Community Engagement Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNDP has developed a response to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 in Guinea-Bissau that considers strategic local action, while focusing on the furthest left behind and keeping in mind national development goals and long-term recovery scenarios. In this context, a platform was developed to provide a space for both deliberation, inclusion and action in order to jumpstart a new path to the mounting challenges that the Bissau-Guinean society faces. Na No Mon (https://nanomon.org/) is a virtual community support platform, powered by UNDP, providing an online infrastructure that offers a coordinated approach to better plan and develop responses to the needs and priorities of local communities in Guinea-Bissau. The platform aims to connect communities with all national and development actors that are supporting local development in the regions in order to identify solutions, replicate innovation and ensure that interventions benefit the most vulnerable groups. It is designed to complement existing information sources by providing: a space for dynamic dialogue; knowledge exchange and consultation; connections and linkages between people; and providing collaboration tools and resources to increase the effectiveness of initiatives. Ultimately, the platform aims to strengthen the voices of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of local communities, thus enhancing their ability to provide inputs into local and national development processes. Furthermore, the initiative will facilitate and promote the connection, participation and collaboration of communities that are isolated or hard to reach an aim at dramatically increasing the depth and breadth of community partnerships and ensuring the inclusion and participation of vulnerable groups. Its real value of the platform will be seen in the connections it will be able to make between communities and decision-makers, development practitioners and the private sector, and in the quality of responses to communities’ needs and the actions aimed at elevating the lives of the population of Guinea-Bissau. In this context, the UNDP Guinea-Bissau has also launched a Small Grants Scheme, which aims at identifying, supporting and replicating innovative solutions that can have a positive impact on the livelihoods and community dynamics for a peaceful and inclusive Guinea-Bissau. In this regard, UNDP Guinea-Bissau is looking for a Community Engagement Specialist that can support community engagement, manage, coordinate and monitor the small grants scheme, while also ensuring the connection and provide materials to help feeding the online community support platform.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Governance Unit or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Digital Communication the NUNV Community Engagement Specialist will: Community engagement  Develop and implement a community engagement strategy to promote Na No Mon in the regions  Organize awareness campaigns in universities, colleges, administration, CSOs, NGOs, businesses, the general public, in collaboration with Digital Communication and Outreach Specialist  Engage other UN agencies and development partners in order to encourage their contribution to the Community Support Platform and facilitate the publishing of their inputs in collaboration with Digital Communication and Outreach Specialist  Work closely with the Community Outreach Partner to collect information and data for website content from communities, CSOs, NGOs, and UN Agencies (documents, pictures, press releases, etc.);  Supervise the Community Outreach Partner;  Communicate the website management procedure with related parties, in order to build up organization-wide knowledge sharing mechanism based on website platform;  Liaise with other stakeholders to stay updated on new initiatives, solutions and developments, in collaboration with Digital Communication and Outreach Specialist  Liaise with other offices, UN external agencies and partners, to ensure accurate brand representation Coordination and management  Ensure the timely coordination of the Small Grants Scheme;  Participate in the dissemination, identification and selection of the proposals to be supported;  Liaise with the grantees, provide technical support and accompany them in the implementation of activities;  The formal and informal organizations in the implementation of project activities;  Ensure the monitoring and evaluation of Small Grants projects supported;  Collect and analyze data, including financial and narrative reports;  Contribute to strengthening partnership with partner institutions and structures;  Liaise with the communication/digital expert in the management of the platform;  Relay community feedback to relevant internal stakeholders.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;  Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;  Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;  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;  Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;  Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

 At least 2 years of proven work experience in community engagement  At least 2 years of proven work experience in project management  Experience planning and leading community initiatives, including online  Past experience in development organization is an asset  Demonstrated experience in project work in a national or international setting  Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;  Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;  Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;  Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;  Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;  Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;  Sound security awareness;  Have affinity with or interest in sustainable development, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

 Capital: Bissau; Population of Guinea-Bissau: 1.449.230 (45 % Muslims and 10% Catholic, 45% other), according to 2009 Population and Housing census.  Climate: Bissau approx. 25°-30°; Rainy season from June to October.  Health: The health sector is very precarious. The United Nations have their own health centre for basic health care services.  Language: Official language: Portuguese; Spoken language: Creole; Working language at the United Nations: English and French.  Electricity and Communications: Some areas of Bissau have electricity nearly 24 hours per day, others depend on generators. There are several internet cafes in Bissau.  The country code is 245. MTN and Orange are the mobile phone companies in the country.  Money/Banking: There is access to banks and to 24/7 local ATM services.  Security: Although there is a certain political instability, the day-to-day life is calm. Neither the International Community nor the population of Guinea-Bissau is not affected the political instability. The UN staff members are equipped with Codan Radios (VHF) for communication with other UN staff members and UN Security Department. [Provide brief description of relevant living conditions in duty station – e.g., security situation, access and air travel, climate, cultural awareness such as dress code / alcohol use, cost of living, accommodation options, availability of food/water/electricity, medical facilities, banking facilities, communications infrastructure, etc.  Guinea-Bissau provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.  As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing.