Project Assistant Riposte Great Green Wall

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

Resilience and Intensive Reforestation Project for the Safeguarding of Territories and Ecosystems in Senegal (RIPOSTES) is a FAO and Government of Senegal project funded by European Union and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to Improve the resilience of communities against Climate change through participatory and sustainable management of land and ecosystems in Senegal. Its specific objectives are: •Promoting a holistic governance and integrated natural resources ; •Boost the restoration and rehabilitation of agri-systems and promote a sustainable land use system through a landscape approach and ; •Enhance capacity of people including vulnerable groups by stimulating the creation of sustainable opportunities for valorization and development of value chains of non-timber forest products. The project intervenes in 04 districts (Louga, Matam, Fatick and Kaffrine) and 13 municipalities located in the Groundnut (or Peanut) basin and “Agro-sylvo-pastoral” eco-geographic zones. Several implementing partners will be engaging with Letter of Agreement (LoA) for the project activities in all RIPOSTES intervention areas. The project team have in charge the monitoring and evaluation of the project to achieve the expected results. In view of the extent of this work, UN Volunteer can help the project team to better handle this issue and deliver results as expected. So, the UN Volunteer will help the team for the implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning lesson for the project.

Under the direct supervision of Colonel Ibra Sounkarou NDIAYE, Project Manager of RIPOSTES, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

•Initiate, propose in accordance with the project team and supervise the development by implementing partners, of innovative initiatives and models for climate change adaptation and mitigation through a landscape approach ; •Participate to the land restoration, reforestation, pastoralism, ecotourism and all other activities in the field ; •Participate to the development of community resilience model and sensitizing community for the activities of the project •Assist the project team to enhance rural commitment in all activities •Assist the project and implementing partners to collect data in the field •Contribute to develop community projects in “Non timber forest product (NTFP), ecotourism, and sustainable land management (SLM) to be finance by the project ; •Propose the development of business plans for the creation of micro-enterprises for the development of value chains of non-timber forest products through a public-private partnership ; •Contribute to the preparation of quality reports ; •Write articles and policy brief on the project to be published in the journals of the socio and media networks ; •Participate in programs and reports on the project.

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • 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. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multiethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • 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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

and/or demonstrated interest in rural project development, monitoring and evaluation, data collection and enhancing rural community. Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory, and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. According to ANSD/RGPHAE 2020 official estimates, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million people. The total population of Senegal is 16 705 608 inhabitants (ANSD 2020). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall. The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st March 2023, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 616 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town. A valid passport is required to enter Senegal and a negative COVID-19 test. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may be required an entry visa or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel. https://www.unv.org/