Mission and objectives

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 70 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.

Context

UNICEF is a global leader in advancing children’s rights and well-being, operating in over 190 countries to ensure every child has a fair chance in life. In Sudan, UNICEF plays a pivotal role in addressing the needs of children and women affected by ongoing conflict, displacement, and climate change. With over 24 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including millions of vulnerable children, UNICEF Sudan focuses on delivering life-saving interventions and promoting sustainable development across several key sectors including Health, Nutrition, Water & Environmental Sanitation, Education, and Child Protection, with Social and Behaviour Change and evidence and social policy mainstreamed. In response to the complex humanitarian crisis, UNICEF’s programming in Sudan emphasizes both emergency response and long-term development. Through partnerships with the government, NGOs, CBOs and other UN agencies, UNICEF ensures that interventions are aligned with national priorities and global standards, while being adaptable to the ever-changing situation on the ground. Additional Information: National UN Specialist Volunteers in Sudan are entitled to: - Monthly Volunteer Living allowance (VLA) at amount of 1,597.25 USD. - danger and Hardship Differential DHD: 575. USD. - Annual and learning leaves. - Free Medical and life insurance. - Free access to different learning platforms.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the South Area Planning & Monitoring Specialist, and under overall guidance and oversight of the South Area Chief of Field Office, the National UNV Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks: I. Field Operational Updates • Collect, compile, and synthesize routine operational information from field teams, partners, and government counterparts to produce timely and accurate field operational updates. • Review and edit inputs from programme sections to ensure clarity, accuracy, and share with PME for clearance and submit to CO. II. Emergency Response Flash Updates • Support rapid information gathering and documentation during emergencies, including displacements, access constraints, outbreaks, and natural hazards. • Prepare concise flash updates reflecting urgent needs, immediate response actions, gaps, and coordination requirements. • Contribute to inter-agency or inter-sectoral assessment summaries and ensure critical findings are captured in emergency updates. III. Field Monitoring Highlights • Compile field monitoring highlights by synthesizing findings from field missions, TPM reports, programme monitoring, and partners’ inputs. • Extract key achievements, challenges, risks, and follow-up actions from monitoring data and present them in clear narrative form. IV. NatCom, Communication Reports, and Success Stories • Gather qualitative information, beneficiary voices, photos, and field narratives to support NatCom reporting, donor visibility, and communication products. • Draft human-interest stories and short features that showcase UNICEF’s impact on children and communities. • Ensure stories and communication materials are well-structured, compelling, and consistent with UNICEF communication guidelines. • Assist in maintaining a repository of success stories, visibility materials, and photo documentation for future use. V. Presentation Materials, Slide Decks, and Briefing Notes • Prepare visually engaging slide decks summarizing state-level and area-level general information, including context, programme results, operational updates, and key challenges. • Develop briefing notes, talking points, and meeting summaries for internal and external engagements, donor briefings, and senior management missions. VI. Information Management, Data Quality, and Support Functions • Assist in organizing and maintaining information management tools, trackers, and repositories that support reporting flows and ensure data used is reviewed for accuracy and reliability. VII. Capacity Building & Stakeholder Support & Additional Responsibilities • Provide basic capacity-building support to UNICEF colleagues and partners on reporting templates, documentation standards, and assist in organizing trainings or sessions. • Provide general assistance to the Planning & Monitoring team on any other related activities as requested.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork • Commitment and dedication • Adaptability and flexibility • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Kosti, White Nile State, located about 350 km south of Khartoum and 1200 km southwest of Port Sudan (approximately 12 hours by road) remains one of the relatively more stable towns in central Sudan, though the security environment has become more unpredictable due to occasional drone strikes targeting military installations in 2025, including several attacks on the 18th Infantry Division headquarters in the city. The town continues to receive large influxes of internally displaced people from Kordofan and other conflict-affected states, placing pressure on housing, health facilities, and basic services. Basic medical care is available, though services are strained, and outbreaks such as cholera have affected the locality in recent years. Kosti remains accessible by road, with mobile networks generally functional but susceptible to periodic interruptions linked to the wider national crisis. The cost of living, while lower than in larger cities, fluctuates due to economic instability and supply constraints. Despite these challenges, Kosti continues to serve as an important humanitarian hub with active community initiatives and a functioning local market environment.