National Officer for the Safe Journey to Schools project

Details

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 favouritism. 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. Therefore, 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.

Context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of UNICEF’s project or flagship programming initiative, among others. Globally, road traffic injuries are the biggest killer of children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19 years, signalling a need for more action on road safety as a threat to children’s health and wellbeing. Nearly 220,000 children and adolescents aged 0–19 years die annually around the world due to road traffic injuries as noted in the Global Health Estimates data of 2019. That is more than 600 preventable road deaths among children and adolescents each day – or a death almost every two minutes. With the financial support of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), UNICEF has engaged its Country Offices (COs) in Moldova, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa, as well as key road safety partners, to advance safe journeys to school in selected school communities. In-country actions include road safety assessments, improvements, advocacy, and educational activities to advocate for reduced speed in areas around schools. UNICEF Headquarters (HQ) is supporting fund development, capacity building and the development of standardized tools and resources to advocate for safe journeys to school and supporting good practices. This project is the starting point for UNICEF’s ambition to implement a Global Road Safety Programme engaging 30 countries to advocate and implement 30km/h school zones and supporting good practices by 2030 - 30 for 30 by 30. To date UNICEF now has engaged another six countries (Armenia, Brazil, China, India, Paraguay, and the Philippines) through leveraged funds and partnerships. The purpose of this consultancy is to assist the Road Traffic Authority (RTA), the National Department of Education (NDoE) and selected schools to implement the Safe Journey to School project. To this effect, the consultant will have to build a close and respectful relationship with implementing partners, including RTA, NDoE and others. In addition, the consultant will closely collaborate with iRAP (International Road Assessment Programme) focal points, will collect relevant data/information and share with the donor focal point at UNICEF HQ for donor reporting. The key project partners are: Road Traffic Authority (RTA), National Department of Education (NDoE), National Capita District Commission (NCDC), National Capital District Education Office (NCDEO), selected project schools, and International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP).

Task description

Scope of Work: The technical assistance will contribute to effective delivery of the Safe Journey to Schools project for children road safety outcomes, including: a) Increase road safety knowledge and behaviour of children throughout PNG b) Increase compliance to the existing school speed zones of under 30km/h c) Enhance physical settings of selected schools to reduce risks of road deaths and injuries. Specific tasks are:  Support RTA and NDoE/Curriculum Development Division to finalize/disseminate Teachers Resource Book and provide road safety learning to teachers and students.  Support RTA to coordinate the roads improvement of locations around selected schools (sidewalk, speed limits, painting a cross way and setting road signs)  Support RTA and schools to hold rallies and marches for advocacy of improved road safety (e.g., awareness campaign)  Support RTA to conduct end-line survey for assessment and monitoring.  Assist government partners and UNICEF staff to prepare and process financial and supply assistance according to the UNICEF rules and procedures including HACT (Harmonized Approach for Cash Transfer)  Conduct field monitoring and prepare updates and reports to Education Section  Prepare inputs and updates, including human interest stories (HIS) for bi- annual donor reports.  Attend to regular meetings with implementing partners to ensure project progress as per the Work Plan