CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Planning and Knowledge Management Officer
General
Description of assignment title: Planning and Knowledge Management Officer
Assignment country: Nepal
Open recruitment (advertised)
Advertisement end date:10/04/2024
Expected start date: 22/04/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 10. Reduced inequalities
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNICEF
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Kathmandu
Details
Mission and objectives
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. In all of its work, UNICEF takes a life-cycle based approach, recognizing the particular importance of early childhood development and adolescence. UNICEF programmes focus on the most disadvantaged children, including those living in fragile contexts, those with disabilities, those who are affected by rapid urbanization and those affected by environmental degradation. UNICEF was created with a distinct purpose in mind: to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future. We promote girls’ education – ensuring that they complete primary education as a minimum – because it benefits all children, both girls and boys. Girls who are educated grow up to become better thinkers, better citizens, and better parents to their own children. We act so that all children are immunized against common childhood diseases, and are well nourished: no child should suffer or die from a preventable illness. We work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people because it is right to keep them from harm and enable them to protect others. We help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS to live their lives with dignity. We are UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Context
The Planning and Knowledge Management Officer will be stationed in and work for Planning and Monitoring (PM) Section in UNICEF Nepal Country Office (NCO). NCO is implementing the 2023-2027 country programme in collaboration with the Government of Nepal. NCO operates through its country office in Kathmandu and four field offices covering four focus provinces – Sudurpaschim, Karnali, Lumbini and Madhesh. With more than 150 staff members and about 90 UNVs and consultants, UNICEF has the largest field presence among all UN agencies in Nepal. Travel to provinces and municipalities is one of the primary modalities through which NCO provides technical support to partners, monitors implementation of programmes supported by UNICEF and engages with the community and other stakeholders. NCO staff also undertake need-based international travel to participate in regional and global events, workshops and meetings etc. Since mid-2023, NCO has made a concentrated effort to make the travel planning more efficient and effective by taking a structured approach to periodic travel planning, find opportunities for synergy – logistically as well as programmatically – and make judicious use of the limited resources. The Planning and Knowledge Management Officer is expected to fulfill a dual role in supporting UNICEF country programme. S/he will support NCO’s travel planning, monitoring and reporting working in close collaboration with the travel unit in the office. Additionally, s/he will be responsible for ensuring linkages between the various tools/platforms being used in the office for this. The Planning and Knowledge Management Officer will also assist with documentation and effective knowledge management of workstreams related to the PM section.
Task description
With the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief, Planning and Monitoring or his designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Planning and Knowledge Management Officer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support operationalization of the Nepal Country Office travel plan a. In collaboration with the travel unit of Operations Section ensure timely initiation of the travel planning process using the standardized template; b. Support receipt of timely inputs for travel plan with the required details; c. Review the travel plan to identify missing information, duplication, inaccurate details; d. Analyse the travel plan to find opportunities for convergence, joint visits, over and under coverage/representation etc. and flag it for the senior management to inform the approval process; e. Monitor the implementation of the travel plan and prepare periodic reports on variance, and expenditure etc.; and f. Support the Monitoring Officer and HACT/Partnership Officer in ensuring the linkage of travel plan with Field Monitoring Module (FMM) and Programmatic Visits (PVs).
2. Support Knowledge Management function of PM section a. Cull out the programme monitoring plan from the broader travel plan and support to put together monitoring plan organised by programme sections and field offices; b. Contribute to preparation of fact sheets, thematic/geographic profiles, briefing notes, PowerPoint presentations, infographics and other need-based knowledge products; c. Organize, update and manage the PM section documents including its SharePoint site to make information easily available and accessible to all colleagues; d. Support documentation of the key meetings/events organized by the PM section and capture the key discussions in a format/template that can be disseminated/published.
- 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 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. As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his
functions, including:
- Generate periodic analytical reports on travel planning in NCO with actionable recommendations for the senior management
- Contribute to a range of knowledge products developed/updated by the PM section
- Support in capturing, organizing and disseminating knowledge within the PM section and its extended network within the office
- 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 or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in data collection, management and analysis; working with structured and unstructured information; preparing concise reports for use by senior management. Technical knowledge and skill: Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
- 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 professional staff;
- 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 (SharePoint, Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.); familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
- Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF core value (care, respect, integrity, trust, and accountability) volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Area(s) of expertise
Communication, Information technology, Social work
Driving license
–
Languages
Nepalese, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Fluent, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in information management, computer science, communication or a basic degree in social sciences with relevant work experience
Competencies and values
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. 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’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Planning and Knowledge Management Officer will be based in Kathmandu. This is an office-based position and no travel is envisaged. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.
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.
