Programme Assistant

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.

The International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC) was jointly initiated and established by the Chinese government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international organizations in December 2004. The IPRCC is designed to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, information exchange and international collaboration in the areas of poverty reduction and development. The IPRCC aims at strengthening national and international capacities to design and implement policies and programs for poverty reduction, with a focus on both income and human dimensions of poverty, through (i) providing an effective platform for knowledge sharing and mutual learning on pro-poor policies and anti-poverty programs between China and other developing/transition economies; (ii) supporting a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction through policy-relevant research work and training initiatives covering both macro-policies and targeted programs for poverty reduction; and (iii) promoting dialogue between policymakers, academics and practitioners around pro-poor policy options and strengthening the links between pro-poor policy research, formulation and implementation processes at different levels.

This project is to guide the International Poverty Reduction Center in China’s (IPRCC) five workstreams during 2022-2026. In line with the UNDP Country Programme Document for China 2021-2025, the project with IPRCC will scale up the sharing of the policies, strategies and practices that China has relied on to end extreme poverty at home by 2020 and help the most vulnerable groups including women, children, migrants and the disabled. The project will build up IPRCC’s institutional capacities, for it to be able to develop a global poverty reduction and rural development partnership, in order to enhance its worldwide impact in sustainable development towards global poverty eradication, including the contribution to SDG1 (No Poverty) and SDG5 (Gender Equality).

With the Project —Building a Global Poverty Reduction and Rural Development Partnership towards Global Poverty Eradication, and under the direct supervision of the Head of the Cooperation Division of the International Poverty Reduction Center in China, the UN volunteer shall undertake the following tasks to help IPRCC move from generic experiences sharing and exchange into problem-solving oriented and action-based learning, with other developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, and to maintain the South-South cooperative platform established between China and other developing countries. The focus of this UNV position is implementing and supporting the management of poverty alleviation projects, and in close coordination with the World Bank and IFAD,etc. • Compile and edit project inputs or documents, including internal progress report, work plan, budget management, and project updates; • Assist in translating and proof-reading memos, brochures, emails, and other documents in Eng-lish and/or Chinese;
• Assist in project supervision, monitoring and evaluation, data collection, etc.; • Support project-related outreach activities, including workshops, seminars, etc.; • Maintain and develop communications with key partners； • Conduct research on poverty alleviation and international development issues as requested; • Undertake daily operational work-flows of the Cooperation Division and other tasks assigned by IPRCC.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged 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 IVD); • 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 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.

Results/Expected Output: The UNV Volunteer will contribute towards the following programme outputs: • Strengthened institutional capacity for effective knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and research on poverty reduction through the development of partnership and networking; • Excellent reports and papers on Pro-Poor Development and poverty reduction; • Project professional management and participant support services strengthen the impact of pro-ject activities on poverty reduction and capacity for pro-poor development in partner countries; • Identify ways in which poverty reduction can be accelerated in partner countries; • Project outcomes and recommendations disseminated through Poverty Reduction Exhibition Centre; and • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during your assignment such as specific quantification of mobilized volunteers, activities, capacities.

• Bachelor or higher degree in development studies, social sciences, economics, communications, international relations or other related subjects; • Previous working experience in international organizations, multilateral development agencies, or related field is an asset; • Knowledge in managing projects in financial, technical and administrative aspects is desirable; • Ability to work independently, and cooperatively with multiple teams.

Key Competencies: • Strong writing and editing skills in both Chinese and English; • Good communications and interpersonal skills; • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office; • Sound judgment, diplomacy and sensitivity in confidential matters; • Detail-oriented and deadline conscious, good time management abilities; • Demonstrates courtesy in working within the team and counterparts.

The duty station of the national UNV is in the International Poverty Reduction Center in China located in Beijing, where high-quality public infrastructure and health services are available. It is the foremost political and cultural metropolis in China. The city has excellent health services available. In general, rent for apartments in central locations is high relative to other regions in China, but quality is good. Beijing is well served by many shopping malls, large supermarket chains and international brands. Buses and subways are the most common form of mass transportation. Metered taxis are widely available and domestic and regional travel by train and airplane is popular.