UNICEF Partnership Support Officer

Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation.

ContextThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development, and it benefits both societies at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. Since 1971, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme have forged a robust alliance to ensure the protection and promotion of children's rights. As of 2021, more than 1,000 UN Volunteers per year serve UNICEF around the world, actively supporting the organization's mission to advocate for children's rights, address their fundamental needs and create opportunities for them to thrive and fulfil their potential. UNICEF and UNV are partners in an initiative called UNICEF-UNV Accelerate Plus Program which offers to 6 UNICEF national staff to take on international assignment in a UNV Regional Office, as International UN Volunteer, to foster a culture of learning and development, by providing opportunities to enhance staff capacity and strengthen the local talent pipeline.

Task DescriptionWorking as an integral part of the UNV Regional Office team and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Manager, the UNICEF Partnership Support Officer will play a key role in supporting and strengthening partnership with UNICEF in the region, external communication and knowledge management practices, and perform the following tasks: - Assist with maintaining and reinforcing regional partnership with UNICEF, through identifying strategic collaboration opportunities aligned with UNV-UNICEF’s regional priorities - Present the UNV offer to UNICEF regional office and country offices, i. e. in the format of regional webinars or meetings - Collect data to gather best practices for creating external communication documents, such as visuals and presentations, to advocate for UN Volunteers with UNICEF - Plan, deliver and evaluate innovative learning activities and workshops for UN Volunteers serving with UNICEF in the region, including an international capacity development learning facility for national UN Volunteers supporting UNV in the fields of partnership, mobilization, and communication - Represent UNV/UNICEF Accelerate Program initiative in interagency committees and thematic working groups - Actively contribute to knowledge management and sharing regarding partner intelligence within the Field Units in the region, i. e. by facilitating introduction sessions on customer relation management system or sharing information about the bigger, regional picture of the partnership with UNICEF. 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: • 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); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; • 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 values• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarksThe assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a livable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory; vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. According to official estimates from ANSD/RGPHAE 2023, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million. The total population of Senegal is 18,032,473 inhabitants (ANSD 2023). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall. The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st March 2025, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 627.750 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. Renting unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD is possible. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town. A valid passport is required to enter Senegal. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required to have an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required for an entry or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel.