UN YOUTH VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Transcription

1 Preamble: UN YOUTH VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT 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. 1. UNV Assignment Title: UN Youth Volunteer Project Assistant 2. Type of Assignment: National UN Youth Volunteer /X/ 3. UNV Strategic Framework: Outcome 1 4. Project Title: Support to District Development Programme (SDDP) 5. Duration: 12 Months 6. Location, Country: Colombo, Sri Lanka 7. Expected Starting Date: 15 January Brief Project Description: The Governance for Local Economic Development Programme (GLED)-Support to District Development Programme (SDDP) will serve as one of UNDP s umbrella delivery programmes for strengthening local governance capacities and improving socio-economic opportunities in identified vulnerable regions of the country. The Project will comprise of 4 main outputs: i. Vulnerable Groups enabled to engage in sustainable local economic development initiatives. ii. Local level governance institutions plan and manage service delivery with increased effectiveness and inclusiveness. iii. Policy makers and development partners have an increased knowledge on good practices and lessons learned on local economic development and local governance to policy decisions. Vulnerable communities have increased skills and ability to participate in local governance activities 9. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNDP Sri Lanka

2 10. Organizational Context: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. The UNDP operates in 166 countries, working with people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and its wide range of partners. UNDP s focus is helping countries build and share solutions to the challenges of: Democratic Governance; Poverty Reduction; Crisis Prevention and Recovery; Environment and Energy; HIV/AIDS. UNDP helps developing countries attract and use aid effectively. In all its activities, it encourages the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women. UNDP focuses on key development issues, providing measurement tools, innovative analysis and often controversial policy proposals. In all its operations, UNDP well-coordinated and inclusive approach seeks to ensure the most effective use of UN and international resources. 11. Type of Assignment Place: Youth Volunteers assignments are always without family 12. Description of tasks: Under the direct supervision of Programme Manager the UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Assist the preparation of the Project s strategies and work-plans. Assist Project implementation and monitoring by way of liaising with the PIU and the field offices. Contribute to the Project s institutional capacity building. Assist administrative, financial and logistical functions. Support communication and knowledge management activities. Assist the reporting, visibility and communications needs of designated project/s. Description of Key Functions: Assist with the preparation and revision of project work plans and budgets in consultation with relevant focal points at PIU and field offices; Assist in conducting regular field monitoring visits and report to the designated officers on the status of project implementation, issues and recommended corrective actions; Assist in clarifying operations and administrative procedures with UNDP Country Office, and ensure proper implementation. Assist the procurement of goods and services, financial payments and logistics requirements. Support the review of work plans, budgets, sub-project proposals, project activities, implementation arrangements, etc., submitted by Field Offices; Assist the monitoring and evaluation of results in respect of designated project/s, and assist with implementation of recommendations under the guidance of supervisor. Support in maintaining district-level information for reporting purposes such as quarterly and annual reports for designated project/s. Assist in the preparation of clear and concise reports and power-point presentations, when necessary, for various donor reports, donor briefings, meetings, workshops, conferences, etc.

3 Furthermore, the UN Youth Volunteer is encouraged to: Strengthen the knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV events. Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the 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 volunteering experiences and submit them to the team at UNVHQs for consideration (beyond other communications responsibilities), and input to the UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Youth 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. 13. Results/Expected Output: The key results achieved will support a consultative planning process for the GLED/SDDP project and effective implementation of project work plans, in close consultation and collaboration with Government and other development partners. Accurate presentation of technical information strengthens the capacity of the office and enhances the image of the Field Office as an effective contributor to the development of the country. Achieving the goals set under the project would contribute to the overall image of the UNDP Country Office and the acceptance by the Donor community, especially those who had contributed to the programme, with possibility of resource mobilization 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. 14. Qualifications/Requirements: Preferably a Bachelor s Degree or equivalent in business administration, economics, communications, journalism, development studies, social sciences or a multi-disciplinary area relevant to the DOA but a degree is not a requirement. Demonstrated interest or previous experience relevant to the assignment would be an advantage. Proven ability to gather, draft, compile and maintain information in an orderly manner. Understanding of current development policies and practices. Fully proficient computer skills and knowledge of relevant software and other applications, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, PPP, Internet, etc. Excellent communication skills in English, particularly in writing is compulsory, along with a working knowledge of Sinhala and/or Tamil. Required competencies: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment. Demonstrated behaviour of professional and personal ethics, transparency and openness. A team player and self-starter with a proactive and energetic approach to problem solving. Strong organizational and time management skills; and ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines. Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; UN Youth Volunteers must be between 18 and 29 years for the whole duration of their assignment

4 15. Learning expectations Learning and development are a central part of the UN Youth Volunteer s assignment and take place before, during and after his or her assignment in the field. Ideally, offering diverse opportunities for learning and development aim to strengthen the volunteer s skills and competences, improve the quality of the assignment and keep the volunteer s motivation high. Learning elements for the UN Youth Volunteer include the development of: Professional skills: including specific competencies and reflection on assignment-related abilities; and on-the-job skills such as time management, problem solving, team building; and career preparedness such as interview skills, CV preparation, job searching. Inter-personal skills: including communication and listening skills; multi-cultural awareness and cultural competency; and conflict and stress management. Volunteering-related skills: including leadership; civic responsibility; and engagement and active participation. Beyond the learning opportunities provided by UNV, [Indicate here the name of the host agency] will support knowledge and capacity development in the technical areas that are relevant to the UN Youth Volunteer s assignment. [ Indicate here the name of the host agency] will provide, at its expense, UN Youth Volunteers with equal opportunity to participate in training courses and workshops offered to its personnel. 16. Living Conditions: Colombo is situated on the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. Colombo is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. The climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year but humidity is usually high. From March to April the temperature averages around 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January when heavy rainfalls occur. Sri Lanka became a member of the United Nations on 14 December Conditions of Service (national UN Youth Voluteer) 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 Rs 47,720 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. 18. How to Apply This post is open only to Sri Lankan nationals between the age of 18 and 29 years. Interested candidates should submit their CV with a cover letter (in English) and telephone/ contact information by to unv.com.lk@undp.org clearly indicating the post title UN Youth Volunteer Project

5 Assistant in the subject line of the , or by post to the address below clearly indicating the post title on the top left hand corner of the envelope and ensure it reaches by 28 th December United Nations Volunteers Bauddhaloka Mawatha Colombo 7 United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.