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, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so 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. In the Pacific, UNICEF works in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu: These 14 Pacific island countries are home to 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth, living on more than 660 islands and atolls stretching across 17.2 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean, an area comparable to the combined size of the United States of America and Canada. Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are classified as Fragile States according to World Bank/OECD criteria. UNICEF Pacific programme is implemented by the Pacific Multi Country Office (PMCO) in Fiji and 5 Field Offices based in Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Vanuatu, FSM, and Samoa, that are at the frontline of impacting the lives of children.

Context

UNICEF works to help the children of Solomon Islands reach their full potential. We assist our partners to monitor and measure progress against these rights via the child-focused Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable children. Our programme interventions are rights-based, cut across different sectors, respond to the specific needs of girls and boys and address the vulnerabilities and strengths of children in their first and second decades of life. UNICEF has a strong on-the-ground presence in Solomon Islands, with a few ongoing projects in nearly all provinces. These are primarily in areas with the greatest disparities and service gaps. They complement our high-level policy and programme advice with practical support for planning, financing and service delivery, especially to advocate for quality, equity and sustainability. UNICEF's presence in the country means we have the potential to impact more than 400,000 children. We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to ensuring that children and adolescents, the building blocks of Solomon Islands’s future have an equal chance in life.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of WASH Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer WASH Officer will: National Level Systems Strengthening • Assist the WASH Specialist in the planning, implementation and monitoring, of WASH in Schools programme. • Contribute to strengthening advocacy, coordination and technical working group and capacity building on WASH in schools • Support the finalization of WASH in schools costed plan • Oversee budget and UNICEF supported project implementation activities on WASH in schools planning and hygiene promotion • Supporting SEMIS to integrate routine monitoring and reporting of WASH in schools Provincial Capacity Building • Train provincial staff, including teachers and school children on WASH in schools planning, implementation, and monitoring • Build and maintain relationships with provincial government partners and stakeholders to promote and scale up WASH in schools Facilitate school Level Training and WASH in school Improvement Planning • Deliver targeted training sessions to school staff and students, promoting WASH practices and awareness at the school level. • Support schools in developing and implementing improvement plans focused on WASH infrastructure and behavior change. • Monitor and evaluate school-level activities to track progress and outcomes. Knowledge Management • Develop social media content and communication products to share WASH program successes, human interest stories, best practices, and educational messages and support public diplomacy efforts of partners. • Support knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and developing materials that can be used for advocacy and awareness campaigns. • Ensure that communication materials are tailored for different audiences (public diplomacy, resource partners national, provincial, school) to maximize impact.

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; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, 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 area of expertise; 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 (own) 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 staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations 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 position is based in Honiara, the capital city, where all the basic necessities of life, including accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities, and telecommunications and internet services, are readily available. All staple foods can be found in local markets. Honiara has a wide range of imported goods. The availability of accommodation and goods is limited on small islands. Honiara has many good restaurants that adhere to high health and safety standards, and most guesthouses provide food. In the Solomon Islands, the most common means of transport are taxis and local buses. Starlink and mobile/satellite phones are the most dependable way to keep in touch with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available through cellular networks. ATMs are available in big cities and can usually be used to withdraw SBD. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer is responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are covered by a comprehensive insurance plan.