Background

The United Nations General Assembly defines volunteerism as an activity undertaken out of free will, for the general public good, and where monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor. It is expressed through a wide range of activities, including traditional forms of mutual aid and self-help, formal service delivery, campaigning and advocacy, as well as other forms of civic participation. Volunteering represents an important form and manifestation of youth participation across the globe. It is increasingly recognized that young people’s approaches to participation are changing and becoming more diverse, especially as a result of globalization processes. According to the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2011, “healthy societies need young people who are involved with their communities. Volunteer action can be a highly effective route towards such involvement.

A growing body of research and studies, including the UNV’s own lessons learned, points to the benefits volunteerism accrues to a youth’s own development and to societies at large.

• Firstly, volunteerism can support young people to become active leaders and citizens and serves as an important tool for engagement in society.
• Secondly, youth volunteerism strengthens the bond between young people and their communities.
• And finally, volunteerism helps young people improve their employment prospects through practical experiences which enhance both hard and soft job-related skills.

In India, the origin and development of volunteerism has been shaped by its indigenous traditions and value systems rooted in the religion and cultural interactions with incoming cultures throughout its history. The 12th Five Year Plan of the Government of India states that it would look afresh at the existing policies, instruments and institutions, and suggest innovative policies, efficient and effective instruments and creative ways to rejuvenate institutions in order to utilise and channel the youth energy in nation-building and economic development of society. It states that convergence in approach and synergy in action would be the key elements.

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) in consultation with various stakeholders released a new National Youth Policy (2014) that aims to “empower youth of the country to achieve their full potential and through them enable India to find its rightful place in the community of nations.” The National Youth Policy (2014) of India proposes to initiate affirmative and positive action to ensure that national values are regularly fostered in all young people, especially among members of the large youth volunteer force working under the aegis of leading youth development agencies of the country. As such the policy proposes to engage with Youth clubs and the large volunteer force available within youth development agencies to play a pivotal role in developing appropriate initiatives for young people.

Further, the Government of India and United Nations signed the United Nations Development Action Framework 2013-17 also focuses on the potential of mobilisation of volunteers, especially adolescents for peace and development.

Taking cognisance of the major recommendations of the 12th Five Year Plan and the National Youth Policy (2014), the UNV Global Youth Volunteer Programme and UN Youth Volunteering Strategy, the MoYAS and UNV/UNDP have agreed on a project “Strengthening NYKS and NSS” to provide catalytic support to the Youth Volunteer Schemes of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) to facilitate youth participation and voice in peace and sustainable development programmes, towards realization of their full social, economic and human potential. It is expected that the project will help young people to gain a strong sense of civic engagement to bring about positive transformation in their communities.

To achieve the above, the project will engage a national Project Manager and three national UNV Management Associates at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MOYAS) (at national level) and UNV District Youth Coordinators (UNV DYCs) in one district in each of 29 states of India to support implementation of the project “Strengthening NYKS and NSS”.

Organizational Context:

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS) has been running schemes such as the National Service Scheme (NSS), 1969 and Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYKS), 1972 for promotion of volunteerism amongst the youth. The 12th Five Year Plan calls for strengthening NSS and expanding its coverage from the existing 33 lakh by 5 lakh per annum over the next five years. Meanwhile, the thrust of the Nehru Yuva Kendra(s)—NYKs in the 12th Plan, would be on consolidating, expanding and energising the youth club movement for engaging the rural youth in various socio-economic and community activities.

Within United Nations, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme established by the UN General Assembly in 1970 and administered by the UNDP, partners with UN agencies, governments and civil society organisations to advocate for volunteerism, integrate volunteerism into peace and development interventions and mobilise UN Volunteers and community volunteers.

In the context of increasing the attention of the international community to volunteerism and its contribution to the work of the UN System, UNV launched a Strategic Framework for 2014-2017. Within this Strategic Framework, UNV has developed a comprehensive Youth Volunteering Strategy (YVS) and a UNV Global Youth Volunteer Programme to promote youth volunteerism and youth voice, in line with its long history of youth volunteerism, and in alignment with the UN Secretary-General's Call for Action and Five-Year Action Agenda in 2012.

Living Conditions:

New Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region is a large and bustling metropolis of some 14 million people undergoing rapid changes. The capital city is an administrative, cultural and commercial center with modern amenities and well connected by air. It is a safe place with large expatriate community drawn from embassies, UN agencies, MNCs and foreign businesses. It has short moderate winter and long hot summer.

Conditions of Service

A 12-month contract; monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to Rs. 39,584 per month; settling-in-grant (if applicable); life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return airfares (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of National Project Director, National Project Manager and Programme Analyst/Head of UNV, the UNV Management Associates will undertake the following tasks:

• Technical Expertise for coordination and monitoring of project activities in coordination with UNV District Youth Coordinators
• Set up and maintain project files;
• Collect project related information data;
• Assist the project manager in updating project plans;
• Administer project board meetings;
• Administer project revision control;
• Establish document control procedures;
• Compile, copy and distribute all project reports;
• Assist in the financial management tasks under the responsibility of the project manager;
• Provide support in the use of Atlas for monitoring and reporting;
• Review technical reports;

• Monitor technical activities carried out by responsible parties.

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.

Results/Expected Output:

• All project-related data collected and used for smooth functioning of the project.
• Yearly project plans (including inputs from all 29 districts) updated regularly.
• All project ledgers (equipment, financial, etc.) are maintained as per UNDP rules and regulations.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism and discrimination

Core Competencies

Ethics and Values

• Demonstrates/safeguards ethics and integrity  

Working in teams

• Acts as a team player and facilitates team work
• Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively and manages conflict
• Approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complex situations
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Knowledge sharing / continuous learning

• Demonstrates corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Provides information and documentation on specific stages of programme implementation

Functional Competencies

• Ability to administer and execute administrative processes and transactions;
• Ability to extract, interpret, analyze data and resolve operational problems;
• Ability to perform work of confidential nature and handle a large volume of work;
• Ability to support a team and team building skills;
• Good knowledge of administrative rules and regulations;
• Strong IT skills;
• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Language Requirements

• Excellent command in spoken and written English and Hindi
• Excellent drafting and verbal communication skills

Required Skills and Experience

• University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field. A Masters level Degree in the above will be considered as an added advantage.
• Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in administration and monitoring. Preferably in administration, management and monitoring of youth, volunteerism, economic and social development issues
• Good analytical skills (including writing skills), good inter-personal skills and the ability to work under pressure, both independently and as part of a team.
• Sound coordination skills will be an added advantage.
• Fluency in English and Hindi.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages, (MS Word, Excel, and Power Point, etc.). Advanced knowledge of spread sheet, database and research packages will be an asset.
• Willingness to travel

This position is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates. Only short listed candidates would be contacted.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community.