Governance Programme Associate

Contract

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

The primary and overarching objective of United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo is to strengthen institutions and economic empowerment of people in the context of sustainable development, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, in line with the United Nations fundamental principles. Our aim is to promote this through investing in human development, wealth creation (with emphasis on issues such as entrepreneurship, job creation), stepping up climate action as well as green, digital transition and institutional reform and capacity development.

The UNDP Kosovo programme builds on the unique positioning of UNDP in the United Nations system and aims to bring its comparative advantages of (1) technical and local expertise to support development and implementation of multi-sector strategic plans and frameworks; (2) a strong presence in central and municipal levels to establish multi-stakeholder partnerships; (3) impartiality, accountability and trust from local partners; and (4) as a thought-leader, providing integrated and cross-sectoral solutions, combining policy and regulatory advice with capacity development.

Building on the substantive engagement across 2021-2025 UNDP Kosovo Programme, UNDP will ensure strategic connectivity with its cross-cutting priorities that aim at accelerating UNDP’s programmatic impact in Kosovo: digitalization and data, climate action and justice, and urban shifts. This will be based on UNDP’s integrator role through its programme in (1) governance; (2) social protection; (3) green economy; and (4) digital disruption in line with UNDP’s global COVID-19 2.0 offer. Through UNDP’s corporate strategic positioning, #NextGenUNDP, UNDP strives to be an increasingly agile and fit-for-purpose organization that can deliver at speed and scale with quality results and high levels of transparency and accountability.

For more information: http://www.ks.undp.org/

UN Volunteers engaged with Governance and Peacebuildi

Under the direct supervision of UNDP Governance and Peace building Portfolio Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Conduct research and analysis on development needs at the local level vis-a-vis strengthening anti-corruption efforts as drivers of equitable development;
Conduct research and analysis on emerging programme areas and identify concrete entry points addressing local governance and related sustainable development issues, especially in the context of post-COVID-19 recovery;
Support the conceptualisation of potential interventions at the local level which address the push and pull corruption factors which affect governance and service delivery (e.g. policy framework, budget and financing, institutional capacities, digitalisation);
Support the global piloting in UNDP Kosovo of structuring a portfolio approach on governance and development including blue-print examples and process analysis that will serve as a reference point for UNDP across the Western Balkans;
Assist the ongoing process of programme expansion through development of concept notes and project documents based on research and analysis;
Assist in reviewing project proposals, ensuring that they are properly prepared in accordance with UNDP policies and procedures;
Supporting advocacy and public awareness activities on UNDP and UNV programmes and activities;
Conduct field visits (to meeting diverse stakeholders and beneficiaries and get familiar with existing projects;
Support to coordination with other UN Entities in the field of governance / development of joint interventions / programmes;
Performing any other duties assigned by the UNDP Resident Representative within the scope of work.

, Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

Experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience (ideally one year) in local government, sustainable development, urbanization, citizen-engagement, anti-corruption, environment and innovation;
Experience in analytical work and ability to develop practical ideas/concepts;
Access to and knowledge of latest academic and practitioner perspectives, methodologies, networks, and reference resources for sustainable development and/or governance

Skills

Excellent communication (written and verbal) and advocacy skills;
Ability to mobilize interest and support with a wide range of audience;
Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc) and social media;
Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively across a range of themes and with a diverse groups of people;
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.





Kosovo is located in the Balkans mountain range of South Eastern Europe. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters.
Houses/Apartments are easily available and generally have electricity and running water. Costs are reasonable, but vary according to location, i.e. city centre or outlying villages. Upon arrival, you will reside in a hotel or apartment until you get permanent housing. The UNV Field Unit can assist in identify suitable housing.
There is no specific health problems associated with Kosovo, and no vaccines are required prior to arrival.
Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are available in the many supermarkets. There are market places that cater in fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and breads. Fresh fish and meat are also easily available.

*All References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)