Inclusive Education Liaison Support Officer

Inclusive Education Liaison Support Officer

Assignment country: Nepal
Expected start date: 24/06/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 4. Quality education
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: Yes
Accessibility measures in place

Main entrance
The main entrance (or an alternative entrance) of the building is wheelchair accessible (e.g. ramps, handrails, elevators, etc. are available)

Office spaces
At least one office/work station, one conference room and one bathroom are wheelchair accessible (please confirm that doors, routes and corridors that lead to these spaces are wide enough for wheelchair use)

Office equipment
Tables, printers and other office equipment are accessible by a person using a wheelchair.

Security & emergency
The security and emergency protocol take into account persons with disabilities (e.g. evacuation chair is available, etc.)

Facilities signposted
All accessible facilities are marked with symbols or signs

Transportation adapted
Accessible transportation to commute to/from the office is available (e.g. public transportation, and/or official vehicle that is accessible for wheelchair users, etc.)

Signs available in braille
Signs are also in braille, or the text characters are raised (e.g. bathroom, offices, etc.)

Alternative printers
Alternative printing can be provided (e.g. large-printing and/or braille printing)

Assistive technology
Assistive technology can be provided upon request (e.g. braille note-taker, printers, screen-reader software, etc.)

IT accessibility
IT systems and tools are accessible (e.g. website, intranet, etc.)

Hearing cues
The emergency warning system has hearing cues

Sign language
Sign language interpretation can be provided upon request (e.g. English, American, and/or other languages)

Captioning
Captioning services can be provided upon request (e.g. on-site or remote CART services, close-captioning for video

Visual cues
The emergency warning system has visual cues

Host entity: UNICEF
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Kathmandu
Reasonable accommodation: Yes
Additional accessibility info: –

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 Nepal Education Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) has been recognized at the national- and global level for its broad- and inclusive sector dialogue, which includes Government, development partners and civil society and stakeholder representatives. As part of the SWAp, the Government and its partners has established a technical level dialogue through thematic working groups and undertakes joint reviews and planning meeting to support the implementation of the recently initiated School Education Sector Plan (SESP). Equity and Inclusion are at the core of UNICEF’s values and engagement in the Nepal education sector. The Inclusive Education Liaison officer would be part of UNICEF’s team that supports the Government in the undertaking of SWAp related processes, in close collaboration with the technical assistance that is mobilized (partly through UNICEF) to strengthen capacity to implement the SESP as well. The Liaison officer would support UNICEF in the co-leading the Equity and Inclusive education thematic working group and the programmatic work on disability-inclusive education, as well as support the UNICEF team in strengthening inclusive sector dialogue and processes.

Task description

The UNV will carry out the following responsibilities:

BIG Three Responsibilities:

1. Supporting the Chief of Education and team on strengthening inclusive practices within the SWAp.
2. Supporting the UNICEF education team in the work under the Equity and Inclusive education Thematic Working Group.
3. Supporting the UNICEF education team in the disability-inclusive education programmatic work under the UNICEF Country Program Action Plan (CPAP).

Detailed Job Role

1. Supporting the Chief of Education and team on strengthening inclusive practices within the SWAp.

• Support preparation- and participate in Budget/Joint Review Meeting (BRM and JRM), participate in joint field trips, and review of 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, to assess.
• Support the development of a SWAp inclusive engagement strategy.

2. Supporting the UNICEF education team in the work under the Equity and Inclusive education Thematic Working Group.

• Support UNICEF education specialists in the Equity and Inclusive education thematic committee and working group meetings.
• Support the technical dialogue on targets and activities under the SESP inclusive education targets and strategies.
• Support the development of the Inclusive education roadmap to operationalize the inclusive education approach paper.

3. Supporting the UNICEF education team in the disability-inclusive education programmatic work under the UNICEF Country Program Action Plan (CPAP).

• Support UNICEF and its partners in the disability inclusive education modelling and the strengthening of assessment and referral mechanisms
• Support research undertaken by/ in partnership with UNICEF on inclusive education (including the LIFE research)
•  Support the education team in the disability task team and cross-sector initiatives and events with a focus on children and people with disabilities.

• 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.
• The Liaison officer will collaborate with the UNICEF Chief education, the education 4.2 (inclusive and formal education) output manager, and the education specialist on system strengthening and sector engagement
• 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

3 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.

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

Languages

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

Required education level

Bachelor 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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