Blog

UNA TANZANIA LED THE BREAKFAST DEBATE ON “EMPOWERING TANZANIA’S YOUTH: UNLEASHING POTENTIAL AND FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”

UNA Tanzania led a discussion on “Empowering Tanzania’s Youth: Unleashing Potential and Fostering Sustainable Development” at The Breakfast Debate organised by UNA Tanzania in collaboration with Policy Forum in July  held at the British Council Auditorium in Dar es Salaam city center. The informal conversation over breakfast provided a space that promoted youth engagements and debate on what it takes to empower the youth of Tanzania to reach their full potential. The debate was one of the avenue UNA Tanzania uses to mobilizes stakeholders together to discuss what works for the youth of Tanzania so as to influence policy processes.

Lucas Kifyasi, The Head of Programs at UNA Tanzania introduced the topic with a focus on; Overview of the Tanzania Youth, Youth Priority, Belief and Aspiration, Barriers towards Unleashing Youth Potential and last but not least what should be done to unleash the potential of Tanzania youth for inclusive and sustainable development.

Lucas Kifyasi, Head of Programs at UNA Tanzania introducing the topic

The debate featured a panel discussion with the following speakers; Ocheck Msuva from Bridge for Change, Mr. Jeremiah Wandili from Wote Initiative for Development Empowerment (WIDE) and Ms. Happy Samuel who is the Youth Development Officer from Ilala District.  The speakers offered in depth assessment of the topic and their recommendations. Mr. Msuva emphasised that it is crucial for Tanzania to have well equipped entrepreneurship centres that will build youth with entrepreneurship skills and make them able to employ themselves. On the other hand Mr. Wandili stressed on the need to create enabling business environment for youth entrepreneurs, “Youth’s businesses are hit with high taxes and many licenses upon establishment which causes early demise. The goverment should learn how to tax youth businessesss in a way that enables youth to start their businesses and keep it running”, he said.

Panelists from left; Ocheck Msuva, Lucas Kifyasi, Happy Samuel and Jeremiah Wandili

Followed by the panel discussion, the participants had a chance to discuss the subject in small groups then the floor was opened for them to provide their two cents. Ms. Josephine Doglas from UNDP spoke about the need for systemic reform if at all full youth potential is to be unleashed. She said that, “Changing the education curriculum alone will not suffice, youth empowerement requires a systemic approach.The government should prioritise reforming the entire education system from the means of instructions, equipments to incentives offered to the teachers”.

Ms. Josephine Douglas from UNDP speaking during the open floor session.

Key take aways derived from the session include;

  • Systemic change: Laws, Policies, Plans and their implementation needs a system change. young people in Tanzania crave an enabling environment across political, economic, technological, educational, cultural, and social spectrums to allow them to fit in the rapidly changing world
  • Unleashing youth potential needs to go hand in hand with effective implementation of Development frameworks commitment in particular SDGs 4, 5, 8 16 in line FYDP III Objective no 8.
  • Building productive capacity of youth, by creating empowerment initiatives, development opportunities and space for engagement is an end in itself, as well as a means to build a better young person to lead and change the community.

 

 

PROMOTION OF SDGs AWARENESS: VISIT TO KIBASILA AND TEMEKE SECONDARY SCHOOL

UNA Tanzania conducted school visits with the main aim of promoting awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among students of Kibasila Secondary School and Temeke Secondary School. The sessions involved 135 students in total from Ordinary level and Advanced level classes from both schools. In the session a brief concept of the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) was provided, how it evolved to the SDGs and the differences between the two.

Ally Mwamzola, Project Officer at UNA Tanzania facilitating the SDGs awareness session at Kibasila Secondary School.

 Further more the students were introduced to the SDGs followed up by a session on the role that students possess in SDGs implementation.The students were encouraged to actively participate in the implementation of the SDGs. Some key roles they can play were identified including; raising awareness at school and in their communities, engaging in school activities such as cleaning and environmental conservation, using innovation and creativity to find sustainable solutions and mobilizing other students to join SDGs related initiatives. The sessions where made more engaging by involving visual games and fun activities  where in the end SDGs champions for each school were obtained.

Ms. Ummilkher Yassin , Advocacy and Communications Officer at UNA Tanzania awarding a badge to the SDG Champion from Temeke Secondary School.

Temeke Secondary School students playing a card game aimed at enhancing SDGs understanding.

Apart from SDGs a special session on climate change was conducted by Haika Simon, the climate resilience officer at UNA Tanzania. This session aimed at raising awareness on climate change as well as accelerate youth engagement in clmate action. During the session students learnt about how climate change occurs, it’s causes, impacts and actions that they as students can take at school and at home to address climate change.

Haika Simon, Climate Resilience Officer at UNA Tanzania leading the climate change awareness session at Temeke Secondary School.

The visits were successful in raising awareness of the SDGs among students from Kibasila Secondary School and Temeke Secondary School. The students gained a better understanding of the global goals and their role as active agents of change. Students were encouraged to take action and contribute to the implementation of the SDGs in their communities.

“We are happy to be visited by UNA Tanzania. They have educated us about the 17 goals of the UN. We have been able to learn what we can do to stimulate the implementation of these goals such as environmental protection in and out of our school. Also, we can motivate others by giving them the education we have received starting from our fellow students in Kibasila and even others outside of Kibasila” Steven Joseph Mosso, The Head Prefect of Kibasila Secondary School.

Steven Joseph Mosso, The Head Prefect of Kibasila Secondary School paying close attention during the session

MONITORING AND EVALUATION INTERN (PAID)

JOB TITLE: Monitoring and Evaluation Intern

REPORTING TO: Head of Programs

DURATION: 6 Months (paid)

JOB STATION: UNA Tanzania Offices; 27 Mikocheni street, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND

The United Nations Association of Tanzania (UNA Tanzania) is a non- governmental organization established in 1964, working to promote the principles and values of the United Nations (UN) in Tanzania. UNA Tanzania focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals and focuses on matters of democracy, human rights, peace and security and governance.

UNA Tanzania is registered under the non-Governmental act of 2002, with Registration No. 00NGO/R2/000181. The Organization is also registered in the World Federation of the United Nations Associations (WFUNA) as a national civil society organization associated with the UN, and a link between the citizen and the UN, making sure that the UN is meaningful to the lives of the people.

UNA Tanzania works with the United Republic of Tanzania Government, Local and International partners through different programs and projects to advocate on the Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030, African Union (AU) agenda 2063 to make better lives of people in Tanzania without leaving no one behind.

The overall aim of UNA Tanzania is “To bring people closer to the UN’’ creating an enabling environment for youth and the society in inclusive decision-making processes, protection of human rights and implementation of Agenda2030.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB 

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer will provide M&E technical expertise in the design, development, and implementation of programme activities. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical expertise

  • Developing project indicators, M&E frameworks, logical framework analysis, and evaluation designs and data analysis.
  • Coordinate programme surveys, reviews/evaluations and maintain M&E databases
  • Ensure data quality standards and adherence to M&E operations procedures
  • Liaise with policy makers from national and local to promote, review/ develop track and use project indicators in planning and identify best practices that can be translated into scale-up activities.

Tracking of project progress

  • Regular update of the project and compliance reporting
  • Design and review of programme dashboards

Reporting

  • Prepare regular M&E progress reports and review the reporting tools

Teamwork

  • Work with the project team to establish and implement impact evaluation frameworks to support the measurement of the impact of project deliverables.
  • Initiate and Support development of project models

Knowledge management

  • Coordinate programme/project documentation and disseminate best practices and lessons learnt
  • Coordinate the documentation of programme briefs and fact sheets

Operational planning and execution

  • Organize and facilitate quarterly, semi-annual, and annual program review meetings with programme staff and partners and give feedback on M & E.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

 Education and knowledge  

  • Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience acceptable. 
  • Fluent in written and spoken English.  
  • Financial management and analytical skills including experience in managing budgets. 
  • Excellent writing skills with ability to write reports, articles, and manuscripts. 
  • Excellent verbal communications skills with the ability to present data to lay audiences. 
  • Proficiency in the use of computer software, especially Microsoft Office.  

 Experience 

  • experience in a diverse range of technical areas and knowledgeable in SGDs, youth, and climate change.
  • Ability to use data to inform decisions and an ability to synthesize and analyse data using a range of tools e.g., SPSS and Nvivo. 

 Skills 

  • Ability to work to deadlines and prioritize workload. 
  • Relationship building and networking skills. 
  • Excellent problem-solving skills. 
  • Creative and lateral thinking. 
  • Self-motivated with a positive attitude. 
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team. 
  • Strong IT skills. 
  • Excellent attention to detail. 

 Competencies  

  • Analytical, strategic orientation and thinking. 
  • Integrity, commitment, and respect for diversity.  
  • Teamwork, leadership, and collaboration. 
  • Innovative approach to challenges. 
  • Commitment to UNA Tanzania’s mission, vision, and values. 

How to apply 

If interested, submit your application through info@una.or.tz. Your application should include a cover letter detailing why you are the best fit for this position and your CV with relevant skills and experience. The cover letter and CV should be in a single file saved under your name and not longer than a total of five (5) pages. Deadline for submission: 06.07.2023 at 23:59 EAT. Please note that any submission done after the indicated time will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview procedures. For more details, please visit our website www.una.or.tz.

*Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. 

Duly note that the United Nations Association of Tanzania does not require applicants to pay any money at whatever stage of the recruitment and selection process and have not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment

UNA TANZANIA COMMENCED THE REGIONAL CLIMATE RESILIENCE PILOT PROJECT IN MPWAPWA

On 13th of June UNA Tanzania launched the regional climate resilience pilot project at Mpwapwa urban water supply and sanitation authority office in Dodoma region, Tanzania. UNA Tanzania in partnership with LM International and IAS Kenya is implementing the climate resilience project in Mpwapwa District which aims to pilot a 7 pillar regional resilience model in Tanzania to strengthen the ability of communities to cope and regulate effects of climate change. The 7 pillars model focuses on engaging the communities to drive their own nature-based solutions which can help create sustainable living conditions in their villages. The 7 pillars are natural resources management and environmental sustainability; community health and water; governance and human rights-based approaches; economic empowerment; peace building, safety and security; infrastructure development as well as education empowerment.

The launch was attended by 35 key stakeholders from the district including representatives from the District Commissioner’s Office, District Executive Director’s office, District Police Office, religious leaders at the district level and community leaders from four villages of Ng’hambi ward namely; Ng’ambi, Kiyegea, Kazania and Mbugani. The launch was initiated by Hon George Fuime who is the Councillor of Mpwapwa and the chairperson of Mpwapwa District Council. During the inception, the stakeholders discussed the status of climate change impacts in Ng’hambi ward, challenges of implementation of climate change initiatives and overall priorities for climate change interventions which is crucial in achieving the set objectives of the project.

“Climate change is serious in our ward, we need not only resilience measures but also awareness creation on the issue. Hence, we welcome this pilot in our district with open arms” Guest of Honor Hon. George Fuime emphasized as he offers his salutation during the launch.

Hon. George Fuime offering his remarks during the launch

Hon. George Fuime

On the following 2 days, capacity building workshop for resilience based on needs was conducted at Ng’hambi village of Ng’ambi ward. The workshop was attended by 41 community members from the 4 villages of the ward including Ng’hambi Ward Chancellor, Ward Executive officers, Village Executive Officers, Village Chairpersons, Religious leaders, Ward Auxiliary Police, and villagers consisting of pastoralists, farmers. The workshop employed a participatory learning approach in order to assess the knowledge of Ng’hambi people on climate change and learn the best practices used on climate resilience. At the end of the workshop the community leaders and members not only enhanced their capacity on climate resilience but also created a community action plan to guide climate resilience initiatives in their villages.

Community leaders and members discussing the allocation of resources in their villages to create climate resilience community action plan in Ng’hambi ward.

Community leaders and members discussing the allocation of resources in their villages to create climate resilience community action plan in Ng’hambi ward.

UNA Tanzania is on a quest to create resilient and environment conscious community 💪

UNA TANZANIA LAUNCHED GREEN MONDAYS, GREEN DECISIONS CAMPAIGN

UNA Tanzania kick-started the campaign ‘Green Mondays, Green Decisions’. The main objective of the campaign is to contribute to raising awareness of the climate change agenda and influence people to make green decisions for the sustainability of the planet. The new campaign was launched at Ardhi University in Dar es Salaam, in commemoration of The World Environment Day 2023.

The campaign ‘Green Mondays, Green Decisions’ aims to sensitize people, such as youth, children, women, CSOs, and decision makers to make sustainable decisions for the planet. To be able to make sustainable choices, people need to know the importance of sustainability, and learn what they can do to ensure a sustainable future. The campaign aspires to provide people with clear and relevant information that links their choices to environmental outcomes, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity, and improving human health.

The launch consisted of a tree planting session, a panel discussion, a quiz to stimulate sensitization and a plenary discussion. The event influenced students to take action towards climate change, broadened their understanding of the importance of making green decisions and experiences on sustainability from individuals with diverse backgrounds was shared.

Speakers consisted of Doctor Nicholas Mwageni; Head of Disaster Risk Management Training Department from Ardhi University, who spoke of creating awareness of sustainability by increasing the number of environmentally-focused courses at the university. Mr. Msololo Onditi; Head of Programs from FORUM CC brought attention to the connection between every individual’s daily habits and climate change, and urged for the need of green initiatives. Ebenezer Mathew, from the 3rd best team in the 2022 Kesho Yetu Climate Hackathon conducted by UNA Tanzania, spoke of the urgency of the climate crisis and the power youth has in making environmental decisions. Happy Malunde, from the 2nd best team in the 2022 Kesho Yetu Climate Hackathon highlighted the link between health and the climate.

Ebenezer Mathew, from the 3rd best team in the 2022 Kesho Yetu Climate Hackathon during panel discussion

At the end of the event, students made pledges  and committment to protect the environment for their benefit and the benefit of the future generations.

“It is my call to every individual out there to participate making a better world, for I believe, together we can explore innovative ways to promote green living and encourage people to make environmentally conscious decisions to create a better tomorrow for our generation, said Herrieth Chuva, a student at the University of Dar es salaam.

Herrieth Chuva during tree planting activity at the launch