UN Volunteer for Child Friendly Municipalities Initiative

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to children. It operates in over 192 countries, focusing on health, education, water and sanitation, child protection, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, policy, and social protection. UNICEF has been present in Cameroon since 1975, working in education, water and sanitation, and child protection. The organization advocates for favorable budgetary conditions for children and women, particularly girls and the most vulnerable, and aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in service delivery and partnerships for the improvement of children's and women's welfare.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer will play a crucial role in the Child Friendly Municipalities (CFM) Initiative, which aims to prioritize children's rights within decentralized territorial authorities in Cameroon. The initiative encourages local elected officials to implement public policies that ensure the realization of children's rights. The volunteer will be responsible for coordinating the implementation and monitoring of the initiative across various municipalities, ensuring that children's rights are integrated into local governance and service delivery. This role involves working closely with local authorities, providing technical support, and facilitating capacity-building sessions to enhance the understanding and implementation of children's rights at the municipal level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks, including developing a directory of municipalities involved in the CFM initiative, disseminating tools for implementing interventions, organizing capacity-building sessions, monitoring the implementation of initiatives, relaying community feedback to UNICEF, coordinating technical support to municipalities, establishing municipal monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, collecting data for tool development and assessment, and creating an Excel spreadsheet to track performance indicators. The volunteer will also collaborate with local partners, particularly in fundraising efforts targeting the private sector, especially in Douala.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. They should demonstrate a commitment to children's rights and have a good understanding of local governance and public policy. Proficiency in data collection and analysis, as well as experience in capacity building and community engagement, is essential. The ability to work in a multicultural environment and adapt to changing circumstances is also required.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, public administration, international relations, or a related field is required. Additional training or certifications in child rights, community development, or project management would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in community development, child protection, or public policy implementation. Experience working with local authorities or NGOs in a similar context is highly desirable. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Cameroon. Proficiency in English is an asset, as it will facilitate communication with international stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The assignment duration is initially set with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The position is local, meaning volunteers are expected to work within their communities and will not receive relocation benefits. Monthly living allowances will cover housing and living expenses, and volunteers will be provided with life, health, and disability insurance. Additionally, a Well-Being Differential will be provided for those in hardship duty stations. Selected candidates may be subject to vaccination requirements, including for Covid-19, in accordance with host entity policies.