job Description
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 are given opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination or, bias. 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. Therefore, the focus on equity and inclusion 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 Zimbabwe Vision 2030 is “working towards building a new Zimbabwe, a country with a thriving and open economy, capable of creating opportunities for investors and employment” .
Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights and well-being of children and adolescents. In Zimbabwe, UNICEF supports the Government in implementing programmes that improve child survival, development, nutrition, education, protection and social inclusion.
This United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignment is part of UNICEF Zimbabwe's Nutrition and Child Development Programme and specifically supports the implementation of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Programme. The program recognises that NCDs are not only an adult or clinical agenda, but that the risk, and the rights, begin in childhood.
UNICEF and Government acknowledge that most NCD risks and nutrition-related exposures emerge and accumulate during childhood and adolescence, and that NCDs and unhealthy food environments undermine children's rights to health, adequate nutrition, education, and play. Therefore, as part of timely prevention and continuous care, efforts are geared towards integrating prevention and care across pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. These prevention and care interventions are delivered through a multisectoral approach spanning food environments, marketing, schools, fiscal policy, and administrative structures at district, area, and ward levels.
To deliver these multisectoral prevention and care interventions, UNICEF supports the Government to integrate obesity prevention, early detection, and chronic care for childhood NCDs into existing platforms that children already access, including well-child clinics, schools, and communities. At the policy level, UNICEF supports the Government through evidence generation, youth advocacy, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives, routine monitoring, and efforts to promote healthier food environments.
The programme works closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), the Food and Nutrition Council (FNC), civil society organizations, youth networks, development partners, and communities to address non-communicable diseases and obesity prevention, while strengthening healthy food environments for children.
Under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Specialist and with oversight from the Chief of Nutrition and Child Development, this assignment provides an opportunity for a Youth Engagement and Advocacy Volunteer to support young people in shaping their own health outcomes. This includes building demand for healthy behaviours, promoting healthy habits, and addressing stigma and discrimination associated with childhood NCDs.
Qualifications and Experience
Relevant experience
1 year
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Shona, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
Sindebele, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
Required education level;
Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Social Sciences, Health promotion
Competencies and values
• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Care
• Integrity
• Respect
• Transparency
Skills and experience
• Background in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field; experience in youth engagement is an asset, as is experience working with the UN or other international development organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities.
• High level of accuracy and professionalism in document preparation, production, and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive, with the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a wide range of partners, including grassroots communities, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at various levels. Familiarity with Communication for Development approaches and tools is an asset.
• Ability to adapt and work effectively in challenging environments and within multicultural teams comprising national and international personnel.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.), email, and internet use; familiarity with database management and office technology.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet tight deadlines.
• Sound security awareness.
• Demonstrated interest in volunteerism as a tool for sustainable development and a strong affinity with the values and principles of the UN system.
Area(s) of expertise
Communication, advocacy, public information, Community development, Nutrition
How to Apply
Other information
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Living conditions and remarks
Zimbabwe is a Lower to middle income country which is aiming to reach the Upper middle income status by 2030. Harare is the capital city of Zimbabwe and serves as the country's capital city. Harare provides a diverse and vibrant working environment and offers opportunities for professional growth and engagement with government, development partners and civil society organizations. It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.
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.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
Click to Apply / View More Information
Other Jobs
