Advocacy & Policy Specialist, P-4 (Temporary Appointment, 7 months), ESARO, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Under the general guidance of Head of UNICEF Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the incumbent is responsible for maintaining a high level dialogue on issues that affect women and children. S/he will help assist in the development and promotion of UNICEF's children's and women's agenda through influencing related policy development in UNICEF's work with the African Union, UNECA and Civil Society Organization (CSO)s working on Africa in a variety of inter-governmental, inter-agency and other fora, specifically those which address children's right, education, health, food and nutrition security, peace and security issues especially in relation to children affected by armed conflict and protection of civilians mandates, humanitarian policy issues, and gender equality. The Temporary Appointment, Advocacy and Policy Specialist will cover the function of a staff who will be on combined maternity and annual leave for 7 months.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Position

Under the general guidance of Head of UNICEF Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the incumbent is responsible for maintaining a high level dialogue on issues that affect women and children. S/he will help assist in the development and promotion of UNICEF's children's and women's agenda through influencing related policy development in UNICEF's work with the African Union, UNECA and Civil Society Organization (CSO)s working on Africa in a variety of inter-governmental, inter-agency and other fora, specifically those which address children's right, education, health, food and nutrition security, peace and security issues especially in relation to children affected by armed conflict and protection of civilians mandates, humanitarian policy issues, and gender equality.

Key Expected Results

• Support and influence the development of polices relevant to children's right, education, health, nutrition and food security and peace and security, with African Union Commission, UNECA and CSOs working on Africa by keeping UNICEF ROs, HQs and relevant Country Offices informed on any crucial matters and/or decisions that flow from high-level consultations in the continent.

• Contribute to the successful implementation of the overall workplan of the UNICEF Liaison Office to the AU and UNECA

Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

• Maintaining regular contact and communication with the AU Commission (AUC) and African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) in order to identify opportunities for influence and maintain visibility of UNICEF as a key partner

• Coordination of technical inputs by Regional Offices and HQ into AU documents (concept notes, policies, reports, etc)

• Preparation, monitoring and reporting of UNICEF-AU engagement plan and AULO rolling workplan

• Keeping UNICEF colleagues informed of influencing opportunities and decisions that flow from the African Union and other regional bodies, including through production of quarterly updates and maintenance of AULO SharePoint page
• Representing UNICEF at AU-level technical meetings and working groups related to children's issues to ensure that UNICEF positions and concerns are represented in AU discussions, policies and decisions

• Cooperating with the African Union Commission, other UN Agencies and civil society organisations on continental initiatives such as the AU Campaign to End Child Marriage and the Day of the African Child

• Working with the ACERWC and UNICEF country offices to support ratification and reporting of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

• Supporting Regional Offices with the management of staff and consultants posted to the AUC
• Drafting briefing notes and statements for high level and technical

 Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• Educational requirement: Advanced university degree, preferably in law or social sciences (e.g. international relations, political science, public affairs, and/or international development).

• Work Experience: Eight years of relevant work experience, including advocacy on human rights/child rights issues.

• Language: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (French or Arabic and the local working language of the duty station) is considered an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Results

Functional Competencies

• Leading and Supervising [III]
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [III]
• Analyzing [III]
• Relating and Networking [III] 
• Deciding and Initiating Action [III]
• Persuading and Influencing [III]
• Applying Technical Expertise [III]
• Planning and Organizing [III]
• Adapting and Responding to Change [III]
• Coping with Pressure and Setbacks [III]

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.