Associate Operations Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The city of Tapachula has been identified as one of the hotspots for human mobility in the Americas, meaning that the city is facing several challenges - and opportunities - related to the continuous and increasing arrival of refugees and migrants. Is in the southern part of Mexico, in the state of Chiapas and has the lowest socio-economic development indicators in Mexico, thus social services in the city and its surroundings are already rather limited.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation as well as the sound development of the Japanese and global economy by supporting the socioeconomic development, recovery or economic stability of developing regions. JICA, with its partners, will take the lead in forging bonds of trust across the world, aspiring for a free, peaceful and prosperous world where people can hope for a better future and explore their diverse potentials.

JICA dispatches experts and overseas volunteers to developing countries, and in return welcomes government officials and specialists as training participants and overseas students. People-to-people connections established through human resource development are the foundations of trust between developing countries and Japan.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office in Tapachula, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Strengthen the Multi-year strategy and the 4 pillars: Access to the territory, Improved reception conditions & access to services with attention to specific needs, Ensuring sustainable integration and Engagement in internal displacement issues. • Improve and focus on peacebuilding, transitional justice, reintegration, and social cohesion in compliance with donor requirements. • Liaise with local Government and NGO service providers and promote community groups to establish strong linkages for accessing services • Provide appropriate support for operational planning and forward-looking coordination of the inter-agency humanitarian and development response. • Provide analysis on key humanitarian / development issues and trends in close collaboration with the protection and information management team. • Conduct regular programmatic and funding gaps analysis, in a MFTeam approach. • Support the development of harmonized assessment, monitoring and evaluation activities in line with the agreed inter agency response • Provide technical assistance in elaborating concept notes, background papers, and policy briefs on peaceful coexistence and integration. • Cooperate with the Unit’s team to design a strategy aimed at consolidating programmatic linkages with relevant government agencies, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, CSO, and UN Agencies. • Develop an awareness/training program for the private sector and strengthen labor relations from the first reception communities in southern Mexico (Tapachula, Palenque and Tenosique), in cooperation with companies and the “Servicio Nacional de Empleo”. • Perform other related duties as required.

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 in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • 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 outputs • Implementation of the Multi-year strategy is supported, focusing on priority areas such as access to the territory, strengthening of reception conditions and local integration opportunities.
• Best practices on reception of PoC, integration and peaceful coexistence are identified. • Integration and peaceful coexistence between PoC and host communities Capacities to mainstream peacebuilding and conflict prevention within the Unit’s project portfolio are reinforced. • Proposals, applications, and funding requests for new initiatives are improved with technical inputs. • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☐ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☐ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☐ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☐ Leadership ☐ Managing Performance ☐ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☐ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

Political or Social Sciences, Development Sciences, Public Administration, Law or Human Rights.

• Previous experience in community development and/or community organization projects and civic participation in a paid position, internship or as a volunteer would be highly desirable. • Additional experience in assisting the promotion and implementation of community-based programs will be considered an asset. • Previous experience in awareness campaigns, project events and trainings, partnerships building will also be considered as asset. • Understanding or familiarity with the local political and social context in Southern Mexico and North-Central America will be appreciated. • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills. • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team dedicated to serve others. • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences. • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions. • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds.

Tapachula, is a municipality located in the far southeast of the state of Chiapas in Mexico, near the Guatemalan border and the Pacific Ocean. In economic terms, Tapachula is one of the most important cities of the state of Chiapas being the capital of the agriculturally rich Soconusco region as well as port for trade between Mexico and Central America.

Climate: The climate of the city area is hot and humid most of the year. Daily average temperature is around 31°C throughout the year, but exceeding 45°C in months between March and May. The area is one of the rainiest in the world with annual rainfall in the mountains of about 3,900 millimetres or 150 inches drained by several rivers and streams.

Local currency: The national currency is the Mexican peso ($). The exchange rate against the United States dollar fluctuates around 20.00 pesos. The official exchange rate can be found by visiting the following link: www.banxico.org.mx/portal-mercado-cambiario/index.html. Money may be exchanged in hotels, at the airport, banks and bureaux of change. Banking hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Visitors must present their passports in banks.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most commercial establishments; however, it is recommended that you carry some cash, as there are small establishments that do not accept credit cards.

Local time: Tapachula’s time zone is UTC/GMT-6

Electricity: 110/220 volts, 60/120 hertz (similar to the United States), and wall sockets may be for two- or three-pin plugs. Visitors wishing to use devices not designed for use in North America should bring an adapter with a voltage transformer.

Water: Drinking tap water is not recommended; visitors are advised to consume only boiled or bottled water.

Sales tax and tipping: Value added tax of 16% is levied on most products and services. In restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of between 10% and 15% of the total bill.

Emergency phone numbers: Within Tapachula 911 Emergencies 962 626 1085 LOCATEL (Public directory enquiries service) Altitude: Mexico City stands at 157.88 metres above sea level