Programme Assistant - Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean

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.

United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is active in around 130 countries every year. With field presence in over 80 countries, UNV is represented worldwide. UNV has a staff of around 150 at its headquarters in Bonn Germany, and manages over 8,000 volunteer assignments in the field annually. UNV’s six Regional Offices advance partnerships and opportunities for the mobilization of UN Volunteers at the regional level in support of the UN system, as well as to widen spaces at the regional level for volunteerism as a form of civic engagement.

The ROLAC Regional Office operates in all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and hosts more than 1,000 Volunteers every year.

In close coordination with the Caribbean Hub Coordinator, the Programme Assistant will play a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth operation of UNV in the OECS countries, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, Belize, Suriname and the Bahamas.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UNV Regional Portfolio Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Assistant will:

• Effective and efficient support of the Multi-Country Office and UN partners in advocacy and outreach campaigns, presentation of promotional information with Host Entities, local volunteer organizations, etc.; • Undertake tasks for the support of the UN Volunteers and recognized dependents in the assigned countries including in the cases of medical evacuation, security evacuations or the death of a UN Volunteer; • Support onsite volunteer mobilization in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean that increases the number of UN volunteers; • Support the deployment and assignment management of all UN Volunteer categories; • Maintain files of UN Volunteers assigned to the Caribbean, 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; • Ensure that initial contract documents, of UN Volunteers are up-to-date, and submitted to UNV headquarters, VSC 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; • Maintain general office files and keep information and reference material in a manner that allows easy reference and retrieval; • Assist UNV HQ in ensuring all conditions are met before the payment of final entitlements to UN Volunteers at the end of their assignment; • Ensure that incoming and outgoing UN Volunteers are adequately briefed and debriefed and extend personal support and guidance to UN Volunteers serving in the Caribbean; • Liaise with UNDP Country Offices to ensure the provision of administrative support; • Maintain fluid communication with UN volunteers, counterparts (partners, Government and AFP's), sending them the requested information; • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNV; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNV 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 UNV 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.

Administrative and/or operative roles; • Experience in development programmes, information management, and monitoring and reporting would be an advantage; experience with volunteering is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • 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, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

Panama offers a vibrant and diverse living experience, combining modern amenities and a rich cultural tapestry. Its capital, Panama City, is a cosmopolitan hub where expatriates and locals alike enjoy a variety of international cuisines, bustling nightlife, and an array of shopping options. The country boasts a tropical climate, with beautiful beaches and lush rainforests within easy reach for weekend getaways. While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in business and tourist areas, facilitating easy communication. The cost of living is reasonable, with options to suit various lifestyles and budgets. Panama is known for its stable economy and uses the US dollar as its currency, adding to the ease of financial transactions for expatriates.

Panama’s crime rate is significantly lower when compared to all the regions of the Caribbean and Latin America. However, armed violence is becoming common in Panama City and Colón. Regarding the foremost crimes to affect the UN personnel are car and home burglaries, pickpockets, credit card and bank fraud at a very low level.

Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) and Deployment / Repatriation lump sums, among others, are available at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos