Early Childhood Development Expert, International UNV

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. Its mission is to ensure that all children have access to health care, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it focuses on the most vulnerable children and families, particularly in emergency situations. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and collaborates with various partners, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Early Childhood Development Expert position is crucial for UNICEF's efforts in Ukraine, particularly in the context of ongoing recovery from conflict. The expert will be responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs in collaboration with various teams within UNICEF, including health, nutrition, education, and child protection. This role involves ensuring that ECD initiatives are integrated into health services and that they align with UNICEF's strategic objectives. The expert will also engage in program development, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure effective delivery of services to children and families affected by the conflict. The position requires a strong focus on cross-sectoral collaboration and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support programme development and planning by contributing to the preparation and design of situation analyses for ECD programs, ensuring alignment with UNICEF's strategic goals.
• Manage and monitor ECD program implementation, including establishing performance indicators and conducting evaluations to assess progress.
• Provide technical and operational support to government and NGO partners, ensuring adherence to UNICEF policies and best practices.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders in the health sector to promote child rights and social justice.
• Innovate and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of partners in ECD programming.
• Prepare regular reports for management and donors to keep them informed of program progress and challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of early childhood development principles and practices, particularly in the context of health and nutrition. They should have experience in program management and monitoring, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, along with a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in a challenging environment.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in public health, social sciences, education, or a related field is required. Candidates with additional certifications or training in early childhood development or program management will be given preference. A strong academic background that demonstrates a commitment to child rights and social justice is essential.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in program management, particularly in early childhood development or related fields. Experience working in emergency contexts or with vulnerable populations is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's policies and procedures, as well as experience in monitoring and evaluation, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Proficiency in Ukrainian or Russian is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a non-family duty station assignment in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a duration of 12 months. The position offers a monthly living allowance of USD 4,542.02, along with a one-time entry lump sum of USD 4,00

• Additional benefits include family allowances for eligible dependents, exit allowances, and comprehensive health coverage. The assignment includes provisions for annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave. Candidates must be nationals of countries other than Ukraine and are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to appointment.