Background
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UNV volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive, and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.
Duties and Responsibilities
MAIN OBJECTIVES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ANALYTICAL WORK.
Under the overall guidance of the Policy Specialist, the Report Consultant (hereafter ‘consultant’) will coordinate and implement research, analysis, and drafting of the Secretary General’s report on Volunteering, as per follow-up for the GA resolution 70/129 on Integrating volunteering into peace and development, due for submission by UNV by end of June 2018.
Focus of the research topic
In 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 70/129 which continues formal recognition of the contribution of volunteering to peace and development. Under the accompanying Plan of Action 2016-, Member States and others have committed to work to strengthen the evidence base on impact, measurement of volunteerism and surrounding policies and legislation. Research and evidence will be brought together through regional meetings and a Global Technical Meeting in 2020, to strengthen approaches to volunteering within the SDGS. The 2018 report is a stocktake which will allow Member States to highlight actions taken under the Plan of Action, as well as to bring in voices of other stakeholders (civil society and private sector). The previous report can be found at A/70/118.
UNV is now looking for a consultant to develop the 2018 report during February – July 2018. This will involve developing research and survey tools to fill gaps, directly liaising with Member States and other entities to collect inputs and data; analysis of trends and key issues; drafting of the report including editing and fact-checking as part of the quality assurance process. Document and record management will be essential in terms of managing inputs and ability to develop a credible report. Key will be to facilitate a participatory process by ensuring all types of stakeholders are heard. The report will be used as the basis for a resolution which will be proposed at the 73rd Session of the GA in late 2018.
Deliverables;
- Inception report submitted, including proposed theme and messaging for the report, based on desk review of materials and reports available on volunteerism. Due 31 January 2018.
- Remote induction for SG report researcher and project intern(s) delivered, to enable them to support the research process effectively. Due 31 January 2018
- Survey materials and processes designed and shared, based on review of Note Verbale and Technical Note on the Plan of Action. Webinar with regional offices facilitated to share process and tasks. Due 31 January 2018.
- Stakeholder list reviewed and finalized to ensure good coverage of private sector and civil society in consultation processes. Due 31 January 2018.
- Survey package finalized and surveys distributed to stakeholders following review and feedback from UNV staff. Due 5th February 2018.
- Report knowledge management system developed and constructed. Due 15th February 2018.
- Analysis of secondary sources completed and report documentation compiled. Due 15th March 2018.
- Submission detailed report structure to UNV management for feedback. Due 15th March 2018.
- Analysis of survey data completed. Due 30 April 2018.
- Zero draft report submitted to UNV for review and feedback. Due 15 May 2018
- Report fact-checked via review with UNV field units and Regional offices. Due 30th May 2018
- Design and implement 2 (virtual) consultation on the first draft with UNV and Volunteer Group stakeholders. Due 30 May 2018
- Revisions and submission second draft report to UNV. Due 15 June 2018
- Knowledge management handover of materials.Due 30 June 2018.
- Ongoing remote supervision of 1 researcher and 1 intern during the report development process including work planning, supervision and review. Due-Ongoing.
Competencies
- Knowledge of volunteerism including UN resolutions, reports and other key milestones
- Strong writing and editing skills, including UN reports
- Research & analysis skills
- Communication, coordination and knowledge management skills
- Ability to work independently and remotely, meeting deadlines as required
Language requirement. English. Other UN languages are an asset.
Required Skills and Experience
Education; Advanced university degree (Master’s and above) in social, political, or economic sciences.
Experience; At least 5 years’ relevant experience in research and policy in international peace and development including volunteerism; Experience of commissioning surveys and research with multi-stakeholders; Demonstrated expertise in report writing for UN GA or other similar UN formats.
Application procedure:
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