CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: South Africa
Closing date: 28 Nov 2014

VA-2014-013

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Pretoria is inviting applications from suitably qualified South African nationals for Temporary Appointment post of:

Education Officer (Early Childhood Development), NO-A

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

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, it strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour and action towards children. In South Africa, UNICEF supports national efforts to realize children’s rights by promoting evidence-based policy advocacy and strategic partnerships as a means to leverage policies and resources for children, giving special attention to vulnerable children and disparity reduction. It works in the areas of health and nutrition, early childhood development; basic education; child protection and social policy, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Temporary-Appointment

Duration: 01 January 2015 – 29 December 2015

PURPOSE OF THE POST:

Under the close supervision of an Education Specialist (Early Childhood Development), contributes to the early childhood development programme planning, administration, implementation and evaluation of programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting. Particular emphasis on supporting the advancement of play in early learning and development.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing basic technical support on play in early childhood through partners in government and non-governmental sectors; preparation of presentation and basic advocacy materials; support the development of resources on play; organise and participate in programme planning and monitoring missions, meetings and briefing sessions to identity and analyse bottlenecks; implement recommendations; engage with training institutions and implementing partners; assist in preparations of reports and briefings for donors.
• Collects and assembles data and background relating to early childhood programmes/projects and provides updated information on programme/project financial and administrative status for analysis and report purposes. Analyzes programme/project status, and recommends appropriate adjustments.
• Monitors the flow of supply and non-supply assistance. Drafts supply and financial documentation. Collects and records information on supply/non-supply inventory, distribution and utilization.
• Communicates with local authority counterparts on project details. Recommends courses of action to supervisor.
• Makes arrangements for visits to project sites for the government and other partners, and provides information and briefing on project activities and status.

· Drafts programme budgets, ensuring accuracy of coding in accordance with the PIDB/PROMS system. Drafts and issues updated status reports.

· Drafts sections of donor, annual and other reports as required by HQ.

· Undertakes ongoing field visits to UNICEF project sites for orientation to project activities and local conditions. Prepares routine reports on results of visits and the project’s progress.

· Investigates queries regarding authorization, delivery or payment and follows up with finance, administrative, supply and programme staff on the processing of payments, advances to governments and liquidation of accounts. Ensures that activities are in line with plans of action.

Desired Background and Experience:

• University degree or diploma in early childhood education, basic education, social Sciences (inclusive of completion of academic courses in early childhood development) or technical field related to the work of UNICEF.
• Knowledge on the pedagogy of play in early learning and development is essential.
• One year practical, professional work experience in project administration, including research and data analysis.

Sharing UNICEF Core Values of:

· Commitment • Diversity and Inclusion • Integrity

Proficiency in UNICEF Core Competencies of:

• Communication • Working with People • Drive for Results

Proficient in functional competencies of:

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts • Analyzing

• Applying Technical Expertise • Learning and researching • Planning and Organizing

How to apply:

All applications are to be accompanied by the attached completed and signed Personal History form (P11 Form), CV and application letter with a clear reference of the position being applied for. Applications are to be sent on or before 28 November, 2014to the following email address: safpretoriavacancy@unicef.org

Only South African nationals will be considered. If you have not been contacted within one month of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Regret letters will only be sent to interviewed candidates.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only complete applications consisting of detailed CV and P11 form will be reviewed.

UNICEF IS A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT.

UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities. well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.