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17 March 2023
Call for Applications for the Dag Hammarskjöld Fund Journalism Fellowship
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13 March 2023
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Video
09 March 2023
International Women's Day 2023 message from UN Women Multi-Country, SA Representative, Aletta Miller
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The Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in South Africa:
Press Release
31 October 2022
Celebrating 7 years of partnerships between the South African Government and the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)
PRETORIA: Following seven-year term in South Africa, PAGE’s core engagement in South Africa is coming to an end. PAGE UN Agencies and national partners are collaborated to hold a PAGE Transition Ceremony to facilitate continued long-term action towards building an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE).
The most important output of this Transition Ceremony was the sensitization and sharing of experiences of the work that PAGE has supported since 2015. The PAGE South Africa Transition Ceremony was not only be an event to showcase the progress made by national stakeholders towards IGE and a green recovery, but also a means of affirming sustainable development and climate change priorities. In addition, this event gave an opportunity for national stakeholders to be better informed on steps required to build further on the progress made so far. The event consisted of keynote addresses, closing remarks, presentations and feedback solicited from participants on sustainability planning.
The Transition Ceremony presented an opportunity for government to revisit the Sustainability Report for PAGE South Africa: 2022 and Beyond, which was submitted to government in 2020. The Sustainability Report highlighted the key results achieved through PAGE support at the three PAGE outcome levels: national multisectoral level, thematic or sectoral level, and capacity building, which outline various means of sustaining the achievement and bringing impact at scale. Through active input from its National Steering Committee, the Sustainability Report reflects the most recent progress of the country’s initiatives towards an IGE, and what could be further actions to achieve sustainability.
The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) aims to put sustainability at the heart of economic policymaking. PAGE is the expertise and mandate of five UN agencies; UNEP, UNDP, ILO, UNIDO, and UNITAR, whose expertise and support assist and lead PAGE partner countries towards their transition to an Inclusive Green Economy (IGE) by providing policy advice, assessments, capacity development and analytical tools outputs. In addition to support and outputs provided to member countries (22 countries as of March 2022), the PAGE also shares global knowledge products to reinforce the work done at the country level to advance the 2030 Agenda.
CONTACTS
Moipone Kgatle, Page National Coordinator
Email: kgatle@iloguest.org Tshepo Mohatle, Communication and Information Management Assistant, DWT/CO-Pretoria Office
Email: mohatle@ilo.org
Moipone Kgatle, Page National Coordinator
Email: kgatle@iloguest.org Tshepo Mohatle, Communication and Information Management Assistant, DWT/CO-Pretoria Office
Email: mohatle@ilo.org
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Story
12 October 2022
More than 31 per cent of 15–19-year-old females in South Africa overweight or obese, threatening a noncommunicable diseases epidemic
PRETORIA, 12 October 2022 – The persistent high rates of overweight and obesity, particularly among adolescent girls, is putting lives at risk, as the transition phase between childhood and adulthood is a critical period for the onset of obesity-associated morbidity. Some 31.3 per cent of 15-19-year-old females are overweight or obese, compared to 9.6 per cent of males in the same age range.
UNICEF South Africa has launched ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’, a campaign aimed at preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents and youth, coinciding with National Nutrition Week, 09 to 15 October. This supports the central theme of the Department of Health focus on ‘Making healthy food choices easier’ for all.
“The high rates of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in South Africa are extremely concerning,” said Muriel Mafico, Deputy Representative, UNICEF South Africa. “Investing in and enabling adolescents and young people to improve their mental wellbeing and physical lifestyles, particularly adolescent and young women, will save lives and ensure a more prosperous future for society as a whole,” added Mafico.
Young people’s choices to adopt healthier lifestyles are influenced by school and family environments, as well as peers and role models. Barriers to physical activity include time spent on social media and watching television, feeling tired, availability of facilities, safety, and having enough time all of which can prevent young people from being active – COVID-19 related lockdowns presented an additional challenge.
The My Body, My Health: My Wealth campaign, supported by AstraZeneca's Young Health Programme (YHP), works to make NCD prevention a national priority and enable young people to live healthily. The campaign, co-created with the input of young people, meets adolescents and youth where they are: both online and offline. Creative design, engaging content, live challenges and inspiring role models will spearhead the campaign to lower the incidence of NCDs among youth in South Africa by investing in their health.
NCDs are chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes. Collectively, they are responsible for 70 per cent of deaths worldwide. NCDs are the leading cause of death and disability in South Africa, carrying huge costs to patients, families, communities, the health system and the economy at large. Several NCDs can be prevented by adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress levels.
UNICEF South Africa will leverage its extensive network of young volunteers across the country. Youth clubs, in and out of schools, have been invited to join the campaign, share their knowledge and encourage other young people to adopt healthy habits.
Notes to Editors
Statistics come from the South Africa Demographic Health Survey (SADHS 2016), as well as the UNICEF South Africa 2022 study on diet and physical activity among adolescents and youth in South Africa.
Childhood obesity among children under five is 13 per cent, more than two times that of the global average, while 60 per cent of 20–24-year-old women are overweight or obese, compared to about 14.5 per cent of men the same age.
The ‘My Body, My Health: My Wealth’ campaign supports the 2022 ‘National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases’ led by the National Department of Health.
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Press Release
08 October 2022
PRESS STATEMENT: Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed delivers this year’s Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture
Cape Town – In delivering this year’s annual 12th Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed, last night reminded her audience that as the world continues to mourn the late Archbishop’s loss, we “celebrate his legacy, which has never been more relevant in our world of great pain”.
She exalted the late Archbishop Tutu’s leadership qualities, describing him as a civil servant “who served throughout his life as a towering global figure for peace and an unwavering voice for the voiceless.” He stood above all for courageous hope and healing, based on principles rooted in pragmatism, she added.
This year’s lecture, under the theme, A Vision for Hope and Healing in a Time of Crisis, marked the first posthumous in-person address following the passing of Archbishop Tutu last year. Other leaders who gave previous lectures include the former South African first lady and human rights activist, Gracá Machel, the late and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson.
The lecture series, organized by the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, aims to foster a meaningful dialogue on healing and reconciliation as South Africa strives to rise above its fractured past and current challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and gender-based violence – severe issues that threaten the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030.
“Our world is in crisis with Africa left behind, yet again,” the Deputy Secretary-General lamented, “Nearly three years after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, nations across the world, particularly African countries, face a multitude of cascading and compounding crises”.
These included increased poverty, hunger, lack of access to healthcare and quality education and thus leading to greater inequalities while social cohesion is fraying, and xenophobia, nationalism, hate speech and radicalization are on the rise, she added.
“However, it doesn’t have to be this way,” Ms. Mohammed reminded her audience.
“Our planet is packed with the resources we need to thrive, plentiful food and water, and boundless renewable energy. These are unique, irreplaceable resources that must be treasured, protected and handed down from generation to generation.”
Speaking on the UN Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the Deputy Secretary-General described the alignment of the two agendas as “a pathway to a world that cherishes human dignity; a world free of poverty, hunger, violence and injustice.”
Ms. Mohammed encouraged people to follow in the footsteps of the late archbishop, in pursuing education as he believed that “education is the most powerful tool that a person can receive to ensure their independence, self-sufficiency and equality.” Archbishop Tutu was a teacher by profession during his early years.
The Deputy Secretary-General noted that the late anti-apartheid activist embodied values of peace, which still resonate today as the archbishop “understood that peace, in its broader conception, can only be achieved if we approach humanity as a community in which – as in any African village – everyone takes care of each other.”
The full address by the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed can be accessed here.
Photo’s can be accessed here.
- ENDS -
For further information, please contact Ntombenhle Shezi, Advocacy and Communications Manager, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation at ntombenhle@tutu.org.za or +27 21 552 7524; or Zeenat Abdool, Associate Public Information Officer, UN South Africa at abdool@un.org or +27 82 778 8080.
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Press Release
29 September 2022
The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture — A Vision for Hope and Healing
5 September 2022 – Cape Town - The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture returns on 7 October 2022, marking the first Lecture since Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu’s passing at the end of 2021. The event is being held on Archbishop Tutu’s birthday and will honour his extraordinary life while reflecting his legacy into the future.
The heart of the Peace Lecture is rooted in the Foundation’s work to transform our collective consciousness through the courageous pursuit of healing, inspired by the legacy that Archbishop Tutu left for us. In the last few years, we all witnessed the devastating impact of a global pandemic, climate change and conflict. The Arch, as he was fondly known, held a lifelong conviction that one can only get through hard times by holding on to hope. As he put it, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
In line with this, the 12th International Peace Lecture theme is: A Vision for Hope and Healing.
Chairperson of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Niclas Kjellström-Matseke noted, “We are excited to bring to Cape Town the voices of two powerful and globally influential individuals to deliver this year’s lecture.”
The two speakers are Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, who will appear with best-selling author Doug Abrams. Kjellström-Matseke went on to say, “Amina Mohammed, through her extraordinary work as a global leader can share an inspiring vision for global development. This is well-paired with Doug Abrams’ intimate portraits and ability to draw out the wisdom of many of the elders of our times. I am confident that this will be a powerful moment for us to reimagine the possibilities of a bold future, shaped by collective healing and humanity.”
Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed is credited as being one of the key architects of the Sustainable Development Goals, setting an agenda for how we can develop flourishing societies and planet. She is a globally recognised leader in action to prevent climate change, having served as the Minister of Environment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Abrams is best-known for his collaborative work with Archbishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama to co-author The Book of Joy. He has worked with other Nobel Laureates including Nelson Mandela, Jody Williams, and Elizabeth Blackburn, as well as many visionary scientists. His latest collaboration was the Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times with Jane Goodall, published in 2021.
CEO of the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Janet Jobson, noted that, “A conversation that calls on us to project towards a hopeful future is incomplete without the perspective of the youth. We are thus including elements in the overall event for young people and children’s voices to be powerfully heard.”
One way this will be achieved is through a children’s art exhibition at the Cape Town City Hall on the evening of the event. We are inviting young people under the age of eighteen to submit artworks depicting their own visions for hope and healing. Interested participants can post their artworks on social media and tag us, email, or send their submissions to us using the details below:
Email address: public@tutu.org.za
Physical address: The Old Granary, 11 Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001
We invite everyone to join us for this powerful dialogue at the Cape Town City Hall, 7 October 2022; 19h00-21h00.
Book your free tickets for The 12th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture (quicket.co.za) or stream the lecture on tutu.org.za.
For media queries and interviews contact: Ntombenhle@tutu.org.za
*Note to Editors
About the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation (DLTLF)
Founded in 2013, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation (DLTLF) strives to take the example of its founders into the future, in part by growing and facilitating powerful and timely voices of moral courage on some of the most pressing issues of our time. Visit tutu.org.za for more information.
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Press Release
05 September 2022
Number of COVID-19 orphans nears 150,000 in South Africa
PRETORIA, 05 September 2022 – COVID-19 associated deaths have left nearly 150,000 children as orphans, according to latest data modelling from Imperial College London, as part of the Global Reference Group for Children Affected by COVID-19: Joint Estimates and Action. That number rises to 207,400 when including children who have lost their primary or secondary caregiver, such as a grandparent.
The tragic figures reiterate the importance of a holistic and child centred response to the broad ranging impact of COVID-19 on childhood, particularly to protect and support children who have been left without one or both parents, or another primary or secondary caregiver.
“Children’s lives have been devastated by the pandemic in so many ways and for those who have lost parents or caregivers the deep scars will last forever,” said Muriel Mafico, UNICEF South Africa, Deputy Representative. “But with love and care, access to social protection, education and opportunities for growth and development, these children can
recover, thrive and realize their full potential,” added Mafico.
The loss of parental support and loved ones during childhood can have a long-lasting impact on mental and physical health. These children are more likely to experience violence and abuse and be neglected and exploited.
“A nurturing, protective and stable family environment at home is vital for positive childhood experiences, yet for orphaned children this is too often a distant dream,” said Mafico.
Efforts to scale up and strengthen the capacity of family-based care and social protection systems are critical to enhance family resilience and help to prevent any recourse to institutional care.
UNICEF South Africa is working with partners to protect every child’s right to live and grow up in an environment that supports their physical, psychological, social and emotional development. This includes through:
Scaling up access to interventions such as Safe Parks that provide a protective and caring environment in which children are nurtured by professionals and caregivers, where they can play, receive learning support, counselling and health services.
Engaging caregivers and households in early childhood development, from learning through play to positive parenting techniques, including building knowledge and skills about how to best nurture children.
Building the capacity of teachers to best support the psychosocial needs of the most vulnerable children in the school environment and in-turn ensure school retention.
Building the capacity of staff in primary health care facilities and community health workers to provide integrated services to children that best protect their mental and physical health.
Increasing uptake of the Child Support Grant to ensure that the most vulnerable households receive help alleviate some of the stresses of everyday life, whilst closing the exclusion rate of 2.2 million eligible children.
Providing the most vulnerable youth with access to skills building opportunities, as well as work and entrepreneurial mentorships and opportunities.
The tragic and increasing number of COVID-19 orphans is also a reminder that COVID-19 is not over, and the virus has led to the deaths of more than 1-million people globally in 2022 alone, according to WHO figures.
Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to prevent serious illness or death. In June this year, The Lancet estimated that 19.8 million lives were saved during the first year of COVID-19 vaccinations, December 2020 to December 2021.
UNICEF South Africa continues its COVID-19 response with the National and Provincial Departments of Health to help build further momentum towards the 70% coverage target of the adult population by the end of 2022. This includes strengthening vaccine cold chain management and systems, as well as communication and community engagement work to bolster COVID-19 vaccine coverage, as well as routine childhood immunization.
UNICEF South Africa is extremely grateful for the support received towards the COVID-19 vaccine response from donors including the Government of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the Government of Japan and the Cotton On Foundation.
Notes to Editors:
Imperial College London provides a regularly updated chart on estimates of orphanhood in South Africa and across the world and is available here
The Global Reference Group for Children Affected by COVID-19 and Crisis is hosted by and linked to the World Health Organisation to develop up to date evidence of the numbers of children affected by COVID-19 associated orphanhood, and to support policy and programming that can mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on children and adolescents.
The Lancet study, Global impact of the first year of COVID-19 vaccination: a mathematical modelling study is available here.
COVID-19 associated orphans are defined as being under age 18 and having lost one or both parents.
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Story
08 March 2023
In focus: International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023, join UN Women and the United Nations in celebrating under the theme DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality. From the earliest days of computing to the present age of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, women have made untold contributions to the digital world in which we increasingly live. Their accomplishments have been against all odds, in a field that has historically neither welcomed nor appreciated them.
Today, a persistent gender gap in digital access keeps women from unlocking technology’s full potential. Their underrepresentation in STEM education and careers remains a major barrier to their participation in tech design and governance. And the pervasive threat of online gender-based violence—coupled with a lack of legal recourse—too often forces them out of the digital spaces they do occupy.
At the same time, digital technology is opening new doors for the global empowerment of women, girls and other marginalized groups. From gender-responsive digital learning to tech-facilitated sexual and reproductive healthcare, the digital age represents an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate all forms of disparity and inequality.
This 8 March, we are calling on governments, activists and the private sector alike to power on in their efforts to make the digital world safer, more inclusive and more equitable. Facing a multiplicity of global crises, we have a chance to create a better future—not just for women and girls, but for all humanity and all life on Earth. Join us.
UN Secretary-General’s message for the International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023: VIEW Here
UN Secretary-General’s op-ed for the International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023: READ Here
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Story
07 March 2023
VACANCY: Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader
Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader
Posting Title:
Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader, NOE
Job Code Title:
Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader
Department/Office:
Resident Coordinator System
Duty Station:
PRETORIA
Posting Period:
05 March 2023 - 19 March 2023
Job Opening Number:
23-Sustainable Development-RCS-203629-R-Pretoria (X)
Staffing Exercise
N/A
Org. Setting and Reporting
The UN Secretary-General's launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs.
The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Pretoria, South Africa and reports to the UN Resident Coordinator (RC). The Head of the RCO manages the resources of the Office in order to provide support to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT on sustainable development analysis, environmental scanning, strategic planning, programming, financing, communications, advocacy and partnerships. The Head of RCO serves as a key adviser to the RC in the pursuit of all their functions and is accountable for the overall quality and timeliness of the work of the office.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following functions:
1. LEADS THE PROVISION OF STRATEGIC GUIDANCE TO THE RC AND UNCT OF EFFECTIVE, QUALITY AND TIMELY UN SUPPORT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA THROUGH A NEW GENERATION CCA/UNSDCF:
• Leads and coordinates substantive support to the RC/UNCT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN, articulated through the UNSDCF, which is consistent with national development goals and priorities, UN values, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind;
• In line with CCA/UNSDCF, provides strategic direction and develops recommendations to facilitate decision-making by the RC/UNCT to reposition the UN in country to advance the objectives of UN development system reform;
• Develops policy recommendations to the RC/UNCT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the new generation CCA/UNSDCF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in country;
• Ensures effective guidance to the RC/UNCT in asserting vision and accountability for the UN to operate as a nimble, innovative and enterprising development partner, demonstrating characteristics of a knowledge-based organization and thought leader;
• Leads the strategic design of UN’s policy and programmatic services, operational capabilities, and partnership mechanisms;
• Establishes and promotes close engagement across the humanitarian, development and peace domains, as required by the country context;
• Leads the identification, analysis and prioritization of joint programmatic work of UN entities in response to national priorities and in line with the UNSDCF and the 2030 Agenda;
• Leads the coordination of the UNSDCF through the Joint Workplan and results groups; directs UNSDCF monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting through the UNINFO platform; and guides preparation and provision of the annual UN Country Results Report to the Government and other stakeholders;
• Promotes the engagement of all relevant agencies – with and without physical presence in country – from across the UN system, including at Headquarters and at the (sub-)regional level in inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners;
• Ensures quality control and oversight over strategic communications and advocacy activities related the implementation of the UNSCDF;
• Ensures coherence across the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with Humanitarian Country Teams and the Security Management Team. 2. FACILITATES AND OVERSEES THE INITIATION, ESTABLISHMENT AND COORDINATION OF EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT RESOURCE MOBILIZATION EFFORTS FOR THE NEW GENERATION UNSDCF:
• Facilitates and oversees the initiation, establishment and coordination of effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners to ensure collaborative action and knowledge sharing throughout the UNSDCF cycle.
• Directs substantive support for positioning the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in support of the SDGs, in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders;
• Based on the UNSDCF, and in close collaboration with the Development Partnerships and Communications Officer, oversees the formulation and implementation of the partnership, outreach, and strategic influencing approach as well as the resource mobilization strategy, and other initiatives in support of SDG achievement through the UNSDCF;
• Oversees the implementation of the SDG Country Fund/country-level pooled fund (where relevant) in support of the UNSDCF and SDG acceleration;
• Coordinates strategic messaging, engagement, and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT. 3. COORDINATES AND SUPPORTS ROLL-OUT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EFFICIENCY AGENDA (BUSINESS OPERATIONS STRATEGY, COMMON PREMISES AND LOCAL SHARED SERVICE CENTERS/COMMON BACK OFFICE):
• In collaboration with the Operations Management Team (OMT), directs substantive support to the RC/UNCT on business innovations for the UN in country;
• Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT in formulating, implementing and monitoring the UN Country level Business Operations Strategy;
• Supports the RC and the UNCT in their leading role in implementing common premises, and in establishing a common back office for location-dependent services;
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery, including the implementation of high impact standardized common services, fostering the SDG impact through common operations;
• Coordinates effective participation of entities at the country level in operations management team and represents the RC in the OMT. 4. MANAGES AND DIRECTS KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN- AND OUTSIDE THE UN SYSTEM:
• Creates an enabling environment for the knowledge generation, sharing, collaboration, as well as usage of existing good practices and lessons learnt within the RCO and in the UN Country Team. Leads by example.
• Coordinates the effective communications within the RCO, in UN Country Team and among other stakeholders;
• Leads and coordinates the sharing of good practices and lessons learned on issues related to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies and tools, among others, within the DCO (at regional and global levels), across the UN system and with external partners;
• Oversees the analysis of UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to contribute to strategic planning processes.
• Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches and encourages the RCO and UNCT to apply new ways of working, where relevant. 5. LEADS AND COORDINATES OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE RCO TO ENSURE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE SUBSTANTIVE COORDINATION SUPPORT TO THE RC/UNCT AND ADHERENCE TO ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
• Coordinates the formulation and implementation of the substantive work programme of the UNCT; allocates and monitors RCO resources for delivery of outputs and reporting on results;
• Supervises the activities undertaken by the RCO and manage performance of RCO staff, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion;
• In close collaboration with Service Providers, performs the role of certifying officer in the UNDP IRIS platform and performs the UMOJA approver role over processes related to human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, time management, and information technology for the RCO;
• Manages, guides and trains staff under his/her supervision; promotes teamwork and communications among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries; ensures staff complete mandatory trainings and UMOJA certifications
• Establishes and maintains a work environment in the RC Office and across UN entities that is conducive to innovation and engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders and delivers results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Proven knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable development. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Proven ability to analyze complex data and produce reports leading to sound policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development; Solid understanding of the political environment and the programmes and activities of the UN system in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals; Ability to think strategically, to identify key emerging sustainable development issues and related policy implications. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, international relations, economics, education or related area, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage Work Experience A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, and programme development and management in the context of development cooperation or related area, is required. Experience with multi-stakeholder and institutional coordination in the context of development cooperation or related area, is required. Experience in team leadership and management is required. Experience in UN interagency engagement and coordination is desirable. Experience in designing and implementing partnership, advocacy, and resource mobilization strategies. is desirable. Experience in promoting knowledge management and capacity building in the context of development cooperation is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone/teleconference or face-to-face. Special Notice This position is available for an initial period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to the availability of funds and/or subject to satisfactory performance. Appointment against this post is on a local basis. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF SOUTH AFRICA ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, South African nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to South Africa in the event of an employment offer. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Should a current General Service staff member (not on Continuing or Permanent Appointment) be selected for this post, he/she would need to resign from his/her General Service appointment before receiving a new appointment at the National Officer level. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. "Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. " The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS. APPLY HERE
• Leads and coordinates substantive support to the RC/UNCT in articulating and actively communicating a credible and convincing strategic vision for the UN, articulated through the UNSDCF, which is consistent with national development goals and priorities, UN values, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and committed to the principles of universality, equality and leaving no one behind;
• In line with CCA/UNSDCF, provides strategic direction and develops recommendations to facilitate decision-making by the RC/UNCT to reposition the UN in country to advance the objectives of UN development system reform;
• Develops policy recommendations to the RC/UNCT on the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the new generation CCA/UNSDCF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in country;
• Ensures effective guidance to the RC/UNCT in asserting vision and accountability for the UN to operate as a nimble, innovative and enterprising development partner, demonstrating characteristics of a knowledge-based organization and thought leader;
• Leads the strategic design of UN’s policy and programmatic services, operational capabilities, and partnership mechanisms;
• Establishes and promotes close engagement across the humanitarian, development and peace domains, as required by the country context;
• Leads the identification, analysis and prioritization of joint programmatic work of UN entities in response to national priorities and in line with the UNSDCF and the 2030 Agenda;
• Leads the coordination of the UNSDCF through the Joint Workplan and results groups; directs UNSDCF monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL) and reporting through the UNINFO platform; and guides preparation and provision of the annual UN Country Results Report to the Government and other stakeholders;
• Promotes the engagement of all relevant agencies – with and without physical presence in country – from across the UN system, including at Headquarters and at the (sub-)regional level in inter-agency fora and in discussions with external partners;
• Ensures quality control and oversight over strategic communications and advocacy activities related the implementation of the UNSCDF;
• Ensures coherence across the different intra-agency coordination bodies, including with Humanitarian Country Teams and the Security Management Team. 2. FACILITATES AND OVERSEES THE INITIATION, ESTABLISHMENT AND COORDINATION OF EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT RESOURCE MOBILIZATION EFFORTS FOR THE NEW GENERATION UNSDCF:
• Facilitates and oversees the initiation, establishment and coordination of effective working relationships with national and international public and private partners to ensure collaborative action and knowledge sharing throughout the UNSDCF cycle.
• Directs substantive support for positioning the UN as a key provider of integrated services and as a platform in support of the SDGs, in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders;
• Based on the UNSDCF, and in close collaboration with the Development Partnerships and Communications Officer, oversees the formulation and implementation of the partnership, outreach, and strategic influencing approach as well as the resource mobilization strategy, and other initiatives in support of SDG achievement through the UNSDCF;
• Oversees the implementation of the SDG Country Fund/country-level pooled fund (where relevant) in support of the UNSDCF and SDG acceleration;
• Coordinates strategic messaging, engagement, and communication initiatives by RC/UNCT. 3. COORDINATES AND SUPPORTS ROLL-OUT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EFFICIENCY AGENDA (BUSINESS OPERATIONS STRATEGY, COMMON PREMISES AND LOCAL SHARED SERVICE CENTERS/COMMON BACK OFFICE):
• In collaboration with the Operations Management Team (OMT), directs substantive support to the RC/UNCT on business innovations for the UN in country;
• Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT in formulating, implementing and monitoring the UN Country level Business Operations Strategy;
• Supports the RC and the UNCT in their leading role in implementing common premises, and in establishing a common back office for location-dependent services;
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and client-orientation in operational service delivery, including the implementation of high impact standardized common services, fostering the SDG impact through common operations;
• Coordinates effective participation of entities at the country level in operations management team and represents the RC in the OMT. 4. MANAGES AND DIRECTS KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES IN- AND OUTSIDE THE UN SYSTEM:
• Creates an enabling environment for the knowledge generation, sharing, collaboration, as well as usage of existing good practices and lessons learnt within the RCO and in the UN Country Team. Leads by example.
• Coordinates the effective communications within the RCO, in UN Country Team and among other stakeholders;
• Leads and coordinates the sharing of good practices and lessons learned on issues related to UN strategic planning frameworks, methodologies and tools, among others, within the DCO (at regional and global levels), across the UN system and with external partners;
• Oversees the analysis of UN experiences, lessons learned and knowledge networking to contribute to strategic planning processes.
• Keeps abreast of emerging innovative approaches and encourages the RCO and UNCT to apply new ways of working, where relevant. 5. LEADS AND COORDINATES OVERALL MANAGEMENT OF THE RCO TO ENSURE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE SUBSTANTIVE COORDINATION SUPPORT TO THE RC/UNCT AND ADHERENCE TO ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
• Coordinates the formulation and implementation of the substantive work programme of the UNCT; allocates and monitors RCO resources for delivery of outputs and reporting on results;
• Supervises the activities undertaken by the RCO and manage performance of RCO staff, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion;
• In close collaboration with Service Providers, performs the role of certifying officer in the UNDP IRIS platform and performs the UMOJA approver role over processes related to human and financial resource management, procurement, general administration, security, time management, and information technology for the RCO;
• Manages, guides and trains staff under his/her supervision; promotes teamwork and communications among staff in the RCO and across organizational boundaries; ensures staff complete mandatory trainings and UMOJA certifications
• Establishes and maintains a work environment in the RC Office and across UN entities that is conducive to innovation and engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders and delivers results in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Proven knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to sustainable development. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Proven ability to analyze complex data and produce reports leading to sound policy recommendations for achieving sustainable development; Solid understanding of the political environment and the programmes and activities of the UN system in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals; Ability to think strategically, to identify key emerging sustainable development issues and related policy implications. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, international relations, economics, education or related area, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage Work Experience A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, sustainable development policy, and programme development and management in the context of development cooperation or related area, is required. Experience with multi-stakeholder and institutional coordination in the context of development cooperation or related area, is required. Experience in team leadership and management is required. Experience in UN interagency engagement and coordination is desirable. Experience in designing and implementing partnership, advocacy, and resource mobilization strategies. is desirable. Experience in promoting knowledge management and capacity building in the context of development cooperation is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone/teleconference or face-to-face. Special Notice This position is available for an initial period of one year. Extension of appointment is subject to the availability of funds and/or subject to satisfactory performance. Appointment against this post is on a local basis. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF SOUTH AFRICA ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, South African nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to South Africa in the event of an employment offer. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Should a current General Service staff member (not on Continuing or Permanent Appointment) be selected for this post, he/she would need to resign from his/her General Service appointment before receiving a new appointment at the National Officer level. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. "Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you. " The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link. United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS. APPLY HERE
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Story
07 February 2023
‘Act decisively before it is too late’, Guterres warns countries, laying out his priorities for 2023
Addressing the General Assembly in New York, he appealed for urgent action now to achieve peace, economic rights and development, climate action, respect for diversity, and inclusive societies – both today and for generations to come.
Before unfolding his 2023 roadmap, the Secretary-General extended condolences to the families of the victims of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, adding that the UN is mobilizing to support the response.
Rights-based approach
Mr. Guterres stressed the need for transformation this year, grounded in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“As we look to priorities for this year, a rights-rooted approach is central to achieving our ultimate priority: a safer, more peaceful, more sustainable world,” he said, urging countries to "act decisively before it is too late."
Doomsday Clock ticking
The UN chief began by referring to the news that the symbolic Doomsday Clock - developed more than 75 years ago by atomic scientists to measure humanity’s proximity to midnight, or self-destruction - was just 90 seconds away from that hour.
The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the climate emergency, rising nuclear threats, and the undermining of global norms and institutions have pushed the world closer to annihilation.
“This is the closest the clock has ever stood to humanity’s darkest hour – closer than even during the height of the Cold War. In truth, the Doomsday Clock is a global alarm clock. We need to wake up – and get to work,” he said.
Think of tomorrow
Stressing that “we need a course correction”, the UN chief said action is possible, however politicians and decision makers lack the strategic vision to see beyond the short term.
This “preference for the present” only focuses on the next poll, power move, or business cycle, making the future “someone else’s problem” – a mindset he described as deeply irresponsible, immoral, and self-defeating.
“My message today comes down to this: Don’t focus solely on what may happen to you today – and dither. Look at what will happen to all of us tomorrow – and act,” the UN chief said.
‘A time for transformation’
The international community has an obligation to act, he continued, as “this is not a time for tinkering” but, rather, “a time for transformation.”
Action should be grounded in the UN Charter, the Organization’s founding document, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which turns 75 this year.
“When I look at human rights in the broadest sense – with a 21st century lens – I see a roadmap out of the dead end,” he said, noting that it begins with the right to peace.
Work for peace
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine last February 24 inflicting untold suffering on the country’s population, and far beyond, prospects for peace keep diminishing while the risk of further escalation and bloodshed keeps growing.
“I fear the world is not sleepwalking into a wider war. It is doing so with its eyes wide open. The world needs peace. Peace in line with the United Nations Charter and international law,” he said. “We must work harder for peace everywhere.”
Mr. Guterres referred to the situations in the Middle East, where the two-State solution between Palestine and Israel is becoming more distant; in Afghanistan, where women’s rights are being trampled; in the Sahel, where insecurity is rising; in Myanmar, which is facing new cycles of violence and repression, and in Haiti, where gang violence is holding the entire country hostage.
Recommit to the UN Charter
“If every country fulfilled its obligations under the Charter, the right to peace would be guaranteed,” he said. “It is time to transform our approach to peace by recommitting to the Charter - putting human rights and dignity first, with prevention at the heart.”
The Secretary-General called for “a holistic view of the peace continuum” that identifies root causes of conflict and focuses on prevention, mediation, reconciliation, peacebuilding and greater participation of women and young people.
These are among the UN’s proposed New Agenda for Peace, aimed at addressing both old and new threats, and maximizing coalitions for diplomacy, as evidenced by the Black Sea Grain Initiative which is operating even amid the war in Ukraine.
Nuclear war risk
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, which will see increased commitment to reform, he added.
Mr. Guterres also called for bringing disarmament and arms control “back to the centre” to both reduce strategic threats from nuclear arms and work towards their total elimination.
“We are at the highest risk in decades of a nuclear war that could start by accident or design,” he warned, urging countries with nuclear arms to renounce these “unconscionable weapons”.
Transform global finance
With poverty and hunger rising, developing countries drowning in debt, and social safety nets frayed, among other signs, the Secretary-General called for “radical transformation” of the global financial architecture.
This will require new commitment and resolve, including to address the appalling inequalities and injustices exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the response to the global crisis.
New determination will also be needed to ensure developing countries have a greater voice in global financial institutions, and that vulnerable nations, including middle-income countries, can have access to debt relief and restructuring.
Multilateral Development Banks in particular, must change their business model and leverage their funds to attract more private capital that can be invested to help developing countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before the 2030 deadline.
“Without fundamental reforms, the richest countries and individuals will continue to pile up wealth, leaving crumbs for the communities and countries of the Global South,” he cautioned.
Sustainable development in danger
This year will also provide opportunities to “rescue” the SDGs, such as the Summit of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) next month and another in September devoted to the goals.
With the SDGs “disappearing in the rearview mirror”, countries should come to the summit with clear benchmarks on tackling poverty and exclusion, and on advancing gender equality.
However, the world must unite now to mobilize resources, said Mr. Guterres, so that developing economies have the liquidity to invest in education, universal healthcare, pandemic preparedness, decent work and social protection.
Climate Visuals/Supratim Bhattacharjee/ Tidal waves on Namkhana Island, West Bengal, India, flood coastal communities.
Climate action ‘reckoning’
As the right to development goes together with the right to a clean, healthy, sustainable environment, “we must end the merciless, relentless, senseless war on nature,” said Mr. Guterres, repeating a message that has become a mantra for his tenure.
“2023 is a year of reckoning. It must be a year of game-changing climate action. We need disruption to end the destruction.”
Countries are hurtling past the 1.5-degree limit on global temperature rise, therefore focus must be on the urgent priorities of cutting greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate justice.
Shift to green energy
He said global emissions must be halved this decade, including through “far more ambitious action” in shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, especially in the G20 group of industrialized nations.
Additionally, businesses, cities, regions and financial institutions that have pledged net-zero carbon emissions, must present their transition plans, with credible and ambitious targets, by this September.
“I have a special message for fossil fuel producers and their enablers scrambling to expand production and raking in monster profits. If you cannot set a credible course for net-zero, with 2025 and 2030 targets covering all your operations, you should not be in business,” said Mr. Guterres.
Deliver on COP27 pledges
Climate action is impossible without adequate finance, and the Secretary-General urged richer countries to, at minimum, deliver on promises made at the UN COP27 climate change conference in Egypt last year.
These commitments include establishing a fund to address loss and damage, doubling adaptation funding, and advancing plans on early warning systems globally within the next five years.
The Secretary-General will convene a Climate Ambition Summit in September, ahead of the COP28 conference in the United Arab Emirates in December.
It will be open to all government, business and society leaders, he said, though under one condition: “Show us accelerated action in this decade and renewed ambitious net zero plans – or please don’t show up.”
Diversity under attack
Turning to his fourth priority, Mr. Guterres spoke of how respect for diversity and the universality of cultural rights are under attack, as evidenced in part by the rise in antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, the persecution of Christians, racism and white supremacist ideology.
At the same time, ethnic and religious minorities, refugees, migrants, indigenous people and the LGBTQI-plus community, are increasingly targeted for hate, both online and off.
Meanwhile, many people in positions of power are profiting from caricaturing diversity as a threat, sowing division and hatred, while social media platforms use algorithms that amplify toxic ideas and funnel extremist views into the mainstream.
Fighting hate online
The Secretary-General underlined the UN’s commitment to protecting cultural rights and diversity, including through programmes on the Holocaust and the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, as well as its Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech.
“We will call for action from everyone with influence on the spread of mis- and disinformation on the internet – Governments, regulators, policymakers, technology companies, the media, civil society,” he said.
“Stop the hate. Set up strong guardrails. Be accountable for language that causes harm.”
© UNICEF/Christine Nesbitt/ Girls attend an Accelerated Learning Centre (ALC) class in Wardak Province in the central region of Afghanistan. (file)
Patriarchy pushing back
With half of humanity “held back by the most widespread human rights abuse of our time,” the UN chief underscored the right to full gender equality.
He especially emphasized the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan, now “exiles in their own country” due to laws banning them from public life, and their counterparts in Iran, who have taken to the streets to demand fundamental human rights at great personal cost.
Gender discrimination is global, he said, and things are getting worse.
“We face an intense pushback against the rights of women and girls. Women’s sexual and reproductive rights and legal protections are under threat. At the international level, some governments now oppose even the inclusion of a gender perspective in multilateral negotiations,” he said.
Gender equality is fundamentally a question of power, and the patriarchy is reasserting itself, he said, but the UN is fighting back and standing up for the rights of women and girls everywhere, including in its own ranks.
Mr. Guterres also pledged to “double down” on support for measures towards greater gender equality, including quotas to close gaps in women’s representation, in elections, corporate board rooms and peace negotiations.
‘Pandemic’ of rights violations
Meanwhile, the civil and political rights that are the basis of inclusive societies are also under threat, as democracy is in retreat.
“The pandemic was used as cover for a pandemic of civil and political rights violations,” said Mr. Guterres, warning that civic space “is vanishing before our eyes”.
He reported on threats such as repressive laws that restrict freedom of expression, new technologies that serve as a guise for controlling freedom of assembly or even movement, and the increase in attacks against the media.
Through the Secretary-General's Call to Action for Human Rights, the UN is working to advance fundamental freedoms, promote civil society participation, and protect civic space around the world.
“And we are strengthening our support for laws and policies that protect the right to participation and the right to freedom of expression, including a free and independent media,” he added.
UNFCCC/Kiara Worth/ Secretary-General António Guterres with young climate activists at the Climate Implementation Summit at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
Championing young people
The Secretary-General emphasized that the threats undermining rights today will also have an impact on future generations, who are often perceived as barely an afterthought.
He expressed hope that the Summit of the Future, scheduled for next year, will bring these rights to the forefront of the global discussion.
“There is no greater constituency to champion that future than young people – and the new UN Youth Office that will be up and running this year is designed to strengthen our work,” he said.
These efforts are also an opportunity to boost global action and build a UN that is fit for a new era, he added.
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Story
06 February 2023
South African peacekeeper killed after helicopter comes under fire mid-flight in DR Congo
In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack, which left the South African ‘blue helmet’ dead, and another wounded.
Emergency landing
According to news reports, the severely injured peacekeeper was able to continue flying, and along with the rest of the crew, managed to land at the airport of the provincial capital, Goma.
There is no indication so far who was responsible for the attack, or what weapon was used in the assault.
Eastern DRC is home to multiple armed groups, including the rebel M23 force, which has been fighting a major campaign against Government troops in recent months, supported by the UN mission there, known by its French acronym MONUSCO, as part of its protection-of-civilians mandate.
Hundreds of civilians have been killed during the violence at the hands of armed groups, including women and children.
Last March, eight peacekeepers were killed when their helicopter crashed in an area of North Kivu province where the Congolese army was engaged in heavy fighting with M23.
Call for immediate ceasefire
At a summit of the East African Community on Saturday in Burundi, regional leaders renewed their call for an immediate ceasefire by combatants involved in eastern DRC. Kinshasa has accused the Rwandan Government of supporting the M23 rebels, a charge categorically denied by authorities in Kigali.
M23 has seized many areas of North Kivu province in eastern DRC since last October, threatening to advance on the provincial capital.
More than 500,000 have reportedly been displaced by intense fighting in the province since last March, and earlier in the week, Pope Francis made his first visit to DRC calling for an end to violence. An agreement signed in November when rebels agreed to withdraw, failed to come to fruition.
The head of MONUSCO, and Special Representative to DRC, Bintou Keita, briefed the Security Council in December, telling ambassadors that the security situation had “deteriorated dramatically” in previous weeks.
Guterres pledges continuing support
In his statement, Mr. Guterres expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper, and to the Government and people of South Africa, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured following the dramatic helicopter landing.
He recalled that such attacks against peacekeepers "may constitute a war crime under international law." He asked Congolese authorities to investigate the heinous attack, and bring those responsible to justice as soon as possible.
“The Secretary-General reaffirms that the United Nations, through his Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, will continue to support the Congolese Government and people”, the statement continued, “in their efforts to bring about peace and stability in the east of the country.”
Published by UN News
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Story
06 February 2023
UN South Africa - InFocus Magazine, Vol 6. Issue 2, December 2022
This edition of InFocus showcases some of our work in South Africa, ranging from responding to the floods in KwaZulu-Natal Province and other areas, to supporting programmes on gender-based violence, youth, among others. These highlights are a fraction of the ongoing, high impact work the UN has undertaken in the country. I look forward to collectively building on this work to create greater impact. Through multi stakeholder collaboration, whole-of-society approaches, and innovative approaches we can co-create people-centred and planet-sensitive solutions for South Africa. Here’s to a successful 2023 for the UN Family which must include, without compromise, impactful change towards a South Africa where no one is left behind and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Download a copy HERE. InFocus Magazine
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Press Release
17 March 2023
Call for Applications for the Dag Hammarskjöld Fund Journalism Fellowship
The Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists is now accepting applications from professional journalists for its 2023 fellowship program. The application deadline is April 24, 2023.
The fellowships are available to radio, television, print and web journalists, age 25 to 35, who are interested in coming to New York to report on international affairs during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly during the opening 10 weeks. Travel and accommodations in New York, as well as a per diem allowance are provided.
The fellowships are open to journalists who are native to the mainly developing countries in Africa, Asia (including Pacific Island nations), and Latin America/the Caribbean and are currently working for media organizations. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in and commitment to international affairs and to conveying a better understanding of the U.N. to their readers and audiences. They must also have approval from their media organizations to spend up to three months in New York to report from the U.N. The program is not intended to provide basic skills training to journalists; all fellowship recipients must be media professionals.
Journalists are selected each year after a review of all applications and given the incomparable opportunity to observe international diplomatic deliberations and to gain a broader perspective and understanding of matters of global concern. Many past fellows have risen to prominence in their professional and countries.
Fellowship eligibility criteria and documentation requirements, as well as the fellowship application, form can be found on the Fund’s web site at www.unjournalismfellowship.org
Questions about the program, eligibility and the application process can be directed by email to fellowship2023@unjournalismfellowship.org.
Although the Fund is based at the U.N., it does not receive financial support from the world organization. The Fund was established as an independent entity by U.N. journalists 56 years ago as a living memorial to the legacy of Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjóld. It continues to be operated by U.N. journalists and relies on financial support from U.N. Missions, foundations, organizations and individuals.
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Press Release
13 March 2023
South Africa must fully comply with international obligations to prevent torture, experts urge after first country visit
GENEVA (13 March 2023) - UN torture prevention experts today called on South Africa to expedite its legislative measures for setting up a national torture prevention watchdog to regularly examine prisons, detention centres and other facilities.
The call came at the end of the first visit to South Africa by the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT), which took place from 26 February to 9 March. South Africa ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture in 2019.
“There is an urgent need for South Africa to fully establish a national preventive mechanism, according to the commitment it made four years ago and in full compliance with the Optional Protocol,” said Abdallah Ounnir, Head of the delegation. “Its national preventive mechanism should be a fully independent monitoring body empowered to visit all places of detention, which is key to prevent torture and ill-treatment in the country,” he added.
“During our visit, the delegation noted the overuse of liberty deprivation across sectors, such as prisons, police stations, immigration facilities, mental health facilities, and drug treatment centres. This reflects a de facto punitive rather than a rehabilitative approach to crime and other social issues,” stated the Head of the delegation.
“The high number of remand detainees and overcrowding in detention places reflect deficiencies in the criminal justice system and the judiciary. The delegation received allegations of corruption within facilities. We also observed entrenched inhuman practices, ill-treatment, and poor detention conditions,” Ounnir said, emphasising that “this must change.”
The SPT visited public and private penitentiaries, police stations, military detention barracks, youth care centres, psychiatric hospitals, drug rehabilitation institutions, and a migrant detention camp, where they conducted confidential interviews with staff members and people held in these institutions.
During its visit, the delegation met with government officials of the executive branch, representatives of civil society, and held discussions with the South African Human Rights Commission and related bodies.
Following the visit, the SPT will submit a confidential report to the Government of South Africa with observations and recommendations to prevent torture and ill-treatment of people deprived of their liberty.
The SPT delegation was composed of Abdallah Ounnir, Head of the delegation (Morocco), Vasiliki Artinopoulou (Greece), Shujune Muhammad (Maldives), and Elīna Šteinerte (Latvia).
ENDS
For media inquiries or for more information, please contact:
Virginia Thompson at virginia.thompson@un.org
Vivian Kwok at vivian.kwok@un.org
Background:
The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture monitors States parties’ adherence to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, which to date has been ratified by 92 countries. The Subcommittee is made up of 25 members who are independent human rights experts drawn from around the world, who serve in their personal capacity and not as representatives of States parties. The Subcommittee has a mandate to visit States that have ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, during the course of which it may visit any place where persons may be deprived of their liberty and assist those States in preventing torture and ill-treatment. The Subcommittee communicates its observations and recommendations to States through confidential reports, which it encourages countries to make public. Learn more with our videos on the Treaty Body system and
the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture Follow the UN Treaty Bodies on social media!
We are on Twitter @UNTreatyBodies
The Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture monitors States parties’ adherence to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, which to date has been ratified by 92 countries. The Subcommittee is made up of 25 members who are independent human rights experts drawn from around the world, who serve in their personal capacity and not as representatives of States parties. The Subcommittee has a mandate to visit States that have ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, during the course of which it may visit any place where persons may be deprived of their liberty and assist those States in preventing torture and ill-treatment. The Subcommittee communicates its observations and recommendations to States through confidential reports, which it encourages countries to make public. Learn more with our videos on the Treaty Body system and
the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture Follow the UN Treaty Bodies on social media!
We are on Twitter @UNTreatyBodies
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Press Release
08 March 2023
UN Secretary-General’s op-ed for the International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023
Around the world, progress on women’s rights is vanishing before our eyes. The latest forecasts estimate that on our current track, it will take another 300 years to reach full gender equality.
Today’s cascading crises, from the war in Ukraine to the climate emergency, affect women and girls first and worst. And as part of the global pushback against democracy, women’s rights over their bodies and autonomy over their lives are being questioned and denied.
Two statistics make our failure very clear:
Every ten minutes, one woman or girl is murdered by a family member or intimate partner.
And one woman dies every two minutes during pregnancy or childbirth. Most of those deaths are entirely preventable.
On International Women’s Day, we must commit to doing better. We need to reverse these horrific trends and stand up for the lives and rights of women and girls, everywhere.
This is one of my core priorities and a central plank of the work of the United Nations around the world.
From South Sudan to Myanmar, we are supporting women and girls in crisis and making sure their voices are heard in peace processes.
The Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, recently visited Afghanistan with a message for the authorities: women and girls have fundamental human rights, and we will never give up fighting for them.
This year, International Women’s Day focuses on closing gender gaps in science, technology, and innovation. Globally, men are 21 percent more likely to be online than women — and over 50 percent more likely in low-income countries.
But even the richest countries lose out because of gender-based stereotypes and historic bias. In the tech industry, men outnumber women two to one. In Artificial Intelligence, it’s five to one.
Big data is the new gold, and the foundation of today’s political and business decisions. But it often ignores gender differences – or turns a blind eye to women altogether.
We should all be alarmed by products and services that bake in gender inequality right from the start, and digitize patriarchy and misogyny.
The Silicon Valleys of this world must not become Death Valleys for women’s rights.
Medical decisions based on data from men’s bodies can not only harm women; it can be deadly.
Discrimination against women in science and technology is the result of centuries of patriarchy, discrimination and damaging stereotypes. Women account for just three percent of Nobel Prize winners in scientific categories since 1901. And women online – including scientists and journalists – are often targeted for sexist hate speech and abuse designed to silence and shame them.
But they will not be silenced. Women and girls everywhere are demanding their rights, and their words reverberate around the world.
We need action on several fronts to make sure women and girls can make their full contribution to the world’s knowledge through science and technology.
We must break down barriers — from discriminatory data to stereotypes that push girls away from studying scientific subjects at an early age.
Decisionmakers of all kinds must broaden women’s participation and leadership in science and technology, through quotas if necessary.
They should be creative, widening the recruitment pipeline and hiring for skills. And they must be persistent. Gender equality will not happen by itself; it has to be prioritized and pursued. This approach is getting results at the United Nations, where we have our own strategy for gender parity among our personnel.
We also need action to create a safe digital environment for women and to hold accountable both the perpetrators of online abuse, and the digital platforms that enable them.
The United Nations is working with governments, civil society, the private sector and others on a Code of Conduct aimed at reducing harm and increasing accountability on digital platforms, while defending freedom of expression.
Women’s rights are not a luxury that can wait until we solve the climate crisis, end poverty and create a better world.
Investing in women and girls is the surest way to uplift all people, communities and countries, and to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Together, let’s work for a more inclusive, just, and prosperous world for women and girls, men and boys, everywhere.
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Press Release
21 February 2023
Stop this horrific tide of violence against children and women
PRETORIA, 21 February 2023 – “The latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) once again depict the bleak reality of everyday life for women and children across the country.
More than three children and 12 women were murdered daily in South Africa over a 90-day period between October and December 2022. Another 21,434 children and women suffered attempted murder or grievous bodily harm. Recovering from the physical and mental scars of such violence will take years.
UNICEF South Africa has been reacting publicly to these quarterly statistics for the past year.
We speak out as a United Nations agency with a child rights advocacy mandate, and we will keep doing so because such high levels of violence against children and women should never be accepted as a norm in society.
Words though are not enough. Actions to break this cycle of violence are what’s needed.
It’s easy to lose hope looking at the statistics but prevention and early intervention programmes do work. We must learn from their real and everyday examples – this is where hope resides.
Like the case of Koketso*, who after joining a ‘parenting programme’ understood better how to educate his children without resorting to violence. The project under the Department of Social Development and supported by UNICEF works with fathers to help them understand why a more engaged and nurturing role in their children’s lives results in better outcomes for the whole family.
Or the case of Andile* who lost her parents as a child and was abused and thrown out of home by a family member. Her life could have gone very differently had it not been for the local Safe Park where she was protected, given food, access to health services and supported in her education. Today, she works as a child and youth social worker at the very same UNICEF supported Safe Park, as part of the Department of Social Development’s broader community based ‘Risiha Programme’. She provides the nurturing care and support she once needed to children who desperately seek it now.
These positive examples are not just anecdotes but are the result of effective, evidence-based programmes that work. These must be urgently scaled-up to help stem the rise in violence.
This violence is a tragedy for every family, every community affected. But it’s also a tragedy for the development of South Africa and – if not urgently tackled – the future of a country that holds so much promise.”
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About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org
Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
For more information, please contact:
Toby Fricker, Tel: +27 61 418 7486, tfricker@unicef.org
Sudeshan Reddy, Tel: +27 82 561 3970, sureddy@unicef.org
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Press Release
10 February 2023
United Nations in South Africa welcomes President Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address and its focus on ensuring no one is left behind
Pretoria – The United Nations in South Africa welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address delivered last night during which he declared a state of national disaster in response to the current energy crisis that has plagued the country, and the creation of a new position of Minister of Electricity in the Presidency “to assume full responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the electricity crisis response.”
"We largely welcomes and are encouraged by plans, commitments, and the call to action contained in the President’s State of the Nation Address,” said Nelson Muffuh, the head and Resident Coordinator of UN in South Africa,” adding: “The theme which is centred around the imperative of Leaving No One Behind is timely as we are halfway to the 2030 deadline when the Sustainable Development Goals are to be delivered for everyone, everywhere.”
“We must therefore act in earnest with urgency and intensity to realize these Global Goals and national aspirations for people and planet. The UN in South Africa and beyond stands ready to accompany and to ramp up our support to the Government and people of South Africa," he said.
In justifying the declaration of a state of national disaster, the President noted that “extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures. The energy crisis is an existential threat to our economy and social fabric.” A people-centred, accountable, and rights-based approach is essential to ensure the measures advanced through the state of national disaster interventions are inclusive and impactful.
The President’s address emphasized his government’s plans to intensify job creation especially among youth, and to continue implementing the National Strategic Plan on gender-based violence and femicide and improve the accessibility and functioning of Sexual Offences Courts. He also committed his government to continue the fight against violent crime across the country, corruption, poverty, inequalities, and the rising cost of living which are the “issues that concern South Africans the most”.
President Ramaphosa also highlighted progress made in increasing the number of children who receive the Early Childhood Development subsidy, which has more than doubled to 1.5 million children between 2019 and 2022.
On climate change, the South African leader noted that as we take these actions to resolve the energy crisis, “we are mindful of the risks that climate change poses to our society” including droughts, floods and wildfires, South Africa would “continue our just transition to a low carbon economy at a pace our country can afford and in a manner that ensures energy security.”
“Through the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, R1.5 trillion [about US$86 billion] will be invested in our economy over the next five years in new frontiers such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and electric vehicles,” President Ramaphosa added.
The United Nations in South Africa and at the global level will continue to support energy security and transition efforts.
For interviews and media enquiries, please contact Zeenat Abdool, UN South Africa - Associate Public Information Officer, at abdool@un.org or 0827788080
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