UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, 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, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. 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 fulfill 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.

How can you make a difference?

Under the overall supervision of the UNICEF Programme Specialist (Local Governance), in coordination with zonal JPLG staff in UNICEF and other JPLG agencies, and colleagues in the Social Policy, Equity and Gender section, the Post will provide technical support and oversight for the implementation of gender and inclusion activities under the Joint Programme on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery (JPLG). The post will oversee strategic design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of UNICEF’s contributions to gender equality and social inclusion in local governance under the JPLG programme, with a focus on by strengthening the representation, inclusion, retention and voice of women, youth, IDPs and minority groups in local government councils and administration, and in public decision-making processes (planning, budgeting, oversight, accountability, etc.). The post will work closely with UNICEF and UNDP Local Governance and Gender Specialists. The post will backstop the supervisor in her absence

Key roles and Responsibilities

Strategy & Learning

• In close collaboration with UNDP colleagues, provide inputs to the JPLG gender and inclusion strategy and work plans for JPLG III, in line with the priorities, resources, strategy, and focus of UNICEF.
• Support UNICEF JPLG zonal teams to identify strategic gaps, linkages, and opportunities to improve gender and inclusion activities and outcomes
• Support JPLG colleagues to mainstream gender equality and social inclusion in policy, capacity-building and service delivery activities.
• Provide regular reporting on progress in implementing the gender and inclusion strategy, tracking progress as per deliverables in the partner agreements and joint work plans, undertaking regular field visits to review jointly with local partners; documenting achievements as well as constraints and recommending possible steps for addressing bottlenecks in implementation; ensure that key lessons are identified and used to improve programme implementation.
• Contribute to internal and external communication and advocacy initiatives aimed at raising the profile of local government, local governance and gender and inclusion issues.
• Support the Design of donor proposals and support the production of positive case studies on mainstreaming gender, children and youths in local governance.
• Ensure that JPLG activities align with UNICEFs gender, and children and youth-focused strategies and policies.

Implementation Support

• Provide technical leadership of UNICEF inputs into the JPLG’s gender and inclusion activities in the three zones of Somalia. This will include frequent visits to staff and partners in the zones, and advocating for and reinforcing government commitment towards improving gender equality and social inclusion in local governance.
• Design and support implementation of programme initiatives aimed at increasing the representation and influence of traditionally under-represented groups in district councils, with a focus on women; increasing the representation, retention and influence of women and youth in district administrations; and supporting the inclusion, participation and voice of women, youth, IDPs and minority groups in local government decision-making and oversight.
• In coordination with the Programme Specialist (Local Governance) and UNDP colleagues, strengthen JPLG teams and partners’ understanding and support for gender equality and social inclusion in local governance, including through training sessions, presentations and review meetings.
• Participate in technical working group, steering committee and other joint programme meetings, review meetings and evaluation exercises in consultation with the UNICEF Programme Specialist (Local Governance), other UN agencies and government partners.
• Provide backstopping to the Supervisor as and when relevant.

Fundraising

• In collaboration with UNDP colleagues and the UNICEF Programme Specialist (Local Governance), provide technical inputs to the development of concept notes and proposals aimed at strengthening gender equality and social inclusion in local governance, drawing on lessons learned from programme implementation.
• Produce donor resources on JPLG’s gender and inclusion activities and participate in donor briefings and other fundraising efforts aimed at mobilizing more resources to realize JPLG’s gender and inclusion commitments.
• Oversee the implementation of additional gender and inclusion activities that may be funded and manage teams, as relevant.

Supervisor/overall responsibility

• The Coordinator will work under the Social Policy, Equity and Gender section and the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist (Local Governance).

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Advanced university degree in Gender Studies, Governance (in particular Local governance), Social Sciences, Development Planning, Programme Management, or related fields,
• At least five years professional experience, at least four of which should be at a professional level working in the areas of gender equality and/or social inclusion in governance, public administration reform, or community development, preferably in a fragile context,
• Demonstrated experience managing complex programmes with multiple partners, including experience with coordination, donor relations, planning, monitoring, and budget management and oversight,
• Proven ability to work with partners, manage staff and consultants, and write proposals and sound evidence-based reports in clear and simple language,
• Understanding of the socio-political context of Somalia would be an advantage.
• Good understanding of government systems, procedures and processes at all levels (especially district) is desirable,
• Strong communication skills, including an ability to build rapport with individuals and groups and maintain an effective network ofindividuals across organizational departments, agencies and governments,
• Training in community mobilization and community development, behavior analysis, formative research, and evaluation of development interventions would be an advantage,
• Fluency in English and Somali

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People, and Drive for Results.

The competencies required for this post are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others
• Nurtures, leads and manages people

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.