Purpose of the Position
Under the general guidance of Head of UNICEF Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the incumbent is responsible for maintaining a high level dialogue on issues that affect women and children. S/he will help assist in the development and promotion of UNICEF's children's and women's agenda through influencing related policy development in UNICEF's work with the African Union, UNECA and Civil Society Organization (CSO)s working on Africa in a variety of inter-governmental, inter-agency and other fora, specifically those which address children's right, education, health, food and nutrition security, peace and security issues especially in relation to children affected by armed conflict and protection of civilians mandates, humanitarian policy issues, and gender equality.
Key Expected Results
- Support and influence the development of polices relevant to children's right, education, health, nutrition and food security and peace and security, with African Union Commission, UNECA and CSOs working on Africa, including relevant working groups like RECs and Regional Inter Governmental Organizations.
- In close collaboration with ROs in Africa (ESARO, WCARO, and MENARO), UNICEF HQs Divisions and Sections as well as other agencies, follow discussions and decisions pertaining to the above areas and assist in preparing briefings, as necessary, through direct advocacy with key stakeholders help ensure that UNICEF positions and concerns are represented in AUC discussions and in relevant reports and decisions of the AUC.
- Assist in liaising and coordinating actions including representation in AU and UNECA Statutory and non-Statutory meetings including technical and financial support, with three ROs in Africa as well as other relevant advocacy oriented groups and consortia working on issues concerning children.
- Cooperate closely with African Union Commission on initiatives related to young child survival and development and other areas in consultation with ROs in Africa, relevant HQ divisions, and country offices in Africa, as well as cooperate with UN Agencies and CSOs working on children.
- Keeps UNICEF ROs, HQs and relevant Country Offices informed on any crucial matters and/or decisions that flow from high-level consultations in the continent.
- Contribute to the successful implementation of the overall workplan of the UNICEF Liaison Office to the AU and UNECA
- Draft briefing notes and contributions for relevant high level meetings in which UNICEF is represented as required
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
- Advanced university degree, preferably in law or social sciences (e.g. international relations, political science, public affairs, and/or international development).
- Knowledge of the work of the African Union an advantage.
- Eight years of relevant work experience, including advocacy on human rights/child rights issues.
- Experience of inter-governmental processes highly desirable.
- Knowledge and understanding of UNICEF humanitarian programmes an asset.
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (French or Arabic and the local working language of the duty station) is considered an asset.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
- Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
- Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
- Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
- Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.
- Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.
- Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
- Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.
- Contributes and tries out innovative approaches and insights.
HOW TO APPLY:
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.
If you want a challenging career while improving the lives of children around the world UNICEF, the leading children’s rights organization, would like to hear from you.
Visit us at www.unicef.org/about/employ to register in our new e-Recruitment system and apply to this and other vacancies. Applications must be received by 20-Feb-15
Vacancy position link:
Please note that only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.
In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
