UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a voice

UNICEF in the State of Palestine works to uphold the rights of children to access services and protection, from early childhood through adolescence. Our objective is to ensure that every child in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, irrespective of background or circumstance, has an equal chance to fulfil their potential. We are working for every child and young person in the State of Palestine.

How can you make a difference?

Under the direction and guidance of the Chief Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and in close collaboration with the State of Palestine CO programme sections, the Programme Specialist (Children with Disabilities) will be responsible to support implementation of disability inclusion in UNICEF’s emergency response to the Palestine crises (Gaza and West Bank) as well as mainstreaming of disability inclusion in recovery efforts.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

The position is based in Jerusalem with a focus covering:

• 1. Considerations for children with disabilities are integrated in emergency preparedness planning, needs analysis and situation assessment, response planning, implementation, budgeting and resource mobilization, monitoring and reporting, and recovery and reconstruction.

  2. Strengthened capacity in field offices for mainstreaming and targeted interventions for children with disabilities.

  3. Considerations for children with disabilities are integrated in cluster / AoRs / sector meetings and other processes, including in cluster strategies, HNOs and HRPs.

  4. Programme planning, implementation and monitoring is coordinated and based on multisectoral collaboration.

  5. Strategic fundraising documents include funding requests to benefit children with disabilities and donor engagement is ensured to mobilize resources.

  6. Supply lists include appropriate assistive devices and supplies needed by children with disabilities.

  7. Lessons learned and good practices on disability inclusion are documented and disseminated.

  To view full job description, please click on the following link: JD Programme Specialist Children with Disabilities.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

An advanced university degree in one of the following fields: social sciences, public administration, international law, public health, nutrition, international relations, business administration or other related disciplines.

“A first University Degree in one of the following fields: social sciences, public administration, international law, public health, nutrition, international relations, business administration or other related disciplines combined with 2 additional years of professional experience in the field of disability inclusive programme planning and management may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree”

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in disability inclusive programme planning and management.
• A strong track record of contributing to delivery of humanitarian response in the field is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a conflict and/or post-conflict setting.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.
• Experience in engaging with humanitarian coordination mechanisms is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships.
• Knowledge of the principle of gender parity and equality.
• Analyzes and integrates potentially conflicting numerical, verbal and other data from a number of sources.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of:

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

(CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

This position is not considered an elevated risk role. However, UNICEF reserves the right to conduct further vetting/assessment within the scope of child safeguarding as appropriate. 

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.