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 UNV Field Units (FU) are mainly accountable for the mobilization and placement of UN Volunteers in UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes focused on peace, development, and humanitarian needs. The UNV Field Units represent and position UNV in the respective countries and bring UNV’s services and solutions closer to its partners from governments, UN entities, civil society, and private sector.

Under the supervision of the Programme Analyst, the Programme Assistant provides administrative and operational assistance in the UNV Field Unit, in support of volunteer mobilization and deployment. She/he will:

• Volunteer mobilization and deployment support. • Effectively and efficiently support of the Country Coordinator and UN partners in advocacy and outreach campaigns, such as the International Volunteer Day (IVD), presentation of promotional information with Host Entities, local volunteer organizations, etc.

• Support onsite and online volunteer mobilization that increases the number of volunteers.

• In consultation with the Online Volunteering (OV) Programme Assistant in the respective Regional Office, act as a focal point for online volunteers and accreditation of OV service organizations, focusing on supporting host entities with developing OV opportunities through advocacy engagements and promoting the concept of OV.

• Support the deployment and assignment management of all UN Volunteer modalities; Support the recruitment of national UN Volunteers, including updating and maintaining a national UN Volunteers local candidate talent pool in coordination with the Volunteer Services Centre (VSC).

• Maintain files of all UN Volunteers assigned to the country, ensuring that all correspondence and periodic reports are properly kept in the respective volunteer management platform, and that related matters requiring action are brought to the attention of his/her supervisor.

• Monitor and keep records of the contractual status of all serving UN Volunteers and flag to VSC follow-up actions; Maintain up-to-date volunteer leave records and ensure that all UN Volunteers manage absences as per the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service.

• Maintain up to date contact records of all serving UN Volunteers, including their recognized dependents.

• Ensure that initial contract documents, beneficiary forms and inventories of personal effects of UN Volunteers are up-to-date, and submitted to UNV headquarters, VSC (through the respective volunteer management platform) in a timely manner, in accordance with the relevant provisions included in the UN Security Handbook as well as in the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service.

• Assist on the logistical and travel arrangements of arriving UN Volunteers and his/her recognized dependents.

• Facilitate government clearance and entry visas of incoming UN Volunteers and their recognized dependents.

• Provide the necessary support to UN Volunteers upon arrival, to open bank accounts as well as to complete forms required to obtain visas, residence permits, etc.

• Undertake tasks for the local support of the UN Volunteers and recognized dependents in the country including in the cases of medical evacuation, security evacuations or the death of a UN Volunteer.

• Assist UNV HQ in ensuring all conditions are met before the payment of final entitlements to UN Volunteers at the end of their assignment. Administrative and logistical support Maintain inventories of all UNV-supplied, non-expendable equipment, and ensure records of all items purchased for UNV-executed projects are submitted to UNV headquarters.

• Maintain general office files and keep information and reference material in a manner that allows easy reference and retrieval.

• Perform other administrative duties as may be required.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UN Volunteer Programme 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 the UN Volunteer Programme 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 the UN Volunteer Programme’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• Management of human resources, administration and coordination. • Work experiences as a United Nations Volunteer or with United Nations system or similar international organizations desirable. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Excellent interpersonal skills. • 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, PowerPoint, 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. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in UNV Mandate, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Liberia has been relatively peaceful since the withdrawal of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). In 2017, a major political transition took place, transferring political power from one elected government to another. However, the economy is struggling, and the cost of living remains high. Inflation is also a concern, with an exchange rate of 1 US dollar to 170 Liberian dollars. Currently, the country is experiencing heavy rainfall. Local markets and supermarkets in Monrovia and surrounding areas offer food supplies. There are both public and private medical facilities available. Several banks operate primarily in Monrovia. Communication infrastructure is in place, with two main providers offering internet services. While uninterrupted service is available in Monrovia and county capitals, some remote communities and areas outside these cities may experience interruptions or poor network coverage. Liberia is known for its hospitality and open culture that welcomes people from all backgrounds. The country offers an interesting and peaceful environment, but it also requires a mature level of security awareness, particularly due to cases of street robbery and other theft incidents. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

This position is located within the UNV field Unit in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications, and other basic needs.