Child Rights Monitoring & Liaison Officer

The UN Volunteer will provide a liaison function between UNICEF and the Akimat of Man-gystau oblast, NGOs, local communities, mass media and others UN agencies. The UN Vol-unteer will provide information for situation monitoring over the wellbeing of chidlren in the re-gion and report on the progress to implement children’s programmes. The UN Volunteer will also facilitate in developing the work plan of cooperation, will coordinate and monitor its im-plementation.

Under the direct supervision of the Child Rights Monitoring Specialist (based in Astana, Kazakhstan), the national UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Monitoring and Analysis on the Situation of the Rights of the Child in Mangystau oblast:
1. Collect and analyze data on the social and economic situation of children in Man-gystau oblast, and their ability to enjoy their Rights as described in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Provide UNICEF with a periodic analytical report on the same.
2. Engage partners in the region in discussion on issues, barriers and bottlenecks affect-ing children’s access to health, education and social protection and impeding progress towards Child Rights realization.
3. Engage partners in the region in discussion on issues relevant to results for children in the region and, in consultation with UNICEF programme specialists, propose correc-tive actions.
4. Provide information and contribute to the preparation of relevant reports on local pro-grams for children.
5. Under the guidance of and in consultation with respective UNICEF Programme Offic-ers in Astana, provide routine monitoring of children’s programmes in the region, in-cluding the situation of children in care and closer insitutions.
6. Monitor the timely and quality implementation of any UNICEf-supported programmes and activities taking place in the region, in accordance with UNICEF policy practice.
7. In coordination with relevant UNICEF specialists, support the development of advoca-cy messages and media coverage for regional events, prepare press-briefings and summaries of media highlights related to UNICEF’s engagement in the region.
8. Other relevant tasks as required by the supervisor.

Liaison with the Government of Mangystau, Regional Departments and Agencies and with Non-Governmental Organisations, local communicates, mass media and others:
9. Establish and maintain technical contacts with the Akimat of Mangystau oblast and ru-ral districts, local staff of UN agencies, academia, civil society organizations, private sector, mass media and others.
10. Contribute to the planning, drafting and implementation of the annual work plans be-tween UNICEF and Akimat of Mangystau oblast.
11. Regularly engage with the Akimat of Mangystau oblast to discuss progress against planned program results in the region.
12. Provide assistance to all UNICEF program missions in Mangystau region, such as by coordinating visits of UNICEF staff, national and international contractors; arranging meetings/events with the respective local authorities and partners; supporting studies, evaluations, data collection; facilitating translation, etc.
13. Submit monthly reports on the work plan implementation, reflecting the progress, achievements made, challenges and facilitating factors.
14. Other relevant tasks as required by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by read-ing relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publica-tions/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.
 

• University degree, preferably in Social Sciences, Management, Public Administration, Public Health, International Relations, Law and/or related area to the programme goals;
• Minimum two years of practical professional work experience in project manage-ment/administration, including local coordination and communication, liaison with local authorities, NGOs and other partners etc..
• Work experience with international organizations is preferred; 
• Analytical skills and ability to fulfill administrative, logistical programme support;
• Proven good knowledge of region’s socio-economic situation, and current political and social trends and reform processes in Kazakhstan;
• Ability to work and plan independently;
• Good communication and presentation skills;
• Ability to work within the international and multicultural environment;
• Good knowledge of computer applications.
• Fluency in English and Russian is required. Working knowledge of Kazakh.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.