India nationals: WASH-CCES Program Officer (UNICEF)

United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Calcutta, West Bengal, India 🇮🇳

General

Description of assignment title: WASH-CCES Program Officer

Assignment country: India

Expected start date: 08/05/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 6. Clean water and sanitation

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No

Host entity: UNICEF

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Calcutta

Details

Mission and objectives
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.

Context
In line with SDG 6, WASH programme of UNICEF in West Bengal (WB) is supporting State Government in scaling up Flagship programmes Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in rural and urban areas, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) along with intersectoral programme like National Health Mission, Poshan Mission, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, to ensure universal provision of Water, Sanitation facilities and hygiene practices in communities and key institutions. WB being a vulnerable district in terms of natural disasters, specifically floods and cyclones and some districts being vulnerable to droughts and degrading water tables as well as landslides, UNICEF in WB is also actively engaged in risk informed programming and plays a crucial role in supporting Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The Govt. of India runs two national flagship programmes of Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission to achieve above objectives.

Jal Jeevan Mission: With the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2019, State is mandated to provide 55 lpcd (litre per capita per day) safe water to be delivered through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) in premises of all rural households through Piped Water Supply System (PWSS). Community ownership and responsibility of the Gram Panchayats (GPs)/ Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the In-Village Water Supply System (IVWSS), that already exists or will be put in place in every village, have been given priority under the JJM to ensure long term sustainability of service delivery. The nodal Dept. for JJM is the Public Health Engineering Deptt. (PHED) in state of WB.

Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen II (SBM G II): The State of WB achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in 2019 under the national flagship program of Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM G) phase I. The current SBM G Program is being implemented by the Panchayats and Rural Development Dept. Govt. of WB, wherein the focus is on achieving village level indicators on sustaining ODF status with functional and disaggregated toilets at public institutions, solid and liquid waste management mechanisms, no visible litter, and plastic waste dumps in villages as ODF Plus villages. The strategic technical support to Department of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) focused on enhancing policy and guidelines, preparation of State costed plans, capacities of PHED functionaries, institutional strengthening through engagement with various partners including ISAs, TPIs, knowledge management and strengthening monitoring systems for Water Safety and Security planning, drinking water access and functionality and water quality monitoring and surveillance.

UNICEF has initiated Urban WASH programme since 2020 as part of Covid 19 Emergency Response and has plans to strengthen this further in the next country Program cycle with focus on strengthening ULB (Urban Local Bodies) and supporting state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, GoWB. Comprehensive school safety and security program (CSSSP) is also being prioritised and scaled up by the School Education Dept. with support from UNICEF. Strengthening capacities of local self Govts.’ (Gram Panchayats-GPs) and communities for preparedness and response mechanisms and strengthening better coordination mechanisms between key stakeholders are also a key aspect of State Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programming.

Task description
UNICEF WASH programme in WB proposes to engage the services of National UNV primarily to support WASH Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES) and DRR programmatic interventions, and at the same time build their own capacity by gaining a rich experience of working in a complex multi-programmatic environment, working with multiple agencies in one of the most challenging States of the country.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of WASH Specialist cum CCES & DRR Focal or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV for WASH Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES) will:
• Understand implementation process of WASH & DRR National Flagships, development of Annual Implementation Plans of key Government departments, monitoring processes for state & national MIS;
• Build programme management and implementation skills by supporting the WASH team in implementing, monitoring, and reporting of WASH CCES and DRR Rolling Work Plans;
• Build knowledge on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability (CCES) programming within WASH programme and support coordination with other UNICEF sectors for sectoral CCES activities;
• Build capacities on DRR and coordinate with other sectors for DRR integrated & sectoral programmes;
• Support WASH team in development of UNICEF partnerships with Civil Societies, Academic Institutions and Private sector for effective resource leveraging and program implementation;
• Support in monitoring and coordination with UNICEF engaged partners & technical agencies for effective implementation of activities as planned in RWPs;
• Represent UNICEF (after approved delegated authority by Supervisor) in various meetings/ discussions at Govt. and non Govt forums;
• Support in emergency response activities including rapid needs assessment, coordination with Inter Agency Group and other peace time preparedness activities as per RWP;
• Build skills on evidence-based management, through sectoral/ cross sectoral secondary data analysis, preparing evidence informed advocacy and programmatic reports to be presented to partners leading to programme effectiveness;
• Undertake Field visits to districts to get acquainted with programme implementation mechanisms and support monitoring and reporting/documentation of best practices.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers 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 state;
• 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.

Results/expected outputs:
As an active UNICEF West Bengal (WB) team member, efficient, timely, responsive, and high quality support rendered to UNICEF WB in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
• Support WASH CCES & DRR sectors in monitoring internal work plan progress including inputs for WASH and DRR programme reporting: quarterly, half yearly and yearly basis;
• Coordinate and facilitate regular communication and follow up with other UNICEF sectors and cross sectors for CCES and Risk Informed plans;
• Support WASH CCES Specialist in providing inputs (presentations, briefs, etc.) for internal programme meetings, data analysis and monitoring reports;
• Monitor progress of WASH & DRR partnerships, follow up through field visits and provide necessary status updates and reports (two WASH and One DRR Partnerships (PD) including monitoring fund utilization, documentation, etc.).
• Conduct two Field Visits per month and share/submit trip Reports, Follow Up actions to supervisor;
• Develop four WASH CCES and DRR intervention knowledge management (KM) documents;
• Coordinate roll out of planned activities for Comprehensive School Safety & Security Program with School Education Dept. through facilitating trainings and regular monitoring;
• In three disaster vulnerable districts, plan & develop volunteer network for emergency preparedness and response including capacity building and monitoring;
• Maintain regular coordination with State Inter Agency Group (IAG), facilitate linkage with District administrations in focus districts, participate in rapid need assessments and prepare Situation analysis reports;
• Develop an action plan for engagement with youth & adolescent groups/platforms for Climate Change actions, WASH & DRR and support necessary monitoring & follow up;
• Maintain regular coordination with the Rural WASH Partnership Forum (RWPF) members (CSOs & Corporates) & support WASH Specialist in convening regular partnership meetings, documentation, developing sector updates and briefs for dissemination.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 27 – 80

Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience
3 years of experience in work related to the development sector, preferably in WASH rural and urban settings.
•Knowledge/Experience of UN systems and logic framework, planning and results- based management will be an advantage.
•Proven track record of organizational skills, ability to take the initiative, work with Government System, meet deadlines, work with minimal supervision.
•Proficient computer skills (Word, Excel, Power point, database programs, etc.); familiarity with online reporting/data entry software desirable. Good understanding of quantitative methods desirable.
•Excellent communication skills in English and Hindi: good interpersonal skills, with ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
•Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Area(s) of expertise: Development programmes, Health

Driving license: .

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Hindi, Level: Fluent, Required
Bengali, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in Social science, science or relevant field or Graduate degree in Engineering. Advance qualification in WASH/Environment/Climate Change/ Disaster Risk Reduction would be an added advantage.

Competencies and values
•Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF West Bengal; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF West Bengal 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 West Bengal 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 West Bengal’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks
Kolkata is beautiful city and well-connected with Rail, road and Air from various part of India. Climate in Kolkata is mostly pleasant, however, extreme temperatures are experienced in peak summers and winters. The cost of living in Kolkata comparable to the metro cities in India, with a variety of accommodation options available in individual, group and multi-story properties. Essential amenities like Food/ Water and Electricity are available on a regular basis; medical facilities are sufficiently developed with access to public and private health care on 24×7 basis. A wide variety of options available for Banking and Communication Services throughout the city.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances:
The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to the UN Volunteer is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs.

Please find below information specific to this assignment:

Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance (VLA) : INR 50,604.24
Entry lump sum (one time payment) : USD 400 (equivalent in INR)
Travel ticket if/when moving to duty station: USD 200 (equivalent in INR)
Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): 1 VLA/12 Months for each month served
Medical and life insurance Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements:
Annual leave : 2.5 days accrued per calendar month
Certified sick leave: 30 days
Uncertified sick leave: 7 days
Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months
Maternity leave: 16 weeks
Paternity leaves: 10 days

For more information on entitlements, please refer to the Conditions of Service https://explore.unv.org/cos

Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

LANGUAGE REQUIRED

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