Question 1
There are four strategies that UNICEF can implement to minimize and end child marriages in Niger. These are the empowerment of girls with skills and information, provision of economic support for families and communities, provision of basic services, and implementation of anti-child marriage policies and laws. All these strategies are sustainable interventions that can result in long-term outcomes.
Question 2
Main strengths are a long-term presence in Niger, adoption of an action-oriented approach and partnerships with NGOs. Shortage of experienced staff and complex bureaucracies are the major weaknesses facing UNICEF. The greatest opportunity is a willingness by UN member states to contribute to UNICEF. Adverse climate change and an unwillingness of communities to shun retrogressive cultural practices are a threat to UNICEF’s mission to Niger.
Question 3
The non-profit strategies of UNICEF differ from those of for-profit organization in that non-profit organizations exist to contribute to socio-economic change and are not motivated by a desire to maximize profit. Therefore, UNICEF does not compete with other organizations in its mandate. Instead, it has collaborated with many stakeholders in the industry to alleviate child suffering.
Question 4
Question 5
The most important partner organizations for UNICEF in Niger are foreign aid organizations such as USAID, UKAID, and Red Cross. The organization is also working in close collaboration with the government of Niger as well as several religious and community-based organizations. In future, the organization can consider working with political organizations, universities, and research organizations to advance its mission.
Question 6
It is difficult to apply the benefits of mergers and acquisitions in non-profit organizations like UNICEF because of funding issues. Most non-profit organizations rely on donations from volunteers and charities for funding. Lack of a stable source of funding can cause misunderstanding after the merger or acquisition.
Question 7
Being aware of the socio-cultural environment can enable the UNICEF staff to offers services that are respectful of the cultural and social needs of the communities they serve. In Niger, for instance, there are several cultural groups based on ethnicity, religion, language and cultural practices. Their needs vary and are strongly rooted in cultural values, perceptions, and beliefs (Horton, 2071-2074).
Question 8
In Niger, UNICEF works with communities and individuals from different cultural backgrounds. For this organization, understanding the socio-cultural environment of Niger can help providing custom tailored services that respect the diverse needs of these communities and individuals. Such an understanding will also enable the organization to be culturally neutral to reach its goals and objectives.
Question 9
UNICEF can better engage the Western world to further support its initiatives in Niger by explaining to these countries the exact situation in Niger and the dangers facing the people. The organization can also engage the Western countries by focusing on its mission as mandated by the UN (Horton, 2071-2074).
Question 10
The UNICEF-Barcelona partnership allowed the Spanish football club to donate millions of Euros to UNICEF, which it used to support it mission objectives in Niger. Since the partnership was signed, FC Barcelona has played a key role in promoting high levels of human development among children in Niger through the support of school programs.
Work Cited
Horton Richard. UNICEF leadership 2005–2015: a call for strategic change. The Lancet 364 (9451): 2071–2074, 2004.
