AIN-EWG SWAp Liaison Support Officer

AIN-EWG SWAp Liaison support officer

Assignment country: Nepal
Expected start date: 01/03/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 4. Quality education
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNICEF
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Kathmandu

Details
Mission and objectives

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

In all of its work, UNICEF takes a life-cycle based approach, recognizing the particular importance of early childhood development and adolescence. UNICEF programmes focus on the most disadvantaged children, including those living in fragile contexts, those with disabilities, those who are affected by rapid urbanization and those affected by environmental degradation.

UNICEF was created with a distinct purpose in mind: to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future.

We promote girls’ education – ensuring that they complete primary education as a minimum – because it benefits all children, both girls and boys. Girls who are educated grow up to become better thinkers, better citizens, and better parents to their own children. We act so that all children are immunized against common childhood diseases, and are well nourished: no child should suffer or die from a preventable illness. We work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people because it is right to keep them from harm and enable them to protect others. We help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS to live their lives with dignity.

We are UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Context

The Association of International NGOs (AIN) is a network of INGOs working in the development sector of Nepal. AIN has come together to promote mutual understanding, exchange information, and share experiences for more effective collaboration and interventions. Since its formation in 1996, AIN has aimed to stay abreast of government policies, systems, strategies, and procedures. AIN Members are continually improving systems towards increased accountability, transparency, and diversity, and in the process, they are engaging & coordinating with the government and non-government development & humanitarian actors. Education Working Group (EWG) is one of the vibrant groups in AIN that has been supporting the Government of Nepal (GON) in achieving its national education goals. The main objective of the AIN EWG Support Coordinator is to provide support to the AIN’s EWG for easing its coordination, communication, and operationalization to enable EWG support to contribute to the achievement of the Nepal government’s education goals. This role is expected to provide professional service to AIN and its member organizations in the following areas though AIN EWG.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of AIN EWG Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV will carry out the following responsibilities:

BIG Three Responsibilities:

1. Working as a liaison for government engagement on education-related matters on behalf of EWG.
2. Supporting EWG as a Resource Person for internal strengthening.
3. Providing support to the government in line with AIN’s mandate, mission, and objectives.

Detailed Job Role

1. Supporting the AIN-EWG lead/co-lead in government engagement on education-related matters on behalf of EWG.

• Map and prepare briefings on Budget/Joint Review Meeting (BRM and JRM) Terms of References, Annual Strategic Implementation Plans (ASIPs)/Annual Work Plan and Budgets (AWPBs), LEDPG’s Technical Assistance (TA) framework, and other planning and policy documents, and share summaries of these documents with EWG members.
• Analyze the government of Nepal’s education policies, strategies, plans, and priorities and support lead/co-lead in communication of the analysis to EWG members.
• Dissemination of education-related legislation, policies, and regulations impacting INGOs and civil society operations.
• Assess the education policies and priorities of major donors and conveying them to EWG members priorities will be set by the EWG and all work outputs must be approved by the EWG before release/action.
• Support consolidation of comments and input when AIN-EWG is consulted on SWAp related documentation
• Support AIN EWG members in SESP thematic committee and working group meetings, mapping priorities and contributions of EWG members and communicate important updates to the EWG.
• Support the AIN-EWG in the development of a SWAp engagement strategy
• Liaise with the SESP Liaison in DACS to disseminate updates related to the SWApo during the regular AIN-EWG meetings or on specific topics as identified by the lead and co-lead
• Maintain a SWAp archive and an up to date mailing list for the AIN-EWG

2. Supporting EWG as a Resource Person for internal strengthening.

• Recording and archiving of EWG and education-related data and materials
• Provide support in developing and implementing EWG’s annual plan, reviewing progress, and informing the EWG Coordinator and Co-Coordinator about the status and potential actions to strengthen implementation.
• Support the development of an online digital database or app for the EWG to enable INGOs to showcase their coverage/working areas at local, provincial, and federal levels, and assist in the implementation of activities under GPE grants and/or against SESP Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs).
• Participate in EWG regular meetings, prepare meeting minutes including action points, and follow up on the implementation of agreed-upon actions.
• Brief the EWG Coordinator and provide support in preparing for important meetings and provide support to AIN EWG and AIN Secretariat in planning and organizing meetings, events, policy dialogues, development dialogues, or development summits.
• Assist the EWG Secretariat, AIN Secretariat, AIN Steering Committee, and AIN Chair in organizing meetings and facilitating discussions to address contentious issues.

3. Providing support to the government in line with AIN’s mandate, mission, and objectives.

• Act as a central point of contact to collect information from all EWG members, compile, analyze, and align them with the requirements of education Central Level Agencies such as MOEST, CEHRD, and Local Education Development Program Group (LEDPG).
• Coordinate with EWG members to gather best practices and assist in preparing success stories showcasing CSOs’ contributions to Nepal’s education sector.
• Coordinate with provincial and local-level chapters of EWG members, ensuring their support and updates are included in EWG’s documentation and reporting. Also, facilitate connectivity between the provincial chapter of AIN and provincial and local-level chapters of EWG members.
• Ensure proper documentation of EWG’s contributions to the government and support their inclusion in AIN’s Newsletter and other communication materials.
• Support the mapping of CSOs in alignment with government and LEDPG requirements, including the ReAL plan.
• This ToR is developed to take on professional service to facilitate the AIN and its member organizations in dealing with the above issues.

Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

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.
• As an active AIN-EWG team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to AIN-EWG members in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
  – Timely dissemination of SWAp related updates and documentation
  – Timely submission of consolidated comments on SWAp related documentation
  – AIN-EWG archive and overview of priorities for AIN-EWG SESP TC/TWG members to share
  – Mapping of AIN-EWG contributions to priorities and targets under SESP, including DLIs
  – AIN-EWG SWAP engagement strategy
  – Monthly SWAp presentations at the AIN-EWGF meetings
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• 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

Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience

• 5 years of experience in the national and/or international level in the field of education, or other relevant programmes; experience of working within the Nepal education SWAp is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;
• Understanding of the federal structure and the Nepal education sector institutional setup is an asset
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• 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;
• 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;
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4×4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete)
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in education and system strengthening volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
• Working knowledge of local languages is an advantage

Area(s) of expertise: Education, Development programmes
Driving license: –

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required
Nepalese, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in education/arts/Sociology/Development Studies/International Relations, or a related field

Competencies and values

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to the AIN; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to AIN 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, the AIN and the Government of Nepal 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 AIN’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information
Living conditions and remarks

The UNV will be based in Kathmandu. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

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.

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Tagged as: Kathmandu, NGO INGO, Support Officer, UNICEF