Country Coordinator, Vanuatu

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.

UNCDF has been supporting digital finance with significant success, with digital finance currently the largest part of its inclusive finance portfolio. This includes digital innovations linked to off-grid energy, agriculture, employment, health and transport. UNCDF is also host to the Secretariat of the Better than Cash Alliance, a partnership of governments, companies, and international organizations that accelerates the transition from cash to digital payments in order to reduce poverty and drive inclusive growth. UNCDF is one of the leading development agencies in digital finance with a mission and expertise to reach low-income customers in some of the world’s most difficult markets. UNCDF started in 2017 to expand the scope of its programmatic agenda to digital finance using its newly launched strategy Leaving no one behind in the digital era. Through this strategy it intends to move its focus from digital finance (DF) to digital economies which constitutes a logical integration of UNCDF experience in financial inclusion and digital, developed over many years.

Under the supervision of the UNCDF´s Regional Lead the UN Volunteer will be the key person on the ground to structure the UNCDF engagement in the country and will undertake the following tasks: • Coordinate the implementation of UNCDF’s programme activities in the country which includes the management of project implementation according to annual work plan, quality assurance and ensuring achievement of outputs.
• Support the development of a pipeline of innovative projects and initiatives using UNCDF’s Technical Assistance facilities and blended finance instruments (e.g. grants, loans and guarantees); • Supervise and manage a team of Volunteers/Interns, who may be onboarded depend-ing on project requirements. • Evaluate performance and provide guidance and mentorship for volunteers working on programme implementation. • Build and maintain strategic partnerships, capitalize on business opportunities and sup-port in resource mobilization for the strategy in the region; • Support relevant ministeries and other entities from the Governments, such as the Ministry of Meteorology, Environment, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change and Communications, the Ministry of Labour, Commerce & Industries and the Central Banks to improve the countries policy and regulations; • Support in partner relationship management with financial service providers like com-mercial banks, insurance service providers, fintechs, mobile money operators, remit-tance service providers etc. through financial and technical support from UNCDF; • Represent UNCDF in all country level workshops, conferences and other events where UNCDF is invited; • Facilitate country visits of regional technical specialists and other colleagues by liasing with partners in organizing meetings; • Support timely reporting from partners that have received support as may be required; • Contribute to knowledge management and communication by writing blog posts, focus notes etc. 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 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; • 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 publica-tions/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 rele-vant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Integrity and professionalism • Accountability • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Communication • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Solid experience in financial services and/or digital economy sector (e.g. Digital Finance, FinTech, InsurTech, eCommerce, Telco, etc);
Experience working in development countries is considered an advantage. Experience working with development partners, such as UN organizations or other multilateral organizations (e.g. WorldBank, IFC, ADB) is considered an advantage.

Vanuatu is situated on a volcanic archipelago of 86 islands where traditional lifestyles exist side by side with modern tourist resorts. Around 110 indigenous languages are still spoken by an average of only 2,000 people per language, making it the country with the highest density of languages per capita in the world. The majority of people living in Va-nuatu are Melanesian. It is a predominantly Christian country. Vanuatu culture retains a strong diversity derived from regional variations and an adherence to kastom (traditional practices and lifestyles). Vanuatu's economy is primarily agriculture-based and engages approximately 80 percent of the population. Copra, kava, and beef make up more than 75 percent of total agricultural exports, with agriculture accounting for around 20 per-cent of GDP. Walking in Port Vila or Santo during the day is quite safe, but take care when walking alone and avoid doing this at night. Theft is common in towns, so be careful with your possessions and ensure housing is locked when empty. Bear in mind also that land ownership is complex and strangers cannot wander freely through private or empty land without first seeking permission. There are several banks in Vanuatu although fewer options exist outside Port Vila. We open a local bank account for all volunteers once you arrive in Vanuatu and monthly living allowances are paid into this. Debit cards are available for volunteers with ANZ or National Bank of Vanuatu accounts in Port Vila or Luganville. The local currency is the Vatu. Vanuatu has two cellular providers, Vodafone Vanuatu Ltd and Digicel. Coverage is generally good within urban areas but fades quickly as you move to rural areas. In-ternational connections can be unreliable, especially during the day when sent text messages can fail or take hours to get through. Economy rates for calls and texts (both international and domestic) are available so check these before deciding on a provider. Internet connection is very limited compared to New Zealand or Australia in terms of speed. There are some public internet cafes in Port Vila and in Santo. Some organiza-tions will have the internet at work, but don’t assume this for more rural areas. In some cases it might be possible, at your own cost, to get the internet connection at home.