Disability Inclusion Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and human rights. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a significant presence in regions like Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The organization employs thousands of individuals across diverse fields, including humanitarian aid, development, and peacekeeping, working collaboratively to achieve sustainable development goals and improve the lives of people globally.

Job Overview:
The Disability Inclusion Consultant position is designed to enhance the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Strategy within the United Nations operations in Fiji. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive implementation, monitoring, and evaluation plan that prioritizes disability inclusion across all UN activities. This role involves providing training to UN Country Team (UNCT) members and staff, ensuring that disability inclusion is integrated into all planning documents and operations. The consultant will also monitor the progress of accessibility audits and follow up on recommendations, ensuring that the UN premises are accessible to all. Additionally, the consultant will serve as the secretariat for the UNCT Disability Inclusion Working Group (DIWG), facilitating meetings, organizing events, and providing technical advice to enhance partnerships with organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). The consultant will play a crucial role in advocating for disability inclusion and promoting awareness on international days dedicated to persons with disabilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Disability Inclusion Consultant will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and implementing a detailed action plan for disability inclusion, including monitoring and evaluation components, and reporting progress to the Head of Office and the DIWG.
• Providing strategic support to the DIWG in establishing a disability inclusion network with external stakeholders, enhancing partnerships between the UN and national and regional OPDs.
• Conducting training sessions on disability inclusion for UNCT members and staff to raise awareness and improve practices.
• Monitoring and following up on the recommendations from accessibility audits of UN premises, ensuring that necessary actions are taken.
• Collecting and disseminating good practices and lessons learned related to disability inclusion for use by other UNCTs in the Pacific and globally.
• Initiating advocacy and communication efforts to promote the international day for persons with disabilities on December 3rd.
• Tracking and reporting on the UNDIS and UNSDCF accountability framework and activities related to disability inclusion.
• Mainstreaming disability considerations in all UNCT planning documents and initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in political science, sociology, international relations, law, public administration, or other related social sciences. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is acceptable, provided the candidate has two additional years of relevant experience. Preference will be given to individuals living with disabilities who meet the minimum educational qualifications and experience requirements. The role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to promoting disability inclusion within the UN framework.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as political science, sociology, international relations, law, or public administration. In cases where candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, they must have at least two additional years of relevant professional experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of disability inclusion and the socio-political context in which the UN operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in areas related to disability inclusion, social development, or human rights. Candidates with experience working with organizations of persons with disabilities or in roles that involve advocacy for disability rights will be particularly well-suited for this position. Experience in developing and implementing strategies, conducting training, and engaging with diverse stakeholders is also highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French, another official UN language, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the UN system and with international partners. Candidates who are multilingual and can communicate in additional languages will have a competitive edge in this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be based in Suva, Fiji, with an anticipated duration from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 202

• The consultant will work full-time and will report directly to the Head of Office at the RCO. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and equitable recruitment process, free from any financial barriers.