JOB DESCRIPTION
Specialist – Persons with Disability, Bhubaneswar, UNFPA
1. POSITION(S) VACANT: Specialist – Persons with Disability, Bhubaneswar, UNFPA
2. ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), formerly the United Nations Fund for Population Activities, is a UN organization working for reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services including voluntary family planning, maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
UNFPA is providing technical support to Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department (SSEPD) to roll out Life Skills Education (LSE) programme for students with disabilities at government-supported special schools in Odisha to build the capacity and enable them to develop the skills, knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about their bodies, lives, families and lead a safe and healthy life.
LSE program will include a multi-pronged approach in coordination with SSEPD to integrate into the existing government-supported special school ecosystem. The focus will be on system strengthening to mainstream disability and creating an enabling environment, ensuring the health and well-being of adolescent with disabilities.
3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting to the State Head of Office (HoO), UNFPA and line reporting to SSEPD, the Consultant is expected to provide high-quality technical support at the policy and program level for the implementation and monitoring of LSE in government-supported special schools. The position will encompass technical assistance for planning, coordination and liaising with key stakeholders.
Key Deliverables:
(A) Support In Planning and Implementation of Life Skills Education:
(1) Overall responsibility for implementation and monitoring of the LSE program in government-supported special schools;
(2) Support in the development of training calendars and oversee the quality of the training at state and district level;
(3) Support in organizing state and district-level meetings and workshops to review the status of implementation and sensitization of key stakeholders etc.;
(4) Facilitate in developing of the database of students/ teachers/ stakeholders of government-supported special schools;
(5) Liaison with state and district level officials for implementation of the LSE and ensuring circulars and communications from the department to the districts;
(6) Coordinate and build the capacity of the stakeholders to institutionalize the LSE programme in the special school system;
(7) Provide technical support to ensure that programs are rights-based, gender-responsive and inclusive.
(B) Programme Coordination and Strengthening of Disability Lab:
(1) Contribute to the effective coordination at the Directorate on implementation of LSE Programme through review and follow-up with districts, including identification of gaps and proposing practical solutions;
(2) Stay up to date with technical and program policies and guidelines relating to disability and integrate in LSE and disability innovation lab;
(3) Technical support in the management of established disability innovation lab and undertake all activities required including liaising and logistics management for strengthening of a disability innovation lab;
(C) Training and Capacity Building
(1) Act as a trainer for various training and capacity-building programmes undertaken by the Department on disability;
(2) Provide necessary technical inputs in the preparation of training and capacity-building modules on disability;
(3) Provide necessary support to all capacity development activities at the district level;
(4) Provide technical advice and support to relevant project staff of the Department and identify priority capacity development needs to mainstream disability.
(D) Documentation, Monitoring and Evaluation:
(1) Establish robust monitoring mechanisms and undertake regular monitoring visits to the schools and propose a corrective measure to enhance the LSE in special schools;
(2) Identify gaps and recommend solutions to overcome the issues at the district level/ state level;
(3) Conduct weekly/ monthly/ quarterly meetings with district officials/ stakeholders to ensure the proper implementation;
(4) Preparation of quarterly M&E reports, case studies, Quarterly newsletter and process documentation and other documents as and when required by the SSEPD/ UNFPA;
(5) Support and contribute towards the development of the framework, guidance notes and resources and communication materials as and when required.
Other activities:
Carry out any other related activities as and when required and as advised by UNFPA/ SSEPD.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:
Qualification:
(1) Master’s in Social Science/ Social Work/ Gender Studies / Sociology from a reputed institute.
Experience:
(1) Minimum five years of relevant working experience with Government or NGOs in the area of disability, education system or a related subject. State/ National level experience in leading large-scale projects is highly desirable;
(2) Sound knowledge and well conversant with the government functioning and the education system will be preferred;
(3) Good understanding of government schemes/ programmes, especially related to person with disabilities
(4) Relevant experience in documentation and preparation of reports on issues related to person with disabilities;
(5) Working experience and familiarity with UN Agency and government system is desirable.
Skills and Competencies:
(1) Ability to communicate (read, speak, and write) in English and Hindi. Knowledge of Odia will be advantageous. Knowledge of sign language will be an asset.
(2) Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in diverse teams.
(3) Ability to develop analytical reports and documentation skills.
(4) Good skills in operating computers and MS Office package
(5) Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
5. NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:
The Consultant shall be hired on a consultancy contract through Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd. (SAMS), a respected HR Agency.
6. REMUNERATION & PER DIEMS:
Gross compensation budgeted for the position is Rs. 90,000-1,10,000/- per month and will be commensurate with the salary history of candidates.
7. LOCATION: Bhubaneshwar
8. DURATION: The successful candidate shall be issued successive consultancy contracts for a period of one year by UNFPA’s third-party payrolling partner(s). The contract is extendable based on performance and program needs.
The initial contract from the date of joining till June 30, 2023, shall be issued by SAMS. The subsequent contract for the balance period shall be issued by SAMS and/or UNFPA’s successor third-party payrolling partner.
9. REFERENCE: SPC-PD-UNFPA
10. CONTACT INFORMATION:
Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612
11. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to apply using the link https://recruitment.samshrm.com/Jobs/UNFPA, by or before January 23, 2023.