UNV Jobs - 50207- UN Youth Volunteer in Youth Volunteer Engagement f

UN Youth Volunteer in Youth Volunteer Engagement for Post-2015 Sustainable Development - (Open to Samoan Nationals only)

Advertised on behalf of

UNV

Location :

Apia, SAMOA

Type of Contract :

UNV

Starting Date :

03-Nov-2014

Application Deadline :

24-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

UNV

Duration of Initial Contract :

Initial 1 year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took place in the first week of September 2014. It was an important United Nations meeting for 52 small island developing states and global leaders to assess the progress to date and remaining gaps in the implementation of development projects towards sustainable development, seek a renewed political commitment by focusing on practical and pragmatic actions for further implementation, identify new and emerging challenges and opportunities for the sustainable development of SIDS and means of addressing them, and identify priorities for the sustainable development of SIDS to be considered in the elaboration of the post-2015 UN development agenda.

The SIDS Conference presented a unique opportunity for UNV to show that voluntary action and a strong people-centered approach to peace and development are essential to achieve sustainable development. During the Conference UNV successfully reinforced and exemplified this message through events as well as the presence of conference volunteers which added to the symbolic value of the conference. Social change comes from responsive citizens, who think differently and take action to make change happen. Therefore, UNV strives towards the integration of volunteerism in the process, discussion, outcome and implementation of the SIDS Conference. By supporting the volunteer infrastructure for Samoa, one of the SIDS, UNV ensures volunteer opportunities for diverse people. Since young people will be essential players in achieving “the future we want”, it is particularly important for UNV to empower them and facilitate and promote their voluntary action for sustainable development.

‘Gender’ and ‘Youth’ are the priority areas of the government of Samoa. UNV’s mandate since 1976 has been the ‘advancement of the role of youth’ and UNV Field Unit based in Samoa aims to help strengthen institutions that are youth-focused such as Samoa National Youth Council (SNYC) and Youth Division of Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) as well as civil society organizations such as SUNGO, the umbrella organization of NGOs. This particular assignment tries to support the establishment of volunteer infrastructure of Samoa through strengthening Samoa National Youth Council, Youth Division, MWCSD and SUNGO.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the UNV Programme Officer (PO), the national UN Youth Volunteer in Youth Volunteer Engagement for Post-2015 Sustainable Development will undertake the following tasks:

Support the UNV Field Unit to develop and strengthen the networks with Youth and Youth related organisations:

In line with the UNV Strategic Framework and UNV Youth Volunteer Strategy, contribute to promotion and advocacy of youth volunteerism;
Assist in networking with government agencies, schools/universities and other organizations to promote UNV, IVD and other volunteer activities;
Participate in the meetings of SNYC and other youth-focused organizations and contribute to raising awareness of volunteerism, IVD and UNV;
Offer support services on the importance of voluntary action and people-centered approach as key elements to achieve sustainable development to Youth Division, Ministry of Women and Community, Social Development;
Support the UNV Field Unit in helping SUNGO’s capacity development as the umbrella organization of NGOs in Samoa;
Support in the development and marketing of communications materials such as articles, press releases, web pages and reports;
Assist in collecting information/data on volunteer stories, good practices, audio visual materials with a particular focus on the impact of youth volunteerism on peace and development.

Support the UNV Field Unit with the organization of upcoming events and related volunteer activities:

Assist UNV Field Unit in organizing a Career Development workshop at the National University of Samoa (NUS);
Assist UNV Field Unit in organizing events for the International Volunteers Day 2014 in collaboration with partners.

Support the implementation of the UNV Corporate Project on the Post 2015 Agenda.

Perform other tasks that may be assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:

Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UNV Programme values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNV Programme;
Demonstrates interest in promotion of youth volunteerism;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to apply conceptual models in support of formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources;
Good knowledge of the Results Management Guide and Toolkit;
Strong IT skills;
Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change.

Management and Leadership:

Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum secondary school education;
University degree is an advantage.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years relevant work experieence;
Computer skills (ie Microsoft package, socail media and others).

Language:

Fluency in English and Samoan both verbal and written.

Note:

Candidates in the range of 18 and 29 years of age are encouraged to apply.