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 fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programs, 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 fulfill 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.
Approximately one child in ten is born with or acquires a disability. Children with disabilities are likely to live in poverty, be excluded from school and from health and nutrition services. Exclusion is
often aggravated by lack of disability-related data to inform policy and services and by stigma and discrimination in the community. The work concerning inclusion and children with disabilities is vital for UNICEF to ensure that the most vulnerable children are given adequate care and support both from state institutions as well as from families and communities. In line with the Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities, children with disabilities are meaningfully contributing to the design, implementation and monitoring of all key policies affecting their lives.
This position is to be based in Mozambique Country Office (with level 1 accessibility) with in-country and out of country trips as required. The position will include cross sectoral work on disability and inclusion and be supervised by the Child Protection Specialist P4, in close connection with the Deputy Representative, and peers from sectorial programs responsible for this area of UNICEF programs. UNICEF values candidates who have a lived experience of disability and will try its best to provide reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities interested in applying.
Based within the Deputy Representative’s Office and Child Protection Section, the Specialist will provide technical support on inclusion of children with disabilities in Mozambique. The main focus of his/her work will be programmes and initiatives related to children with disabilities. The specialist will support MCO to develop strategies and interventions to advance social inclusion work with a particular focus on disability. He/she will document and develop capacity among staff and partners on disability-inclusion and share key learning and relevant practice on mainstreamed and targeted approaches. The specialist will ensure integration of disability aspects into the SITAN, collaborate closely with other sections, and develop new partnerships concerned with children and disabilities issues. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as key reference frameworks, the children with disabilities’ right to social inclusion will be mainstreamed in UNICEF programming, and in national systems in Mozambique.
He/she will demonstrate commitment for enhancement of gender-sensitive teamwork as well as capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals and strategy.
The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Officer to program preparation and planning and implementation of programs/projects, contribute to achievement of sustainable results to improve rights of children with disabilities. Success in inclusive programs and projects in turn contribute to maintaining/enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to provide program services that promotes greater social equality in the country.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The competencies required for this post are….
View our competency framework at
http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.