Under the direct supervision of the PME Officer NOB and the Deputy Representative for Programmes, and in collaboration with programme and operations sections and designated disability focals, the UN volunteer will lead the development of a Disability Inclusion Strategy document that will guide UNICEF Philippines in enhancing disability inclusion both in its operations and programming, with a focus on addressing gaps and promoting inclusive practices. Specifically, that scope of work includes for the first 6 months of the contract:

1. Conducting a desk review and analysis of the prevalence of children with disabilities and existing barriers to inclusion of children with disabilities, in development, humanitarian response, and climate change adaptation in the Philippines – while linking to and building on existing information in the SitAn.
2. Desk Review of relevant policies, laws, programs and data related to children with disability inclusion and assess their effectiveness and alignment with international standards and best practices.
3. Identifying multi-sectoral or cross-sectoral priority areas for UNICEF across key sectors including education, health, social protection, and child protection, and identify strategic actions to promote disability inclusion in each sector.
4. Assessing the inclusiveness of UNICEF Philippines’ country and field office operations, including supply chain management, human resources, and infrastructure, and propose measures to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
5. Exploring and identifying partners and strategies for strengthening partnerships with government agencies, civil society organizations, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and humanitarian actors to enhance disability inclusion efforts and promote coordination and collaboration.
6. Developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress in disability inclusion initiatives and ensure accountability and effectiveness.
7. Identifying opportunities for resource mobilization to support the implementation of disability inclusion programs and initiatives.
8. Preparing a comprehensive Disability Inclusion Action plan document outlining the findings, priorities, strategies, and proposed actions, in alignment with the 9th country programme for children and UNICEF’s DIPAS objectives, and presenting to UNICEF programmes and operations staff.

Thereafter, the UN Volunteer will oversee the implementation of the recommended actions outlined in the PCO Disability Inclusion action plan that was developed. And in alignment with those recommendations, the UNV will undertake the following tasks:

• Cross sectoral support: Lead the PCO in cross-sectoral work for and with children with dis-abilities and families, working closely with sectoral focal points.
• Data support: support information and knowledge management on relevant initiatives, including support to evidence generation and reporting (e.g. support to process and consolidation of reviews child disability knowledge products and publications).
• Promoting Accessibility: Support making UNICEF PCO office progressively accessible by coordinating accessibility needs in the PCO and partners, including but not limited to SLI provision, support to IT team in integrating and use of basic accessibility features.
• Ensuring Inclusive Participation: Lead in promoting inclusion of children with disabilities, through meaningful participation of children and their families.
• Strengthening Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships and networks with other organizations (especially parents’ organizations of children with disabilities, organizations of children and youth with disabilities, organizations of persons with disabilities), donors, and media to improve outcomes for children with disabilities. This would entail supporting the activities of the Council for the Welfare of Children Subcommittee on Children with Disabilities (CWC SC-CWD).
• Other tasks as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs:

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 the development of a comprehensive Disability Inclusion Action Plan document outlining the findings, priorities, strategies, and proposed actions, in alignment with the 9th country programme for children and UNICEF’s DIPAS objectives, and concurred by UNICEF programmes and operations staff.

Other anticipated results from the assignment include:

• Enhanced promotion of disability inclusion in UNICEF programmes and operations.
• Improved Cross-sectoral Support, coordination and collaboration on Disability inclusion within Philippines Country Office and partners.
• Improved information management and knowledge regarding disability inclusion initiatives, including generating evidence and reporting.
• Enhanced partnerships and networks with various organizations, including organizations of persons with disabilities, donors, and media, to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Requirements:

disability inclusion, inclusive development, humanitarian assistance, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of disability rights, inclusion principles, and international frameworks.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with UN agencies, government agencies, civil society organizations, and/or disability rights groups in the Philippines is highly desirable. In-depth understanding of international frameworks, conventions, and laws related to disability rights and inclusion, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, laws, and regulations related to disability inclusion at both national and international levels.
• Comprehensive knowledge of programmatic interventions and best practices in disability inclusion across various sectors such as education, health, social protection, and child protection.
• Ability to conceptualize and articulate development issues that relate to child disability
• Proficiency in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, and synthesizing findings to inform strategic decision-making.
• Familiarity with key national stakeholders and actors in the disability inclusion landscape, including government agencies, civil society organizations, disability rights groups, and humanitarian actors an asset
• Understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks and methodologies to track progress, measure impact, and ensure accountability in disability inclusion initiatives highly desirable.
• Ability to develop strategic plans, policies, and guidelines for disability inclusion aligned with organizational and national objectives and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, build partnerships, and foster collaboration for disability inclusion.
• Sensitivity to cultural, social, and political contexts to ensure that proposed disability inclusion strategies are culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
• Strong writing and presentation skills to prepare clear, concise, and compelling reports, documents, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Good understanding of cross-cutting issues relating to gender equality, disability, and social inclusion.
• Able to work flexibly and responsive to changes as part of the review and feedback process, while keep committing to meet agreed deadlines.
• Previous work with the UN and/or familiarity with UNICEF work is desired/an advantage.