UNV Programme Officer (Local Governance) - Zahle

UN Entity: UNICEF

Assignment Context:
This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF’s project/flagship programming initiative. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Under the supervision of the Chief Field Office (CFO)in Zahle Lebanon field office, provide professional technical assistance and support for programme design, planning and implementation, management and evaluation of programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, in support of achievement of programme goals and objectives.

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.

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.

Task description:
Under the supervision of the Chief Field Office (CFO) in Zahle Lebanon field office, the UN Volunteer will be performing the below duties:
• Sensitization and capacity support: dialogues, sensitize, and capacitate the selected municipalities, unions and governors on local governance, child wellbeing and rights, social accountability, disaster risk reduction, multidimensional vulnerabilities, challenges as well as opportunities and initiatives at local level to deal with them in Bekaa and Baalback el Hermel Governorates.
• Concept notes and terms of reference: support in developing notes and TORs for local systems strengthening, DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction)/ DRM (Disaster Risk Management) capacity building, and other relevant localization initiatives at municipality and/or governorate level.
• Local data and evidence: support the identification and update of children related findings on issues and priorities in the municipal level through local data generated in coordination with UNICEF planning, monitoring, and evaluation (PME), sections, and other agencies/partners (e.g., municipal snapshots, neighbourhood profiling, surveys and studies), workshops, community consultations, etc.
• Local policies, plans, and budgets: support the process of developing child-friendly local plans and programmes with the priority municipalities and unions in Bekaa and Baalback el Hermel, with the support of UNICEF sections to enhance children’s access to services.
• Programme quality and relevance: closely work with UNICEF programme officers in Zahle Field Office and CFO to align implementing partners’ plans and activities to contribute to the local area ones of municipalities and unions. (e.g. child friendly spaces, MSCC, mental health spaces, PSEAH mechanisms, inclusion, Accountability to Affected People, Qudwa initiatives, Disaster Risk Reduction strategies and plans etc) in Bekaa and Baalback el Hermel Governorates.
• Community engagement and Participation in local decision-making: support the selected municipalities and unions in Bekaa and Baalback el Hermel Governorates to empower their communities through enhanced participation and sharing of information, including during emergencies, and establish sustainable feedback platform with technical supports from the CFO and Programme Specialist – Local Governance at Country Office and Social behavioral Change section.
• Coordination for local and area-based work: under the guidance of the CFO, collaborate with other actors and join efforts such as UNDP, UN-HABITAT, UNOPS, UNHCR, DRM, LRC, etc to maximize results and impact for children in local authorities and communities in Bekaa and Baalback el Hermel Governorates.
• Contribute to Field Operations-Local Governance efforts in evidence generation, documentations, monitoring, piloting of projects and initiatives, planning, mid and year end reviews of the field rolling workplan and provide the needed inputs for Bekaa and Baalback el Hermel Governorates.  
• Provide support to the CFO and Zahle field office programme team in the emergency preparedness and response and  information management.

Languages
Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required
English, Level: Fluent, Required
French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required Experience:
3 years of experience in local governance, localization/ and local system strengthening or other relevant programmes; experience with DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction / DRM (Disaster Risk Management) system strengthening is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Experience in working in an emergency setting including coordination and facilitation skills is highly desirable.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of context within the area.
• 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.
• Excellent teamwork capacities.
• 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.
• Sound security awareness.
• Have affinity with or interest in children’s rights and youth development volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

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.

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.

Living Conditions and other Remarks:
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Zahle, Bekaa Lebanon. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Benefits package:
• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) USD 1,606.58
• Annual and learning leaves
• Medical and life Insurance
• Free access to different learning platforms.

For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit:
https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service