Reports Associate

Mission and objectives

UNICEF's core mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does: in programs; in advocacy; and in operations. The equity strategy, which focuses on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment into action for children's rights. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the extent that a child has unequal opportunities in life in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions - his or her rights are violated.

Context

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in Mali and around the world to support the most vulnerable children, ensuring they have access to quality health care, nutrition, safe water, education, and protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation. Established in 1946, UNICEF is mandated by the international community to advocate for and promote the rights and well-being of every child. UNICEF’s work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, through which States Parties commit to guaranteeing the rights of every child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child's or their parents' or legal guardians' colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth, or any other status.UNICEF is driven by the belief that every child has the right to survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential. To make this vision a reality, UNICEF works tirelessly in some of the world's most challenging environments to reach children who are most at risk and most disadvantaged. In Mali, UNICEF works in partnership with the Government, civil society organizations, communities, development partners, and the private sector to promote and protect the rights of children and women, contributing to sustainable and equitable development outcomes. As part of its commitment to accountability, transparency towards donors, results-based evidence generation, and resource mobilization efforts, UNICEF Mali plans to recruit a UN Volunteer (UNV) Reports Associate to support the review, quality assurance and timely production of high-quality and results-oriented donor reports that demonstrate impact for children and communities.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Reports Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Reports Associate will: Donor Reporting Quality Assurance - Facilitate the review of donor reports to ensure high standards of quality, coherence, and clarity. - Proofread and edit reports in English and French as required. - Translate reporting content and donor-related documents when necessary. - Support the verification of reported figures, achievements, indicators, and commitments through cross-checking with source documents and programme teams. - Ensure consistency between donor reports, approved proposals, budgets, results frameworks, and previous reporting submissions. - Ensure compliance with UNICEF editorial guidelines, terminology, branding, and donor-specific requirements. - Support the formatting and layout of reports, presentations, and donor-facing documents. Reporting Coordination and Tracking - Maintain and regularly update reporting schedules and calendars. - Track internal and external reporting deadlines and follow up with programme sections to ensure timely submissions. - Support the coordination of inputs from multiple programme teams and consolidate contributions into donor reports. - Monitor reporting progress and flag potential delays or risks to supervisors. Knowledge Management and Document Archiving - Maintain a comprehensive electronic filing system for donor-related documentation to facilitate retrieval. - Archive agreements, proposals, budgets, reports, studies, evaluations, datasets, dashboards, visibility materials, and other relevant documentation on SharePoint and OneDrive. - Results Documentation and Evidence Generation - Support the collection and organization of evidence, success stories, case studies, and programme results for donor reporting. - Contribute to the development of compelling results narratives that demonstrate UNICEF's impact for children. - Assist in compiling information and evidence required for fundraising and resource mobilization efforts. UNICEF Mali is seeking a motivated young professional who can contribute to the development of high-quality, results-focused donor reports in collaboration with the Health, Nutrition, Education, Child Protection, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Social Policy programmes. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: - Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); - Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; - Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. - Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; - Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; - Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.tions to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

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

Provide brief description of relevant living conditions in duty station – e.g. security situation, access and air travel, climate, cultural awareness such as dress code / alcohol use, cost of living, accommodation options, availability of food/water/electricity, medical facilities, banking facilities, communications infrastructure, etc. Bamako, the capital of Mali, is the country's main administrative and economic centre and hosts UN agencies, international organizations, and diplomatic missions. While security conditions in Bamako are generally more stable than in other parts of the country, adherence to UN security regulations and advisories is required. The city has a hot climate, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C during the dry season and a rainy season from June to October. Accommodation options, including apartments and houses, are available in several neighbourhoods at varying price levels. Food and basic commodities are available through local markets and supermarkets. Bottled water is readily accessible and recommended for drinking. Electricity, internet, and mobile phone services are generally available, although occasional disruptions may occur. Bamako has public and private healthcare facilities offering routine medical services. Banking services, ATMs, and mobile money platforms are widely accessible. Respect for local customs and cultural sensitivities is expected in both professional and social settings. Mali is a unique country and faces a unique humanitarian operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.