Mission and objectivesThe fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does โ in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to childrenโs rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life โ in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions โ her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a societyโs most disadvantaged citizens โ addressing inequity โ not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity 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. UNICEFโs Programme in Italy was set up in 2016 to respond to a large influx of unaccompanied minors arriving primarily through the Central Mediterranean route.
ContextSince the beginning of the migrant and refugee influx, UNICEF is responding to the unique needs of children and women who are seeking asylum in Europe, on the move, stranded or pushed back. In Italy, a two-pronged approach combines humanitarian service delivery with capacity building, policy reform, system strengthening and technical assistance on child protection, gender-based violence (GBV) and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse), with partner organizations and governments. Furthermore, UNICEF collaborates with partners on projects providing specialized support, including psychosocial assistance to boys and girls, particularly unaccompanied and separated children (UASC). UNICEF also focuses on providing alternative care to UASC, guarantee international standards in reception system, support the guardianship system, protect the most vulnerable and invisible children outside the formal protection system and promote the participation of adolescent boys and girls in all the decisions concerning them. GBV Programme is one of the key pillars of UNICEF Response that focuses on the provision of critical life-saving services and information to enhance the range and accessibility of GBV prevention, mitigation and response services for refugee and migrant women and girls in Italy, through a multi-sectoral approach. UNICEF-supported interventions in Italy continue to focus on strengthening the protection system through knowledge generation, evidence-based advocacy and the capacity development of frontline workers, working closely with ministries, universities, civil society organizations and more. This approach is based on UNICEFโs GBViE Theory of Change, which aims to support better access to quality services, decrease the likelihood of GBV, and address the root causes of GBV through policy and legal reform.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and undWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of GBV/Gender Programme Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV GBV/Gender Programme Officer will support the overall GBV programme, contributing to overall protection system strengthening. Three streams of work are linked to UNICEFโs GBV programming: supporting survivors with access to a comprehensive set of services, mitigating the risk of GBV across environments including by empowering women and girls, preventing GBV by addressing its underlying conditions and drivers, engaging with government and relevant ministries. These streams are further complemented by efforts to mainstream gender and implement PSEA activities: Technical Support: ยท Support operational capacity development efforts and provide technical support on gender mainstreaming in all programmes; ยท Act as a gender and PSEA focal point of the UNICEF outpost team in Italy in coordination with the regional office: ยท Support efforts to ensure that programme activities are implemented in line with organizational guidelines and timelines, while promoting accountability, efficiency, and the integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender and PSEA; ยท Provide support in the organization of online and in-person GBV training sessions, workshops and other meetings as required; ยท Assist in the development of concept notes, advocacy papers, letters presentations and other background documents, as required; ยท Assist in building strategic alliances with other key actors internally and externally to advocate for gender-sensitive programming; ยท Support project management across each stage of the project cycle, including assisting in the preparation of project documents (PD), tracking progress against indicators, supporting coordination with partners and stakeholders, and contributing to the drafting of reports and documentation. ยท Provide support to the overall implementation of the GBV program with other tasks, as needed. Coordination: ยท Assist in UN inter-agency coordination including monitoring and updating joint action-plans; ยท Support the organization of meetings, conferences and webinars; ยท Assist in preparing background material and taking minutes, as needed; ยท Participate in the global and regional gender and GBV networks and coordination groups as needed; ยท 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: ยท 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); ยท Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; ยท Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. ยท Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; ยท Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; ยท 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.
Competencies and valuesUNICEF Core Values: ยท Care ยท Respect ยท Integrity ยท Trust ยท Accountability UNICEF Core Competencies: ยท Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1); ยท Works Collaboratively with others (1); ยท Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1); ยท Innovates and Embraces Change (1); ยท Thinks and Acts Strategically (1); ยท Drives to achieve impactful results (1); ยท Manages ambiguity and complexity (1).
Living conditions and remarksRome is the capital of the Italian Republic with a population of 4.3 mln. As the capital of Italy, Rome hosts all the principal institutions of the nation, including the Presidency of the Republic, the government, the Parliament, the main judicial Courts, and the diplomatic representatives of all the countries for the states of Italy and Vatican City. Many international institutions are located in Rome, notably cultural and scientific ones, such as the American Institute, the British School, the French Academy, the Scandinavian Institutes, and the German Archaeological Institute. There are also specialised agencies of the United Nations, such as the FAO. Rome also hosts major international and worldwide political and cultural organisations, such as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Food Programme (WFP), the NATO Defense College and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). The security situation in Italy remains calm and stable. Regionally, terrorism is a concern, but there is NO direct threat towards UN in Italy. Vigilance and awareness are recommended. Crime is not specifically targeted at UN staff, but opportunistic thefts are the most reported incidents impacting UN staff and dependents. Travelers should exercise normal precautions to avoid being pickpocketed. The state of emergency in relation to COVID-19 declared by Italian authorities in early 2020 ended in March 2022. Different types of long-term accommodation are available in Rome: standalone houses, houses in gated compounds, apartments. These could be furnished and/or fully serviced, or unfurnished. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): EUR 3297.96 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): EUR 274 Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance - Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days