Adolescent Development Officer, NO-1, Temporary Assignment- 364 Days, Iran #113883 (Iranian National only)

This incumbent will support the coordination and implementation of the above-mentioned project (Protecting Children, Adolescents, and Youth from the Harms of Drugs through: • Project/programme management, monitoring and delivery of results; • Technical and operational support to project/programme implementation; • Networking, partnership building, and support multi sectoral programming; • Innovation, knowledge generating & management, and capacity building.

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

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For every child, Joy

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How can you make a difference?

The problem of drug use has recently been spreading among children, youth and women, especially among family members of current drug users. The number of under-age children affected by drug use is unknown since no nationwide survey has been conducted among children in IRI. However, some school-based epidemiological surveys in IRI have identified existing use of soft and hard drugs among school-age children. Reports from service providers also indicate that there is some drug use among out-of-school children less than 14 years. A survey conducted by the Iranian Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) in 2011 among high school students revealed that 9% had used cannabis, 9.1% had consumed opium, and 2% had used heroin at least once. Figure 1 gives an overview of types of drugs used by school children.

In summary, data suggest an increase in substance use in IRI. Substance use among young people is becoming a major public health problem. Studies show that drug use in younger age-groups is associated with increased delinquency, unemployment, divorce, abortions and drug-related health problems as well as high-risk behaviours predisposing to acquiring HIV.Some studies suggest that about one fourth of people who start using drugs had a close relative who was using drugs often the father or the brother.

UNICEF Iran, in close cooperation with UNODC and WHO, and relevant partners - in particular the Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ) is working to implement the project on protecting children, adolescents, and youth from the harms of drugs, and improve the quality of national drug demand reduction programmes, and to put in place a solid system to deliver evidence-based and effective drug use prevention and drug treatment services to children, and young people.

Considering the level of portfolio and large number of deliverables as well as the coordination need to be taken in place for this project, and sufficient available funding resources, UNICEF need to recruit a national officer; NO-A for temporary assignment.

Objectives

This incumbent will support the coordination and implementation of the above-mentioned project (Protecting Children, Adolescents, and Youth from the Harms of Drugs through:

• Project/programme management, monitoring and delivery of results;
• Technical and operational support to project/programme implementation;
• Networking, partnership building, and support multi sectoral programming;
• Innovation, knowledge generating & management, and capacity building.

Methodology and Technical Approach

1. Support to programme development and planning;

• Provide assistance and facilitate the development/establishment of protecting children, adolescents, and youth from the harms of drugs project goals, objectives, strategies and results-based planning through research, collection, analysis and reporting of related information for development planning and priority and goal setting.
• Prepare required documentations/materials to facilitate the programme review and approval process.

2. Support to programme implementation, management, and delivery of results;

• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to collect/analyse/share information on implementation issues, suggest solutions on routine programme implementation and submit report to alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and/or decision. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
• Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programme implementation processes by executing/administering a variety of technical programme transactions and preparing materials/documentations in accordance with organizational rules, processes and systems for programme planning, results-based planning (RBM) and monitoring and evaluations.
• Flexibility in re-programming and implementation in response to crisis and emergencies in particular COVID-19 pandemic.
• Apply innovative approaches and promote good practice to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Research, benchmark and report on best and cutting-edge practices for development planning of knowledge products and systems.
• Participate as resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders.
• Prepare inputs for programme/donor reporting.

3. Support to programme monitoring and evaluation;

• Undertake field visits and surveys and share information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support to relevant officials for resolution.
• Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/donors on the application and understanding of UNICEF and adolescent development and participation policies, strategies, processes and best practices to support programme implementation, operations and delivery of results.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual programme reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare minutes/reports on results for follow up action by higher management and other stakeholders.
• Monitor the project based on HACT assurance plan, undertake spot check and Micro assessment, and report on the use of protecting children, adolescents, and youth from the harms of drugs project resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocation/goals, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management/stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
• Report on critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.

4. Coordination, Networking, partnership building, and support multi-sectoral programming;

• Build and sustain effective partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate programme implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve and sustain results
• In collaboration with the communication team, draft communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances and support resource mobilization to ensure the adolescent development and participation programmes/projects are adequately resourced and supported.
• Participate in appropriate inter-agency meetings/events on UNDAF operational planning and preparation of adolescent and youth development.
• Work closely and collaboratively with other CO sectors (Education, Child Protection, Health, Social Policy, Communication for Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Communication, Fund Raising, Dep. Rep Office, and Operation) to plan and implement multi-sectoral programme and projects and cover cross cutting issues.
• Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes.
• Coordination with other UN agencies, funds and programs working in this area of work such as UNODC, WHO, and RC Office.

Management and Organization

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of UNICEF Adolescent Development and Participation Head of Section. The responsible government partner is the I.R. of Iran Drug Control Headquarters (DCHQ).

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

Qualifications

Education:

• A University master’s degree in psychology, counselling, sociology, social working, community development, education or other social science field is required.

Experience:

• Minimum two years progressively responsible professional work experience in adolescent and youth programming, substance use and social harms prevention among young people - specific experience in technical support, networking and partnerships an asset.
• Minimum four years relevant experience in program/project development and management in related areas in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Excellent written skills and fluency in English are required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

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 functional competencies required for this post are...

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.