Background

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development, and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.
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. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct Supervision of the Assistant Regional Representative (Administration), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

  • Undertake periodic missions to the other UNHCR Offices, first to assist in establishing Sports Facilities, where there are none. In offices where there are, he/she will put in place a system/programme sensitizing staff on the benefits of physical exercise and a good dietary regime;
  • Assist the field offices in identifying local sports facilitators;
  • Will work with individual staff and or dependents with health issues linked with obesity or other Weight related issues.

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

Integrity and professionalism:

  • Demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership;
  • Willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality;
  • Ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially;
  • Responsive and client-oriented.

Accountability:

  • Mature and responsible;
  • Ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

Commitment to continuous learning:

  • Initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise;
  • Ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

Planning and organizing:

  • Effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner;
  • Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

Teamwork and respect for diversity:

  • Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.

Communication:

  • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Diploma in Physical Education and Natural Sciences.

Experience:

  • At least 3 years of experience in Physical Education and related sciences;
  • Strong communication experience.

Language:

  • Good oral and written ability in French is essential;
  • Working knowledge of English is an advantage.

Type of Assignment:  

  • National UN Volunteer.