Technical Advisor, Assistive Technology(Home Based Retainer)

Today, over 2.5 billion people need at least one form of AT, such as wheelchairs, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, but in some countries as few as 3% have access to the AT they require. The number of people needing AT is expected to grow to more than 3.5 billion by 2050. 

Access to appropriate AT enables people with loss of function, disabilities, non-communicable diseases, and the aging population to participate in education, work, and family and community life. Lack of access to AT has significant consequences for individuals, their families, and the wider society. Without AT, individuals may experience isolation and exclusion from education, the labor market, and civic life. Lack of access to appropriate AT causes poorer health outcomes, including premature death, deteriorating mental health, and increased risk of chronic health conditions and secondary complications, all leading to a higher burden on health systems. Increasing accessibility and affordability of AT can unlock unrealized economic potential and provides socioeconomic benefits for individuals, families, and countries by increasing productivity and participation in the workforce. 

ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, was developed in response to the need for a new, catalytic approach to overcoming the significant gap in access to appropriate, high-quality, and affordable AT globally. It is a cross-sector partnership for AT that aims to bring greater resources and strategic focus to this significant global challenge to reach 500 million more people with life-changing assistive technology (AT) by 2030, to enable a lifetime of potential. 

The ATscale Secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and based in Geneva, Switzerland. For more information, please visit https://atscalepartnership.org/ 

• Advanced degree (Masters degree or above), ideally in Otorhinolaryngology, Audiology, Ophthalmology, Optometry, health or public health, rehabilitation, biomedical science, statistics or other relevant disciplines.

• A Bachelor's degree in Audiology, Ophthalmology, Optometry, or medicine or rehabilitation related fields, in combination with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. 

• A minimum of 7 years of combined experience in assistive technology in the areas of Public Health, Non-communicable diseases, eye and vision care, or ear and hearing care is required

The following are considered assets:

• Demonstrated experience in providing technical advice for planning, implementation, and monitoring of assistive technology programmes

• Demonstrated knowledge of large-scale health or education or social protection programmes

• Proven track record either in the area of eye and vision care or ear and hearing care

• Proven track-record of data collection, data management, quantitative and qualitative analysis and outcome reporting;

• Familiarity with disability rights and inclusion of disability in projects and programmes, as well as a foundational understanding of the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other international instruments and relevant frameworks

• Experience in international development and/or humanitarian aid and/or working for a UN organization and/or an NGO in the field of eye or ear and hearing care. 

• Fluency in English Language ( Writing, Reading and Speaking) is required.
• Knowledge of another official UN language , is a an advantage.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

• This  position is a short term  consultancy  role  ( Max 100 days  )

• People self-identifying as living with a long-term disability are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

  
  

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.