Early Childhood Development (ECD) Associate

Organizational Context

UNICEF has been dedicated to promoting children's survival, protection, and development globally for 70 years. In Türkiye, UNICEF's Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme focuses on strengthening national systems to ensure all young children, especially those facing disadvantages, can reach their full potential. The program employs a multisectoral approach, collaborating with government, civil society, and international partners to improve policy, capacity building, and service delivery for early childhood.

Job Purpose

This International UN Volunteer role supports UNICEF's Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme in Türkiye, aiming to enhance services for over 9 million young children and their families. The assignment focuses on strengthening national systems to provide equitable, high-quality ECD services, recognizing the critical importance of early years for lifelong development. The volunteer will contribute to programme implementation, partner coordination, data collection, and the integration of global best practices. The ultimate goal is to generate knowledge that informs sustainable national policies and programmes, significantly improving the developmental outcomes and quality of life for young children in Türkiye.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the Early Childhood Development Section at UNICEF Türkiye, contributing to initiatives that strengthen systems and expand access to ECD and parenting support services. Key tasks include: - Assisting in the implementation of cross-sectoral ECD programmes, including digital solutions for parenting support. - Coordinating with government counterparts and partners to promote a multisectoral ECD approach. - Organizing meetings, trainings, workshops, and field visits. - Supporting key ECD-related events and campaigns. - Contributing to internal and external reporting, presentations, and communication materials. - Monitoring, collecting data, and documenting programme results, including progress reports and developing data collection tools. - Documenting good practices and lessons learned. - Supporting inclusion activities for vulnerable groups, such as refugee children and children with disabilities. - Providing administrative and operational support as needed.

Work Experience

A minimum of 1 month of relevant experience is required. Demonstrated interest or experience (up to three years) in early childhood development principles, nurturing care, and inclusive services is highly desirable. Experience supporting ECD initiatives, community-based activities, research, monitoring, or coordination related to young children and families is also beneficial. Skills in coordination, communication, stakeholder engagement, and data management are advantageous.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, building trust, client orientation, commitment, continuous learning, communication, creativity, empowering others, ethics, integrity, judgment, knowledge sharing, leadership, performance management, planning, organization, professionalism, respect for diversity, self-management, technological awareness, vision, and teamwork. Expertise in development programmes, community development, and crisis response is relevant.

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