UN Volunteer (UNV)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. With a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and thrive, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries and territories. The organization focuses on addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translating its commitment to children's rights into action. UNICEF has been active in Zimbabwe since 1982, working closely with the government and other partners to support the country's vision for a prosperous and empowered society. The organization employs a diverse team of passionate professionals committed to the protection and fulfillment of children's rights, contributing to sustainable socioeconomic development and ensuring that all children have access to quality education, health care, and protection.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer (UNV) will be assigned to the Social Policy and Research Section of the UNICEF Zimbabwe Country Office. The primary objective of this position is to support the research function within the section, focusing on generating evidence to combat poverty, reduce inequalities, and address the impacts of climate change on children. The intern will work under the supervision of the Research and Evaluation Officer, assisting in the coordination and implementation of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7). This role involves various tasks, including data collection, cleaning, preliminary analysis, and logistical support for the National Steering Committee, Technical Committee, and Task Force. The intern will also contribute to compiling reports and maintaining records to ensure smooth coordination and timely progress of survey activities. Additionally, the UNV will support other research-related tasks, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and the improvement of policies and programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and vulnerable populations in Zimbabwe.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with basic preparations, logistics, and simple data checks during national surveys.
• Support the MICS survey process by helping with coordination, joining field visits, and ensuring teams follow agreed procedures.
• Organize, file, and archive all survey-related documents and reports.
• Take notes and help document lessons learned, challenges, and good practices during the survey process.
• Participate in Technical and Steering Committee meetings and provide note-taking or meeting summaries when needed.
• Assist in updating and tracking the UNICEF Zimbabwe Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (IMERP).
• Help compile comments and provide basic review support for research documents such as proposals, tools, and reports.
• Assist with simple qualitative and quantitative analysis tasks under supervision.
• Support preparation of presentations, summaries, and other materials for knowledge sharing. 1
• Help update and organize data and research folders in the UNICEF SharePoint repository.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Proficiency in data management and statistical analysis is essential. Familiarity with research methodologies and experience in conducting surveys or data collection will be advantageous. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values, particularly in promoting children's rights and addressing inequalities.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, statistics, public health, or a related field is required. Candidates pursuing or recently graduated from a relevant academic program are encouraged to apply. Additional training or coursework in research methods, data analysis, or monitoring and evaluation will be beneficial.

Experience:
No prior professional experience is required, but candidates with relevant internships or volunteer experience in research, data analysis, or social policy will be preferred. The position is suitable for recent graduates or students in their final year of study who are eager to gain practical experience in a UN agency.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Zimbabwe would be an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. The position is based in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, which is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and numerous amenities. The UN Volunteer will have access to various resources and support from UNICEF and the UN community in Zimbabwe. For more information on entitlements and conditions of service, candidates can refer to the UNV website.