Mission and objectives

UNICEF is responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. UNICEF Health program is designed to support national health priorities with focus on programs that will positively impact on the lives of the most disadvantaged children, such as the prevention and treatment of diseases through establishing community-level efforts and services to promote the health and well-being of children. In line with this strategy, UNICEF supports immunization and health prevention programs for childhood diseases and funding for sustainable health services. UNICEF programs have been guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), which affirms the right of all children to “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health.” UNICEF is committed to realizing the rights of all children to help them build a strong foundation and have the best chance of fulfilling their potential. We believe that ensuring a happy and healthy child begins before birth: from ensuring his/her mother has access to good neonatal care and delivering in a clean, safe environment to reaching adulthood as a responsible, healthy and informed parent to the next generation. This journey relies on a child having access to shelter, good nutrition, clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.

Context

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfil their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. And we never give up! Background: UNICEF is a leading humanitarian and development agency working globally for the rights of every child. Child rights begin with safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflict and traverse the life cycle: pre-natal care for healthy births, clean water and sanitation, health care and education. UNICEF has spent nearly 80 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Working with and for children through adolescence and into adulthood requires a global presence whose goal is to produce results and monitor their effects. UNICEF also lobbies and partners with leaders, thinkers and policy makers to help all children realize their rights - especially the most disadvantaged. In this context, UNICEF Nigeria seeks the services of an experienced Partnership and Advocacy Expert to support the corporate effort to strengthen UNICEF’s strategic partnerships with regional and sub-regional intergovernmental organizations, under the guidance and supervision of the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative. She/he will be UNICEF West Africa focal point for strengthening sector-specific partnerships and sustaining strategic relations built with the Regional Economic Commission (REC) - the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) headquartered in Abuja, while initiating relations with the recently formed Alliance des États du Sahel; Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The post will provide day-to-day liaison functions with ECOWAS and the AES, following up on UNICEF engagement with the regional organizations along established strategic priorities and representing UNICEF West and Central Regional Office WCARO/Centres of Excellence (CoE) and the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria in meetings and activities of ECOWAS and the AES. The position is domiciled in the UNICEF Abuja Office, and the incumbent will assist the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria in her/his role as the accredited Representative to ECOWAS. The Representative in Nigeria will provide guidance and supervision of implementation of the goals/objectives set by the regional office and CoE.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UNICEF Nigeria Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV West Africa Partnerships Expert will: • In close coordination with Regional Office (RO) and relevant RO and Centre of Excellence (CoE) specialist teams, the Expert will provide strategic technical expertise to facilitate the engagement between ECOWAS/AES entities and UNICEF, including UNICEF Country Offices, on various thematic areas. • In linkage with RO Front Office and relevant regional office and centres of excellence teams, perform day-to-day liaison functions with ECOWAS/AES and follow up UNICEF engagement with the Regional Economic Commissions (RECs) along strategic priorities set at the region level. • Under the overall supervision of the Country Representative, and in consultation with RO/CoE, the incumbent will provide technical expertise to implementing agreements reached with the RECs, instigating new types of partnerships and leveraging them strategically to promote the rights of children in West Africa. • In consultation with the regional office and CoE, monitor and participate in key sub-regional activities for West Africa. • Provide inputs for core documents and reports on UNICEF’S partnership with ECOWAS/AES, including advocacy material on UNICEF’s activities in the region. • Assist the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria in her/his role as accredited Representative to ECOWAS. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement etc. • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to 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 continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work efficiently and timely; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear, concise reports. • Flexibility and adaptability. • Genuine commitment towards principles of voluntary engagement, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, and to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.