General

Description of assignment title

Adolescent Development and Participation Project Officer

Assignment country

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Expected start date

05/01/2024

Sustainable Development Goal

16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category

National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity

UNICEF

Type

Onsite

Duration

12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments

1

Duty stations

Sarajevo

Details

Mission and objectives

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. The Adolescent Development and Participation programme envisages opportunities for adolescents and youth to develop their twenty-first century skills and productively participate in society as a result of the following: life skills education programmes; advocacy to introduce relevant changes in primary and secondary school curricula; social entrepreneurship and young people-led initiatives; the increased participation of girls and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and information technology education; youth engagement and education around environmental protection and climate change, and support to the improved monitoring and evaluation of measures taken to advance adolescents’ education. The DFF3 project is jointly implemented by UNDP, UNESCO and UNICEF. It aims to contribute to strengthening social cohesion, respect for diversity, understanding and trust, especially amongst young men and women in different communities, towards a more democratic and peaceful BIH. The proposed intervention supports progress towards reconciliation and strengthened positive relationships within and across communities, (i) by creating an enabling environment for inclusive dialogue and progressing dialogue on key issues of relevance to sustainable peace; (ii) through the facilitation / provision of quality and inclusive education, as well as education of non-violence and peace, and (iii) through the promotion of cultural diversity and pluralism. More concretely, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF collaborate with government institutions to support young women and men in their initiatives relevant for community development within the priority areas of education, culture and environment. In this way, the project will foster dialogue, promote civic engagement, and empower institutions and authorities for inter- and cross-community collaboration. It will encourage socially responsible initiatives and promote positive narratives. Also, by connecting different communities through the proposed activities, the project will promote a shared understanding of culture and strengthen a sense of common heritage and environment, mobilize civic initiatives around topics of joint interest in the areas of environmental protection, education, and culture, as well as promote intercultural dialogue for peaceful inter-community relations.

Context

The DFF3 project is jointly implemented by UNDP, UNESCO and UNICEF. It aims to contribute to strengthening social cohesion, respect for diversity, understanding and trust, especially amongst young men and women in different communities, towards a more democratic and peaceful BIH. The proposed intervention supports progress towards reconciliation and strengthened positive relationships within and across communities, (i) by creating an enabling environment for inclusive dialogue and progressing dialogue on key issues of relevance to sustainable peace; (ii) through the facilitation / provision of quality and inclusive education, as well as education of non-violence and peace, and (iii) through the promotion of cultural diversity and pluralism. More concretely, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF collaborate with government institutions to support young women and men in their initiatives relevant for community development within the priority areas of education, culture and environment. In this way, the project will foster dialogue, promote civic engagement, and empower institutions and authorities for inter- and cross-community collaboration. It will encourage socially responsible initiatives and promote positive narratives. Also, by connecting different communities through the proposed activities, the project will promote a shared understanding of culture and strengthen a sense of common heritage and environment, mobilize civic initiatives around topics of joint interest in the areas of environmental protection, education, and culture, as well as promote intercultural dialogue for peaceful inter-community relations. DFF3 will be implemented in 10 selected local governments (LGs) ca. while at the same time focusing on certain activities that are country-and have a strong cross-entity and cross-community engagement. Activities will be implemented in both entities (FBiH and Republika Srpska) and Brčko District aiming at establishing linkages between communities by creating opportunities to work together on specific topics within the areas of education, culture and environment. Young men and women are the primary beneficiaries of the project targeted through capacity building activities, dialogue and implementation of the grant scheme within the thematic areas in selected locations. They will be reached through different channels from local government institutions, schools, youth NGOs, cultural institutions, social media as well as through small grants initiatives also targeting youth, women, and vulnerable groups. The project will also foster the capacity building and networking of CSOs and partner institutions including educational (ministries of educations, academia, schools, etc.) and cultural institutions (museums, etc.) as implementing partners. Funded by the PBF in the amount of USD 3.5M the Project will be implemented over 36 months in close cooperation and coordination with relevant institutional partners and other actors.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of Adolescent Development and Participation officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support to ADAP Programme Development, Planning and Implementation: a) Support the development and establishment of projects and activities within DFF joint project in collaboration with government partners and relevant stakeholders including UNDP and UNESCO, contributing to strengthening social cohesion, diversity, and trust among young men and women. b) Provide technical and administrative support to government and non-government partners throughout all stages of project implementation, ensuring alignment with project objectives and UNICEF procedures. c) Continuously document and review project activities to ensure they contribute to the DFF’s overarching goals and facilitate necessary adjustments for optimal impact d) Contribute to other Adolescent Development and Participation programme outputs 2. Programme Implementation, Monitoring, and Delivery of Results: a) Collaborate closely with government counterparts and stakeholders to monitor project implementation, specifically focusing on its impact on social cohesion and community development. b) Conduct regular field visits and monitoring of project activities, and support partners in providing relevant, timely and disaggregated data in line with the monitoring plan and indicators set out in the results framework c) Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, preparing reports on project results and identifying unresolved issues for timely resolution. d) Ensure alignment with the DFF’s Monitoring and Evaluation plan 3. Networking and Partnership Building: a) Establish and maintain effective partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, schools, and other stakeholders to facilitate programme implementation and capacity-building efforts. b) Participate in coordination meetings related to the implementation of the DFF3 project, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders. c) Ensure continuous communication and cooperation with the DFF Project coordinator, UNDP, UNESCO, and PBF secretariat 4. Innovation, Knowledge Management, and Capacity Building: a) Identify, document, and share lessons learned from project activities to enhance stakeholder capacity and inform future programming. b) Promote innovative approaches and good practices to support the project’s objectives, particularly in promoting social cohesion and intercultural dialogue. c) Support research efforts and ensure results are utilized in knowledge products, while also contributing as a resource person in capacity-building initiatives for beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 – 80

Nationality

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

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in professional environment in the field of project support and management, monitoring and evaluation and other related fields within social-science oriented fields, preferably with focus on peace and conflict studies, reconciliation, or human rights, at the national and/or international level • 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

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Education, Community development

Driving license

B Required

Languages

Bosnian, Level: Fluent, Required Serbian, Level: Fluent, Required Croatian, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Education, Law, Business Administration or similar, preferably with focus on peace and conflict studies, reconciliation, or human rights

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

The UN designated state of alert for Bosnia and Herzegovina is Security Level 1 which is minimal and lowest security level in the Security Level System for the entire country, including the capital of Sarajevo. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is generally quiet; all international agencies consider threats to their staff to be low at this time. However, BiH has the same problems as much of Europe, from pickpockets to traffic accidents, so please make sure you exercise appropriate personal security awareness and common sense. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with the largest mine contamination problem. Over 670.000 mines and 650.000 unexploded ordinances on 10.000 locations estimated. Contaminated area estimated is over 2.000 km2 which is more than 4 % of the total territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Staff is advised to stay on well-travelled routes while in the country. See the http://www.bhmac.org. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. You can check full entitlements at the duty station 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.

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