International UNV I-verify 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.

UNDP SL developed the project “Promote the creation of an enabling environment for the conduct of peaceful elections and the strengthening of social cohesion in Sierra Leone”. As part of this project, UNDP will work with key stakeholders such as the media, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the government to monitor, analyse and prevent or mitigate disinformation and hate speech before, during and after the elections.

Within the project, the 2nd outcome “An inclusive civic space is fostered and peaceful, accurate and timely communications for participatory and well-informed discourse are promoted” includes an activity designed to support implementation of social and online media monitoring mechanism through the deployment of a digital platform, training of journalist and agreements with social media platforms to enable them to analyse information with regard to their level of accuracy and respond adequately to questions.

At a global level, UNDP has developed an IT solution called iVerify to the promotion of information integrity. Following the assessment carried out in September 2022, the project and UNDP Country Office decided to implement the iVerify System in support of the media sector in Sierra Leone for the upcoming 2023 elections.

Under the overall supervision of the UNDP Election Project Chief Technical Advisor (CTA), and in close collaboration with the EC-UNDP Joint Task Force (JTF), the UNV will have a dual matrix reporting line to the JTF project leads and the Chief Technical Advisor for day-to-day tasks.

The UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

•Support the UNDP Election project peace component/JTF in the day to day in-country management and implementation of the project activities as specified in the iVerify System workplans. •Support to the iVerify System includes: •Act as focal point for the JTF and Peacebuilding Project, including with relevant national and international actors, on the implementation in-country of the iVerify System. •Liaise national actors involved in the development of the iVerify System to ensure agreement on roles and responsibilities and support the drafting of necessary documents. •Assist and coordinate in any procurement/logistic processes as well as the development and roll-out of IT tools linked to the implementation of the iVerify platform. •Support the development of materials and delivery of trainings during the roll-out of the iVerify System.

•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 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 UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

areas of journalism, communication, public relations or related subjects. Experience in managing projects and activities will be an added advantage. Experience in administrative project support will be an added advantage. Experience in electoral management and assistance will be an added advantage. Experience in working with the United Nations will be an added advantage. Experience in managing projects related to the iVerify platform will be an added advantage.

Sierra Leone is a unique country and UNDP is a unique (humanitarian) operation. 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, the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are essential. Freetown is the capital of Sierra Leone, situated on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. The country suffered from the Ebola outbreak and recently from the Corona Virus, consequently leading to economic and social shocks. The country is however slowly recovering from these joint shocks and a collapse from the world iron ore prices.

Sierra Leone is generally safe. The security level is low, and the Society is very religious tolerant. Freetown is a Family Duty Station. However, political and social tensions and excitements is expected to rise as presidential elections are due in 2023. High inflation, rising food, water and fuel prices and falling exchange rates continue to make life very difficult for local Sierra Leoneans.

The cost of living for expatriates is generally fair, and there are good supermarkets, restaurants and hotels available. There are good communication services including mobile and internet services available with fair price. Local and regional banks deal in both local and foreign currencies. ATMs are available and credit cards are accepted in some establishments. However, this is generally a cash economy and credit cards are accepted in some establishments.