UNV Jobs - 69515- National UN Volunteer

National UN Volunteer

Advertised on behalf of

UNV

Location :

Suva, FIJI

Type of Contract :

UNV

Starting Date :

12-Dec-2016

Application Deadline :

25-Nov-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

UNV

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 Months

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

UNV Strategic Framework 2014-17 and the UNV Partnership Strategy requires all UNV offices, particularly at country and regional levels, to focus strongly on more strategic engagement with UN partners around programmatic and/or volunteer mobilization opportunities. Accordingly, UNV has undertaken recently an in-depth review of UNV’s partnership functions and elaborated on its business case towards developing partnerships, which establishes an approach to more strategic use of existing capacities, more effective build up, presentation and use of information on UN entities, and greater internal coordination, collaboration and communication around UN entities. The implementation of UNV’s new approach to partnership requires coordinated efforts at all levels, including at the country level by the UNV Field Unit (FU) to successfully implement UNV’s Volunteer Management and Movilization Strategy (VMMS). The purpose of this assignment is therefore to support implementation of UNVs partnership strategy in the Pacific region, and to strengthen UNV’s programmatic engagement and communication with UN agencies, particularly with UNDP.

The national UN Volunteer Partnership and Communication Specialist is part of the UNV Field Unit, which is responsible for management and implementation of the UNV Programme in the Pacific region, as well as for supporting all UN Volunteers in the region. The UNV FU is a integral part of the UNDP Pacific Office which is based in Suva, Fiji but covers 10 countries in the Pacific, namely the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Furthermore, Fiji FU also provides support to the Samoa Multi-Country Office which covers Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau and UN Volunteers hosted by it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the UNV Programme Assistant, and with technical guidance from the UNDP Knowledge Communications Analyst, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Volunteer Outreach:

Identify possibilities for more systematic integration of volunteering into UNDP’s main areas of work;
Identify opportunities to broaden UNV’s partner base with UN specialized agencies, funds and programmes in the region;
Explore opportunities for joint programming and integration of UNV-supported initiatives with UN entities, with particular attention to mobilize UN Youth Volunteers and to implement the UN Global Youth Volunteers Programme;
Engage in proactive outreach to UN entities, NGOs, Volunteer Sending Organisations;
Implement UNV’s VMMS in Pacific Island Countries (PICs);
Support UN Volunteer’s management.

Communication:

Strengthen UNV FU’s internal and external communication particularly with UN entities and other key stakeholders;
Develop communication and knowledge products to showcase contribution of volunteerism to development in the Pacific. Creates information products particularly to support partnership building and development;
Ensure UNV’s engagement and integration into joint UN communication initiatives; participate in and contribute to the UN Communication Group as opinion leadership on UN norms, particularly on youth voice and rights;
Supports UNV Field Unit’s overall advocacy efforts, including publishing UNV Field Unit Newsletter, using creative software, editing articles and photos;
Support the Integrated Communications Unit (iComms) for UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required 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:

UNV’s programmatic engagement with UN partners is enhanced;
One substantial programmatic partnership with a UN entity is initiated;
Proactive outreach to UN entities is improved based on country analysis and needs assessment;
Increased number of UN Volunteers mobilized;
Supported management of UN Volunteers;
VMMS successfully implemented;
Volunteer mobilization strategy for Pacific Island Countries developed;
UNV Communications strategy for Pacific Island Countries developed;
Supported the UNDP Integrated Communications unit;
A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications: University degree in international relations, development studies or other related field

Years of work experience:

Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in development areas;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, experience in handling of web based management systems;
Experience in training and capacity-building activities is an asset.

Language: Fluency in spoken and written English.

Living Conditions:

Fiji, one of the larger countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economics in the region. After nearly a century as British colony, Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism, but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is Fiji Dollar.

Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the South Eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji's population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the Island and it is the common language of communication although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year round tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but remains easy-going and friendly.

It has reasonably modern facilities including two large hospital, sporting facilities, restaurants and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small apartments is limited; an open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is available also for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.

Fiji along with many other Pacific islands is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. However, security precautions should be taken at all times. Suva is a safe city, where common sense takes a long way in avoiding risks such as pick pockets and house burglaries.

The UN Volunteer will work as part of the UNV field unit, which is integrated into the UNDP Fiji Multi-Countr Office, located close to the city centre in Suva. The UN Volunteer will adhere to and observe all UNDP Fiji MCO working hours and conditions, holidays and human resource and security procedures at all times.

Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers

A 12 - month contract; with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of FID1529 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from quaified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.