UN Volunteer Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, is dedicated to advocating for the protection of children's rights and ensuring their basic needs are met. Since its inception in 1946, UNICEF has been instrumental in promoting children's rights globally, with a significant presence in Brazil since 195

• The organization has been involved in numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and adolescents, including major immunization campaigns and the establishment of legal frameworks to protect children's rights. UNICEF operates in over 150 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. In Brazil, UNICEF focuses on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by violence and poverty, and collaborates with various stakeholders to implement effective programs and policies that support children's development and well-being.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist will play a crucial role in advancing UNICEF's ECD agenda in Brazil, particularly through initiatives like the Early Childhood Friendly Unit Initiative (UAPI) and the Antiracist Early Childhood Programme (PIA). This position requires a deep understanding of early childhood development principles and the ability to work collaboratively with government entities, civil society, and other stakeholders to implement and monitor programs that support the rights and development of young children. The specialist will be responsible for providing technical and programmatic support, ensuring that UNICEF's initiatives are aligned with national priorities and effectively address the needs of vulnerable children. The role involves participating in strategic discussions, facilitating training, and contributing to the development of policies that promote integrated services for children aged 0-

• The specialist will also engage in resource mobilization efforts and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance the impact of UNICEF's work in early childhood development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks to support the implementation and monitoring of ECD programs at the national level. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the implementation and monitoring of the Early Childhood Friendly Unit Initiative (UAPI) by ensuring effective coordination among Health, Education, and Social Assistance sectors.
• Participating in strategic meetings with government counterparts and external consultants to provide technical expertise, identify challenges, document lessons learned, and propose solutions for program enhancement.
• Assisting in the implementation of the Antiracist Early Childhood Programme (PIA) in collaboration with the PIA Interministerial Steering Committee, ensuring adherence to the action plan outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding with UNICEF.
• Facilitating the development and delivery of training modules for PIA in partnership with the federal government, utilizing both in-person and online platforms.
• Providing technical support to UNICEF Field Offices for PIA-related activities and workshops at municipal and state levels, aligning with Agenda Cidade UNICEF and Selo UNICEF frameworks.
• Contributing to the implementation and monitoring of the National Integrated Policy for Early Childhood (PNIPI) through political engagement and technical articulation.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with key ECD networks and stakeholders, including government entities, academia, and the private sector.
• Supporting resource mobilization efforts by developing donor proposals in collaboration with the Private Fundraising and Partnerships (PFP) team.
• Drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs) for hiring processes of service providers such as training facilitators and communication material creators. 1
• Participating in team meetings and external events, including potential field missions to support ECD activities at national and subnational levels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Volunteer Early Childhood Development (ECD) Specialist position should possess a strong background in early childhood development, public policy, or a related field. Required qualifications include:

• A solid understanding of early childhood development principles and practices, particularly in the context of vulnerable populations.
• Proven experience in program implementation and monitoring, particularly in the areas of health, education, and social protection.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify challenges and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in resource mobilization and partnership development is highly desirable.
• A commitment to UNICEF's values and principles, particularly in relation to children's rights and social equity.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position. Candidates should have at least a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, social sciences, public policy, or a related field. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may be advantageous for candidates seeking to demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in early childhood development and related areas.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in early childhood development, public policy, or a related field. Experience working with government entities, civil society organizations, or international agencies is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNICEF's programs and initiatives, particularly in Brazil, will be considered an asset. The ability to navigate complex political environments and engage with multiple stakeholders is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for engaging with international partners and accessing global resources. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Spanish, is considered a valuable asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Brasília, Brazil. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role is full-time, and the volunteer will be part of the malicious insurance plan provided by the United Nations. The living conditions in Brasília are generally favorable, with a high quality of life and good security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security conditions. However, the volunteer is advised to exercise caution due to the moderate security level in Brazil, particularly in urban areas. The cost of living is relatively high, especially for housing and food, and the climate features distinct dry and rainy seasons. The UN Volunteer will have the opportunity to engage with key government partners and contribute to significant initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and adolescents in Brazil.