Programme Officer

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 are given opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination or, bias. 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. Therefore, the focus on equity and inclusion 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. The Zimbabwe Vision 2030 is “working towards building a new Zimbabwe, a country with a thriving and open economy, capable of creating opportunities for investors and employment” .

Context

UNICEF Zimbabwe Country Office (ZCO) has prioritized disability inclusion in its Country Program 2022-2026. With situational analysis and various cross-sectoral knowledge products generated under the Norway grant to inform programming, ZCO has strived to mainstream disability inclusion using a multi-sectoral approach and specific programs targeting children with disabilities. ZCO is currently undergoing an in-depth UNICEF Evaluation of its work on disability inclusion and has committed itself to take critical steps moving towards an inclusive office implementing the DIPAS.

Task description

The UNV Youth Advocate with oversight and supervision from Chief of Child Protection Section will be supported to develop their potential in contributing to UNICEF Zimbabwe’s Child Rights Advocacy work with all sectors on disability inclusive programming. The aim is to promote active participation of young persons with disabilities with this support of an in-house Youth Advocate with disability in the country office to join hands with other young people in advocacy work for Child Rights in Zimbabwe through role model identification from various structures and inclusion. The assignment will entail working with other talented youths including those with disabilities to do the following: • Adding voices of young people in advocating for increased public financing for free access to inclusive social services for children –health, rehabilitation, education, sexual and reproductive health, children and adolescent nutrition, child protection and WASH as per UNICEF DIPAS • Advocacy work in recognising the initiatives of children and young people in technology and innovation space to advance inclusivity. • Bring in youth perspectives in inclusive climate change mitigation, going green and acceleration of use of green energy • Advocacy work on inclusion of all children – Children with disabilities and children from minority groups and marginalized communities including children deprived of liberty in evidence generation. • Identify opportunities for development of research agenda and lessons learned documentation by young people on inclusion. • Advocacy for child rights by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings • Contribute towards formulation of strategies for inclusion of all young people including those with disabilities in economic empowerment and job opportunities initiatives.