Programme Support Officer: Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP)

Contract

This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.

Introduction: Pacific Digital Economy Programme

The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.

UNCDF’s financing models work through three channels: inclusive digital economies, connecting individuals, households, and small businesses with financial eco-systems that catalyze participation in the local economy, and provide tools to climb out of poverty and manage financial lives; local development finance, that capacitates localities through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance to drive local economic expansion and sustainable development; and investment finance, that provides catalytic financial structuring, de-risking, and capital deployment to drive SDG impact and domestic resource mobilization. By strengthening how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels, UNCDF contributes to Sustainable Development Goal-SDG 1 on eradicating poverty and SDG 17 on the means of implementation. In addition, by identifying those market segments where innovative financing models can have a transformational impact in helping to reach the last mile and address exclusion and inequalities of access, UNCDF contributes to a broad diversity of SDGs.

The Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP) is a joint programme between UNCDF, UNDP and UNCTAD, aims to work in close collaboration with key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to support the development of inclusive digital economies in the Pacific specifically in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands; Inclusive digital economies that allow rural communities, women and MSMEs, as well as labour mobility workers to enhance market participation, resulting in poverty reduction, improved livelihoods and economic growth. UNCDF has a unique mandate among UN agencies to deploy grants, loans and guarantees depending on the growth stage of the business and/or partner. These financial instruments are complemented by technical assistance such as market or product research, business model and product design. The intent is for UNCDF and private and public partners to pilot and commercialize inclusive business models, so that mainstream services are better designed to take into account the needs of under-served customer segments. Furthermore, for start-ups and early-stage businesses that already have a track record in commercializing inclusive business models, but needs need growth capital, UNCDF provides loans and guarantees so that these businesses can unlock financing from local banks and other, more commercial sources of financing.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Programme Support Officer will:

 Assist the Regional PDEP team and Fiji PDEP team in coordination and implementation of PDEP’s programming activities detailed in the work plan.  Assist Regional PDEP team and Fiji Country team in developing Regional and country RFAs, project documents and monitoring the progress of projects and initiatives to ensure that their scope, budgets, and timelines are managed, risks are identified, and remedial steps are taken.  Assist PDEP programme partners during project implementation by providing logistical support, assisting partners in meeting project objectives and goals. Activities will include financial and literacy workshops, and community awareness.  Assist in the preparation of project documents, monitoring of project activities and preparing funding disbursement request for approval.  Assist in liaising between Consultants and the UNCDF Operations Team on contracting, deliverable submissions, and payment requests.  Assist in the preparation of quarterly reporting for existing project partners and conducting field visit to project partner sites when required.  Assist in preparing inputs to UNCDF corporate and donor reports.  Provide support to PDEP Regional/Country teams in organizing in-country events to disseminate knowledge and results of research, including venue, invitees lists and invitation process, planning, agenda, etc.  Assist in conducting secondary research in areas of policy and regulation relating to inclusive digital economies and related areas.  Assist in preparing project documents, policy briefs, concept notes, discussion papers, and presentations in areas including but not limited to the digital economy.  Assist with other tasks related to PDEP as specified by the Fiji PDEP team and Regional PDEP team from time to time.  Assist Country Leads under PDEP regarding programming activities.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:  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 International Volunteer Day);  Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;  Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities;  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; and  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 outputs  Active engagement in activities under the Pacific Digital Economy Programme.  Timely completion of research activities and inputs to project documents and reports.  Develop and maintain relationships with pogramme partners, including other UN organizations, government bodies, regional organizations, the private sector and civil society  Project coordination and logistics support to the Pacific Digital Economy Programme.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNCDF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNCDF 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 UNCDF 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 UNCDFs mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

project coordination or research roles, preferably in the field of economics or development (minimum 6 months of experience at the national or international level).  Strong research, analysis and writing skills  Demonstrates drive to achieve results quickly without compromising quality and seeks and finds solutions to problems encountered.  Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.  Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and deep desire to learn.  Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a complex environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and familiarity with database management and basic graphic design software.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Daytime temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) or higher and humidity is generally high. Tropical cyclones can occur between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Suva, the capital of Fiji, is located on the southeast coast of the island of Viti Levu. Viti Levu at 10,400 sq km (4052 sq mi) and Vanua Levu at 5587 sq km (2160 sq mi) are the biggest islands in the Fiji group. With a population of approximately 141,000, Suva is a multiracial and multicultural city. Indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, the two principal ethnic groups of Fiji, comprise the bulk of Suva's population, but the city is also home to most Fiji's ethnic minority populations including Caucasians and Chinese, amongst others. Most expatriates working in Fiji are also based in Suva. The most widely spoken language is English, but Fijian, Hindustani and other Indian languages are also spoken by their respective communities.

The UN Volunteer will have access to all reasonable facilities including a private hospital, sporting facilities and supermarkets. Fiji, along with many other Pacific islands, is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. However, necessary security precautions should be taken wherever possible. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.