Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does - in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, and thrive, so that they develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. Every child must have an equal chance in life - in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions - and for her or his rights to be protected. The evidence is clear that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens - and by addressing inequity - will not only give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also leads to the sustained growth and stability of countries. As such, the focus on equity is vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. UNICEF works with governments and other partners to ensure that all countries fulfil the commitments they made at the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, that every child can grow and develop to reach their full potential.

Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, advocacy, and operations. UNICEF’s equity strategy emphasizes reaching the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translating this commitment into concrete action. Equity means that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination, bias, or favouritism. To the extent that any child faces unequal opportunities in life — whether social, political, or economic — their rights are violated. By investing in health, education, and protection for the most disadvantaged children, UNICEF not only enables individual potential but also fosters sustained growth and stability for societies. As part of its current Country Programme in the Eastern Caribbean, UNICEF places a strong emphasis on strengthening inclusive and shock-responsive social protection (SRSP) systems. Social protection is a cornerstone of resilience building, helping children and families to withstand and recover from crises such as economic shocks, pandemics, and climate-related disasters. UNICEF works closely with governments to improve the design, financing, and delivery of social protection programmes, ensuring that they are child-sensitive, climate-aware, and responsive to shocks. This includes supporting legal and policy frameworks, building delivery systems such as Management Information Systems and payment solutions, and linking cash-based assistance with social services like health, education, and child protection. In this context, UNICEF is one of the agencies implementing the European Union–Caribbean–Resilient Project (EU-CARES), alongside WFP, UNDP, and UNDRR. Within EUCARES, UNICEF’s focus is on supporting governments to institutionalize shock-responsive social protection, strengthen delivery systems, expand cash-based assistance, and generate evidence to inform policy decisions. Through this work, UNICEF helps to ensure that national social protection systems in the Caribbean are better prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, while also promoting sustainable and equitable development.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Social Protection Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Project Coordinator will: Project Coordination and Management: • Coordinate UNICEF's implementation of EUCARES project activities in assigned Caribbean countries, with a primary duty station in St Kitts and Nevis. • Facilitate regular coordination meetings with government counterparts, including Ministries of Social Development, Finance, and Disaster Management. • Support maintaining strong working relationships with key partners including WFP, UNDP, UNDRR, EU Delegation, and CDEMA. • Support the organization of quarterly technical coordination meetings and bi-monthly check-ins with EU and WFP. • Assist in the preparation of project progress reports, work plans, and budget monitoring. Government Liaison and Partnership Development: • Serve as liaison with government partners in assigned countries for EUCARES implementation. • Support capacity building initiatives for government officials on shock-responsive social protection. • Facilitate policy dialogue sessions and technical assistance activities with national counterparts. Communications and Visibility: • Prepare communication materials (briefs, fact sheets, human interest stories, case studies, press releases, and social media content) to highlight EUCARES achievements and promote visibility. • Support UNICEF’s communication strategy in the Caribbean by ensuring consistent messaging and branding in EUCARES-related outputs. • Liaise with regional communication colleagues to capture and disseminate stories from the field. • Manage documentation of project events and activities through photos, videos, and written narratives for internal and external audiences. • Contribute to donor visibility requirements by preparing content tailored for EU and other partners. Knowledge Management and Learning: • Directly support the facilitation of South-South learning exchanges and cross-country visits among Caribbean nations. • Support the documentation of best practices and lessons learned from project implementation. • Assist in organizing training workshops and capacity building events. • Contribute to evidence-based policy recommendations through collation and synthesis of project knowledge products. Monitoring and Evaluation: • Support project monitoring activities and data collection processes. • Assist in the preparation of impact evaluations and assessment reports. • Contribute to the development of indicators and monitoring frameworks. • Support field visits and operational assessments as required. • Any other related tasks may be required or assigned by the supervisor. As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of EUCARES project objectives, including: • Effective coordination of EUCARES project implementation across assigned Caribbean countries with improved government engagement and partnership sustainability. • Enhanced capacity of government partners in shock-responsive social protection, climate adaptation, and disaster risk management through coordinated technical assistance and training programs. • Strengthened institutional frameworks and SOPs for social protection systems that are better prepared to respond to climate shocks and emergencies. • Successful facilitation of South-South learning exchanges resulting in improved knowledge sharing and replication of best practices across the Caribbean region. • Quality project monitoring, reporting, and documentation that contributes to evidence-based policy making and advocacy for continued investment in resilient social protection systems. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies and values

Professionalism: Demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF and climate/disaster management; technical capabilities in social protection and climate adaptation; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with government officials and partners; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Integrity: Demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization's interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority. Teamwork and respect for diversity: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Commitment to continuous learning: Initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in climate adaptation, disaster risk management, and social protection; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing: Effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. Communication: Proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with government officials, UN staff, and local communities; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups. Flexibility: Adaptability and ability to live and work in Small Island Developing States with potential exposure to natural disasters; ability to operate independently in challenging environments; willingness to travel frequently within the Caribbean region and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary. Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UNICEF's mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

The duty station will be St. Kitts and Nevis, a small Caribbean Island state with tropical climate. The island experience hurricane season from June to November, and candidates should be prepared to work in environments subject to natural disasters. The security situation is generally stable, though standard UN security protocols apply. St Kitts and Nevis has adequate banking facilities, telecommunications infrastructure, and medical services. Cost of living can be relatively high due to the island economy. Internet connectivity is generally reliable for remote work requirements. Air travel connections are available through regional carriers and some international flights. The duty station may require frequent travel to other Caribbean countries for project implementation. Climate is tropical with high humidity year-round. Both countries have English as the official language, facilitating communication with government partners and communities. Candidates for UN Volunteer assignments requiring travel to the duty station may be exceptionally granted during this period alternative working arrangements to work from their place of recruitment until restrictions are lifted. Candidates for UN Volunteer assignments may also need to begin their assignments remotely in cases where access to UN premises is restricted. These are decisions at the discretion of the host entity. Candidates proceeding to interview are recommended to discuss travel requirements, any restrictions, and possible alternative arrangements with the host entity. If selected, candidates should carefully consider the circumstances before accepting UNV’s offer. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.