Planning and Reporting Officer

Job Title: Planning and Reporting Officer

Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

Host entity: UNICEF

Assignment country: Cameroon

Expected start date: 30/08/2023

Sustainable Development Goal: 4. Quality education

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Yaounde

Details

Mission and objectives

L'UNICEF est une agence humanitaire internationale pour les enfants créée par la chart des Nations Unies en 1946. L'organiisation est présente dans plus de 192 pays et travail dans le domaine de la santé, de l'éducation, de l'eau et de l'assainissement, de la protection de l'enfance, du VIH et du Sida, de la nutrition, de la politique et de la protection sociale. L'UNICEF opère a la fois dans les contextes humanitaire et de development en répondant aux besoins des enfants et des femmes en particulier des filles et des plus vulnérables. La présence de l'UNICEF au Cameroun remonte à 1975. L'organisation intervient dans dans les domaines de l'éducation, de l'eau et de l'assainissement, de la protection de l'enfance, du VIH et du Sida. Tandi que ses efforts en amont se concentrent sur le plaidoyer et le lobbying pour des conditions budgétaires favorables aux enfants et aux femmes et a la formulation de politiques pour la promotion de leur croissance et de leur developement . Sur le plan opérationnel UNICEF Cameroun se concentre sur le renforcement des capacité des partie prenantes la prestation de service et la création de partenariats pour l'amélioration des aux enfants et aux femmes. Le Programme Protection de l'Enfant vise globalement a garantir que les enfants en particulier les filles adolescentes dan sles zones vulnérables sont mieux protégés contre la violence, l'exploitation et les pratiques néfastes y compris dans le contexte d'urgence humanitaire. Le programme contribue ainsi au renforcement des systèmes gouvernementaux et communautaires de protection de l'enfance, afin d'identifier et de combattre plus efficacement les violations des droits de l'enfant. Une attention particulière est portée a l'enregistrement. des naissances la préventions et la réponses aux violences physiques et sexuelles ainsi qu'a l'élimination du mariage des enfants en s'apppuyant sur les évidneces.

Context

UNICEF Cameroon has some 120 staff who are based in Yaoundé, and in the 4 Sub-National offices (Bertoua, Maroua and Buea). After the Covid-19 Pandemic, the country pursues a transition from Emergency to Development; the latter takes place in a context of donor fatigue and a global financial crisis. One of the key priorities of UNICEF Cameroon in 2023 is resource mobilization and results-based management; results-based donor reporting of high quality, therefore, is essential for demonstrating accountability of the use of donor funds and engaging their interest in investing in UNICEF’s Programme. In this context, the role of the UNV is to provide high quality support to the Senior Management of UNICEF Country Office to support the planning and reporting processes. The 2022-2026 Country Programme signed between UNICEF and the Cameroon Government concentrates on Health/HIV, Nutrition, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Education, Social Behaviour & Changes, Child protection and Social Policy. The vision of UNICEF Cameroon’s Country Programme 2022-2026 is that ‘’every child, adolescent, girl and boy survive, thrive and develop to reach their full potential and contribute to human capital’. Children’s status is fragile in Cameroon. The current context shows that Child mortality in Cameroun for the past decade has been declining (122 to 80 for 1,000 live births between 2011 and 2018) despite the numerous challenges by the health sector and public sectors. Maternal mortality as well has declined and stands at 406 deaths per 100,000 live births. Quality of Maternal, newborn and Childcare, access to health and HIV services, demand for health and HIV services, a suitable environment for health and HIV services, equity and scaling up high impact health interventions remain major challenges added to the advent of humanitarian crisis in North-West, South-west and Far North regions. The Health & HIV’s outcome is that by 2026, pregnant women and children, including newborns and adolescents, particularly the most vulnerable, enjoy increased access and use quality essential health services delivering high-impact interventions and adopt healthy behaviours, including in emergency contexts. In that line, a 2022-2024 triennial work plan has been developed, broken-down in an annual work plan 2022. After the Covid-19 Pandemic, the country pursues a transition from Emergency to Development; the latter takes place in a context of donor fatigue and a global financial crisis.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Representative, and in close collaboration with the Deputy Representative, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager and all program sections, the UN Volunteer Planning and Reporting Officer will support the timely consolidation, editing and submission of high-quality donor reports, and to a lesser extent of internal reports and project proposals, in adherence to set standards and donor obligations. This will include ensuring the completeness, coherence, correctness and formatting of reports and proposals, including financial verification. The UNV will also contribute to the overall Programme planning process, including the Programme reviews, updating of the bottleneck analysis and the capture and dissemination of lessons learned and good practices which will feed into Programme reviews and planning activities. Specific tasks are as follows: Reporting • Consolidation and finalization of donor reports, internal reporting including situation updates and project proposals. This includes quality check of donor reports in terms of conformity with original proposals, donor and reporting requirements, and compliance with results-based management • Update the NatCom Donor Toolkits, including the development of advocacy materials in coordination with Programme sections and the communication section. Planning • Contribute to Programme reviews and planning processes, including the analysis of Programme results (through results assessment modules and partner reports), Annual Work Plans and other Programme documents • Capture, synthesize and disseminate lessons learned and good practices related to programmes, cross-cutting issues and operations. • Facilitate the updating of bottleneck analyses in coordination with Programme sections and their partners as part of Monitoring Results for Equity for Systems (MORES). • Support the updating of the Situation Analysis of Women and Children of Cameroon, including the review and update of data/information in line with the latest country context and integration of bottleneck analysis. 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 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. Planning process, Programme meetings are documented. • Quality rolling work plans are timely produced/revised and uploaded in online platforms by authorized staff. • High-quality donor reports and proposals are produced and submitted in a timely manner. • High-quality documentations on lessons learned and good practices produced. • Bottleneck analyses conducted for all Programme areas • High quality country Programme documents and other planning documents developed (Mid-term review Programme Note, Annual Management Plan, Annual Workplans) • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in Programme planning and management and reporting. General knowledge of: - Communication practice, methodology and practical application; including knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy - Fundamentals of working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc. - Computer systems, including internet navigation, office applications with advanced knowledge of social media, web-tools, website design and creation - United Nations or other international organizations; good understanding of world affairs, current events and international development issues - Global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and current UNICEF position and approaches. - Thorough knowledge of social and civic media and thorough familiarity with the latest technological developments Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced: - Knowledge and expertise in Programme management, communication strategy and networking - Demonstrates excellent IT skills - Excellent writing skills for web - Technical competence in producing for various media formats (print, web, social media). - Experience using multi-media, social networking approach is required. UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses - UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions - UN security operations and guidelines Three years practical professional and international work experience in Programme planning and management and reporting. Familiarity with work in emergency duty stations is an asset): • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Fluency in English and French is required. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete) • Sound security awareness;

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, Economics and finance, Administration

Driving license

-

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Political Science, Development Studies, Economics or other relevant discipline.

Competencies and values

• 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; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; creativity; 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 national and international staff, military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;]: • 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; • 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; • 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.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Cameroon is family duty station. The country is with a tropical climate. There are two rainy seasons (April-May and September-October). The average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius. Health: UN Volunteers should be aware that they are exposed to a number of tropical diseases and should complete all medical formalities specified in the offer of assignment before travelling and bring with them sufficient and appropriate medical supplies. The following vaccinations are required and/or recommended prior to travel or upon arrival: Covid-19, yellow fever (required for travellers arriving), polio, rabies, tetanus/diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), malaria (prophylaxis is recommended for almost all of the country). UN staff has 24-hour access to a fully operational UN medical clinic, run by the UN Doctors, during office hours. There is also a selection of other health facilities available in Cameroon. Accommodation: The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. However the UNV Field Unit will provide the list of UNDSS recommended neighborhoods and put the newly recruited UN Volunteer with other UN Volunteers to facilitate his adaptation. Power and water: in most regions, including Yaounde, both electricity and water is readily available. Most hotels have secured water and generators in the event of a power failure. Food and diet: fresh food is seasonal but varied. Most staple foods are common in the supermarkets. Yaounde has a selection of reasonably priced restaurants with good health standards. Restaurants can be found in the provinces as well, but the standard, the quality of food and the level of hygiene may be limited, while availability of certain foods may be limited or seasonal as well. The usual precautions need to be taken when eating outside the home: no salads, bottled water and all meat to be thoroughly cooked. Minor stomach upsets are almost inevitable at some stage. Bank and Communication: Upon your arrival in Cameroon, your account will be opened with a foreign bank. The currency of account is normally XAF. You can purchase SIM card in Cameroon from any of the leading telephone companies for your personal use; if required (on the basis of your working requirements), you can be issued an official SIM card by the Office (upon request of your respective section). Besides the SIM card, you would also get the PIN Code from CITS to make international/local calls, which are usually cheaper than the mobile phones (and the cost of personal calls will be deducted from your monthly entitlements). Cameroon is a unique country; however, it requires more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in hazardous and harsh conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are essential.

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.

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