Finance Programme on leveraging Islamic Finance towards social investments in Aceh. The UNV Innovative Financing Associate will be responsible for contributing to subnational programme implementation efforts through working together with UNICEF FO Aceh teams, subnational governments, and implementing partners. The UN Volunteer as part of the team will undertake the following tasks: Supports the technical assistance to Baitul Mal Aceh in improving donor expansion (number of muzakki) and beneficiaries targeting, and to include children in their programmes. Supports the documentation of all best practices on how ZISWAF funds improve child well-being in Aceh. This involves conducting desk research, collecting data, and documenting successful case studies that demonstrate the positive impact of ZISWAF funds on child welfare and development. Supports and advocates for expanding the sources of Islamic finance through synergy between Baitul Mal Aceh and other Islamic institutions in Aceh, such as Badan Harta Agama, Lazismu, and Gampong devident. This collaboration aims to leverage more funding for child-focused programmes and initiatives, promoting sustainable financing for child welfare. Assists in monitoring and generating analytical inputs and policy research products on Islamic financing to support the implementation of the Joint SDG Fund in Aceh. Supports UNICEF on innovative financing, specifically providing inputs to the implementation of the Islamic Finance Programme. This involves contributing expertise, knowledge, and recommendations on innovative financing mechanisms and strategies that can enhance the effectiveness of UNICEF’s programmes and initiatives. Assists in providing joined-up technical support to subnational needs in collaboration with other UN partners, subnational governments, and implementing partners in Aceh. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions on innovative financing issues, as well as developing action plans to manage change and improve coordination among stakeholders. Supports the development of strategic relationships with external stakeholders and implementing partners in the implementation of the Islamic Finance Programme. This involves networking, building partnerships, and fostering collaboration with relevant organizations and institutions to enhance the impact and reach of Islamic finance initiatives for child-focused programmes.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 26

Additional eligibility criteria

This assignment is funded by the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia and only nationals of that country are eligible to apply. You may apply to a maximum of three assignments and indicate the order of preference in the ‘Additional remarks’ field when filling in the application form. The deadline for applications is 14 September 2023.

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Donor priorities

.

Requirements

Required experience

1 years of experience in (minimum three months) in Economics and Finance Work experience in the same area as abovementioned at international level is an asset, in implementing development financing programmes. Experience of working in the government, UN or other international development organizations is an asset. Excellent oral and written skills in English; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. Excellent oral and written skills. 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. Accuracy and professionalism in programme management and reporting. Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment. Capacity to function effectively in a multicultural team of international and national staff. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in a variety of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management and competency in quantitative data processing; and office technology equipment. Self-motivated, ability to work with minimal oversight; ability to work with tight deadlines. Sound security awareness. Have affinity along with or interest in children and youth development, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e., studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Area(s) of expertise

Community development, Social work

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in ​Public Policy, Economics, Finance, Islamic Economics, Islamic Finance, or related fields.

Competencies and values

​​☒​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 ​​☒​Managing Performance ​​☒​Planning and Organizing ​​☒​Professionalism ​​☒​Respect for Diversity ​​☒​Self-Management ​​☒​Technological Awareness ​​☒​Vision ​​☒​Working in Teams

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The position will be based in Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia, where basic living needs, including accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities, and telecommunications/internet services are readily available. All staple foods can be found in the markets, e.g.: rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil, salt, etc. Many imported goods are available in Aceh and other places throughout Indonesia. Aceh has many good restaurants with good health standards and most guesthouses provide food. In Indonesia, the most used means of transportation are a taxi or local bus. A mobile phone is the most dependable tool to be in touch with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available and affordable at most apartment complexes. ATMs are everywhere in Banda Aceh. Aceh is a province located on the northern tip of Sumatra Island in Indonesia, with a population of approximately 5.3 million people. It is known for its dense tropical rainforests, rubber, palm oil, and coconut plantations, and farms with cocoa trees. Aceh is regarded as the most devoutly Muslim area in Indonesia, and it is the closest part of Indonesia to Mecca and the Middle East. The province has a rich cultural heritage and is known as the “Verandah of Mecca” because it is where Islam first took hold in the vast archipelago centuries ago. Aceh is governed as a special territory, an administrative designation intended to give the area increased independence from the central government in Jakarta. The capital and largest city in Aceh is Banda Aceh, located on the western coast near the northern tip of Sumatra. Aceh has poverty rates higher than the national average and implemented Sharia law. Aceh possesses substantial natural resources, including oil and natural gas, and is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

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.