Research and Coordination Assistant (Human Security)

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.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, in collaboration with the Royal Thai Government and partners, has been implementing projects to accelerate the country’s development for more than 50 years. In line with the Country Programme 2022-2026 for Thailand, UNDP works to enhance human capital, promote an inclusive green economy, and empower the rights of vulnerable groups, especially, those furthest left behind. With the adoption of advanced technology and an innovative approach to strengthening partnership and strong institutions, UNDP aims to support the country’s achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In recent years, to promote and advance SDG16 in Thailand, UNDP advocates and promotes a Human Security prevention-based approach to societal tensions in Thailand, emphasizing a framework for Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE). It is developed in a comprehensive, gender-responsive and multisectoral manner, based on a government and civil society consensus. Two specific results are expected of the project: 1. Thai Government’s preparation and implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) for Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) is informed by a Human Security approach, including the development of Human Security Guidelines by a cross-Government group, fully informed by gender considerations, and validated a multi-stakeholder ‘whole of society’ platform. 2. A Human Security approach to PVE is adopted through outreach at the local level in 2 selected target areas, for replication elsewhere under provisions of a NAP. This aims to mainstream bottom-up gender-responsive responses to challenges, that are not purely hard security-driven but that respond to locally identified drivers of conflict.

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Project Manager, the Research and Coordination Assistant (Human Security) will perform the following functions:

i. Provide research support: a. Conduct desk research in the areas of Human Security and national development plan and others as assigned; b. Produce a comprehensive data set (extract, input, copy, and filing data) from various sources in an electronic file; c. Edit and prepare reports and translate documents; d. Take meeting minutes in program and project meetings; ii. Provide effective and efficient support in coordination, administration, and meeting arrangements: a. Provide organization and coordination support for international and external meetings with other teams and external bodies (UN Agencies, Government, Civil Society, etc.), as well as efficient interpretation/translation (Thai-English and vice versa) when required. b. Liaising and communicating with stakeholders as required to support the operation of an effective and efficient organization of workshop/event/conference/series of meetings and training. c. Maintain an effective filing system to maintain all hard and electronic files, reference materials and confidential records as required; d. Prepare minutes of meetings, write official communications, proof-read outgoing communications, and translate documents; e. Prepare documents, agendas and materials related to meetings and missions; and f. Perform other duties and administrative support as assigned.

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; • 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

• As a UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Smooth coordination between UN agencies, Governmental organization, and the UN partners. o Provide technical assistance to align with the project workplan o Promoting the project works to more engagement with the stakeholders.

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

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

political science, human rights, international relations, or social science is required; a first-level university degree, in combination with relevant working experience in the field of human security, peacebuilding, social cohesion, prevention and countering of violent extremism and regional/international cooperation, can be considered. • Further educational certificates or academic experience specific to the field of international development, international laws, human rights, and counterterrorism will be a strong benefit; • Professional experience in the field of human security, peace and conflict, peace building, human rights, social cohesion, social development, gender equality in relation to prevention of violent extremism is required. Specialized experience on gender dimensions in P/CVE is an asset. • Experience in project coordination and engagement with government, civil society and community in the areas of peacebuilding, social cohesion, human security and prevention of violent extremism is desirable.
• Working experience with international organizations and national authorities in Southeast Asia is an asset. • Ability to organize assignments and work systematically; • Ability and willingness to work as part of a team to meet tight deadlines and produce high quality work. • Good team player; • Sound security awareness; • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the United Nations' values and ethical standards; • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN and UNDP; • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; • 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; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; • Have affinity with or interest in human security area, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

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