Research and Awareness Youth UNV

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.

The Research and Awareness Unit produces evidence-based analysis on drugs and crime in West and Central Africa to inform policy making. Ongoing research projects include reports on crimes in the fishery sector, drug trafficking and violent extremism in prisons. The Unit also works with member states to develop their capacity to produce, collect, share and analyze drugs and crime related data.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Research and Awareness Unit, the UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Project development and implementation: • Organize national and regional workshops on topical issues such as terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime (TOC), drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, firearms, etc.; • Support the development and implementation of national strategies on transnational organized crime and/or violent extremism; • Contribute to the development of the workplan, the methodology and the structure of research papers in consultation with the senior consultant, the direct supervisor, UNODC ROSEN experts and with the overall guidance of UNODC Research and Analysis Branch; • Contribute to the production of research papers on transnational organized crime, TiP/SOM, violent extremism, corruption and money-laundering in the West African region; • Support any other research related activities implemented by the R&A unit; • Contribute to the organization of various R&A activities, field missions, and strategic meetings; Undertake other complementary activities which will support the development of ROSEN Research unit activities as may be required.

Research : • Support/participate to field-research on drugs and crime, including transnational organized crime and terrorism, as well as States’ responses to these issues; • Collect and review information and data from governments, inter-governmental/non-governmental organizations, research institutes, media, UNODC or other UN Offices, and other relevant sources. Monitor national and international online news in the region and compile irregular migration and migrant smuggling related news clippings on a daily basis; • Create and maintain databases on drugs and crime in the region; • Develop partnerships with U.N. agencies and independent research institutions in the region to promote research in West and Central Africa.

Communication: • Draft communication outputs, including press-releases, webstories and social media posts on research findings; • Prepare and deliver presentations on key research findings to policy makers; • Coordinate research and analysis initiatives with UNOWAS, UNOCA and other UN Secretariat presences in West and Central Africa; • Support the organization of media events report launches and press conferences.

• Support with any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Youh Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Youth Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Youth 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 Youth 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 Youth 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.

Communication Professionalism Working in Teams

research is required; • Experience in organizing events, such as capacity-building workshops or conferences, is desirable; • Experience of working on drugs and crime, including terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organized crime is desirable; • Experience of working in West and Central Africa is desirable; • Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; • Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions; • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others).

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with frequent missions to the region. Dakar is a livable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese is among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as 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 2013 official estimates, the population of the Dakar metropolitan area reaches over 3.1 million people. The total population of Senegal is 13.508.715 inhabitants (ANSD 2013). 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 03 February 2016, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 593.289 XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the main 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 wide. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD. UN Youth Volunteers can also co-rent and share private accommodations, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Transportation in town can be easily arranged through local taxis.

To enter Senegal, a valid passport is required. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required an entry visa. Nationals 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 in other parts of the world issue visas prior to travel.

The UNV Field Unit can provide assistance in booking temporary accommodation for the first nights at UN Youth Volunteer expenses, which can be extended or not at UN Youth Volunteer discretion until getting a permanent accommodation.