UN Volunteer - Education and Protection

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children's Fund, is a prominent United Nations agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children across the globe. Established in 1946, UNICEF has grown to become one of the most recognized social welfare organizations, operating in 192 countries and territories. The agency's mission focuses on ensuring the survival, development, and protection of children, particularly in vulnerable situations. UNICEF's extensive activities encompass immunizations, disease prevention, maternal and child health, nutrition enhancement, sanitation improvement, educational promotion, and emergency relief efforts in response to disasters. With a workforce of thousands of employees worldwide, UNICEF collaborates with various partners to achieve its goals and improve the lives of children and families in need.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer position in Education and Protection is designed to support UNICEF's mission in enhancing educational opportunities and protection services for children, particularly those affected by humanitarian crises in Kenya. The role involves working closely with the Education and Protection Officer in Kakuma to implement and monitor various programs aimed at improving access to quality education and child protection services. The volunteer will engage with local communities, government authorities, and partner organizations to strengthen early childhood education systems, promote inclusive learning environments, and support the development of essential skills among children and adolescents. The position requires a proactive approach to community engagement, capacity building, and the implementation of innovative educational strategies to address the needs of vulnerable populations, including refugees and asylum seekers. The volunteer will also play a crucial role in documenting best practices and assessing the impact of various initiatives, ensuring that the programs remain relevant and effective in meeting the needs of the target populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the implementation of education and protection programs. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the strengthening of Early Childhood Education and Development (ECDE) systems at the county level by coordinating with government and partners to include refugee children in development plans.
• Supporting community engagement initiatives in ECDE, including organizing parent dialogues, Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) awareness sessions, and enrolment drives.
• Facilitating flexible learning pathways for out-of-school children and adolescents through community outreach and monitoring of Accelerated Education (AE) programs.
• Promoting inclusive STEM learning by organizing competitions, science fairs, and mentorship activities.
• Participating in youth-led innovation challenges and documenting success stories related to skills development programs.
• Conducting regular field monitoring visits to assess implementation progress and provide technical support.
• Assisting in the development of age-appropriate educational activities at reception and Furaha centres.
• Supporting the arrangement of alternative family care for refugee children in collaboration with the State Department for Children Services (SDCS).
• Engaging parents and communities in positive parenting and early childhood education initiatives. 1
• Participating in Child Protection and Education working groups to document good practices and foster linkages between child protection and education.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Volunteer position should possess a strong commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, demonstrating accountability, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively in teams, and a respect for diversity. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong sense of ethics and integrity are essential. Additionally, candidates should be able to manage their time effectively and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, ideally in fields such as education, social sciences, international development, or a related area. Candidates should have a solid understanding of child development, education systems, and child protection frameworks, particularly in the context of humanitarian settings. A background in community engagement or capacity building would be advantageous, as well as familiarity with the challenges faced by refugees and vulnerable populations.

Experience:
Candidates should have some level of experience in education, child protection, or community development, ideally in a humanitarian context. Experience working with children and adolescents, particularly in refugee or marginalized communities, is highly desirable. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes, as well as experience in implementing educational programs, will be beneficial for this role. The ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government authorities, NGOs, and community members, is crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and the UN system. Knowledge of Swahili or other local languages spoken in Kenya would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate better engagement with local communities and enhance the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer role, which typically involves a contract duration that may vary based on the specific needs of the program and the volunteer's availability. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on community engagement and program implementation. The volunteer will be working in a challenging but rewarding environment, contributing to the well-being of children and families in need. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UNV policies, and the volunteer will have access to various resources and support during their assignment.