Country Coordination Specialist

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.

This position is in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), which provides leadership to the UN Country Team and the UN’s programming work, as outlined in the UN Pacific Strategy, in support of national priorities. The RC has a team composed of national and international staff, forming the Fiji RC Multi-Country Office (MCO), and is based in Suva, Fiji. The RCO Fiji oversees 5 Pacific Small Island Developing States (Pacific SIDS or PSIDS), namely Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Twenty-six resident and non-resident UN entities are signatories to the UNPS and members of The Pacific Joint UN Country Team.

The RCO fulfils ten core coordination functions, namely strategic analysis and planning; oversight of the UN country programming cycle; representation of and support of UN Secretariat and UN agencies (incl. Non-resident agencies); support to national coordination systems and process; development and management of shared operational support services; crisis management preparedness and response; external communication and advocacy; human rights and development; joint resource mobilization and fund management; and general UNCT oversight and coordination.

UN’s support includes regional and country focused programs in the areas of Climate Change, Disaster Resilience and Environmental Protection; Gender Equality; Inclusive Growth; Equitably Basic Services; Governance and Community Engagement; and Human Rights.

Most technical advisory assistance is provided from the office in Fiji.

The Country Coordination Specialist will be based in the UN Office in Solomon Islands and report directly to the RC. The work includes substantive collaboration with the team in Fiji as well directly to the RC. The work includes substantive collaboration with the team in Fiji as well as UN colleagues and national partners on the Island. Tasks include but are not limite to support to strategic planning, coordination, monitoring and reporting of UN country level programming and partnership to advance on Agenda 2030 and the SDGs in line with national priorities and other functions as may be delegated by the RC and / or the RCO Team Leader.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of RCO Team Leader or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Country Coordination Specialist will: · Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc. · Monitors and analyses programme/project development and implementation and resource mobilization;

· Reviews relevant documents and reports;

· Identifies problems and issues to be addressed, proposes corrective actions and tracks follow-up actions;

· Support the country level planning of UN programming assigned with the UN Pacific Strategy/UN sustainable Development Cooperation Framework;

· Prepares various written outputs for the UN Communications Strategy and the UN Communications Group, establish and build the UN grand via events, media and public relations opportunities targeted to the diverse partners. This could include lead country level commemorations of international days such as UN Day, Humanitarian Day, 16 Days of Activism and other globally established days as appropriate;

· Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, knowledge sharing conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.;

· Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.;

· Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, Operations Management Team tasks force programme, programme budget, etc.);

· Support appropriate admin, finance and logistic processes of the coordination related aspects of the UNRC Office as per UN Regulations and Rules and in close collaboration with relevant UN entity and national counterparts;

· Performs other duties as required.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

· 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 International Volunteer Day);

· Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;

· Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.

· 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.

· Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNRCO technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNRCO 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 UNRCO in 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;

· Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNRCO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

relevant programmes at the national and/or international level; experience with RCO is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

· 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;

· Solid overall 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;

· Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; (if not applicable, delete)

· Sound security awareness;

· Have affinity with or interest in UN coordination, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

• Housing and living conditions Provincial towns are well serviced compared to rural areas, and most have access to power. In rural areas, power will be generator-based if it is available. Mains water supply is not recommended for drinking so boil water, use a purifier, or drink bottled water.

• Dress standards The Solomon Islands is a conservative country and some western style clothing is not appropriate. Loose fitting, light, cotton clothing is best for the climate and culturally appropriate. For men choose long pants, knee length shorts and short sleeved shirts. For women, dresses, skirts and t-shirts are commonly worn – sleeveless shirts are also acceptable. Don’t expose skin above the knee though, especially when attending traditional events. Being barefoot inside the house is the rule and remember that rural areas and provincial towns will be more conservative than Honiara.

• Health Malaria is endemic in the majority of the Solomon Islands and all our volunteers must use malarial prophylaxis. Dengue has also been known to be an issue. Other precautions are still recommended, such as insect repellent and long sleeves / trousers in the evening if outside and a mosquito net if you are staying in villages. Skin infections can develop quickly so have a good supply of plasters, antibiotic cream and antibiotics. Public hospitals are found in all provincial centres and smaller health centres are scattered throughout rural areas. Health care is basic and you’ll need to be responsible for managing your own health while on assignment.

• Safety In general, there are no problems moving around the majority of Honiara and provincial centres during the day but it is not safe to walk alone in Honiara after dark. Over 98 per cent of land and coastal marine area is in traditional ownership. Strangers cannot wander freely through private or empty land without first seeking permission – always take a trusted local person with you.

• Banking and finances Banks include ANZ, BSP, POB, Bred Bank and a few local credit unions in Honiara and all provincial centres have a BSP agent where you can withdraw money. A number of provincial centres also have solar-powered ANZ ATMs but BSP customers must withdraw funds through a teller. Local currency is the Solomon Islands dollar. Visit Westpac for current exchange rates.

• Cell phones and email The Solomon Islands has two cellular providers – Telekom and Bemobile. Coverage is increasing but is not always reliable. When cellular coverage is working, you can text and call internationally, but calls can be expensive. Internet connections are limited and slow compared to New Zealand. There are Telekom buildings in the provincial centres and these are often the only places to check emails and use public pay phones.

Solomon Island is a unique country. It 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.

UN Volunteer entitlements: The purpose of allowances for UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as a compensation, reward or salary in exchange for the volunteer work.

• Monthly Living Allowance: USD 2699.92 • Accomodation Allowance: USD 500 monthly • Well-being Differential: USD 500 monthly • Entry Lump Sum: USD 4000 • Travel Lump Sum to purchase air ticket (amount depends on actual cost) • Family Allowance: USD 250 per month for one dependent/ USD 450 per month for two or more dependents • Medical and life insurance (Cigna) • Leave entitlements • Access to UNV's learning resources • Exit Lump Sum: USD 225 for each month served, paid on completion of contract