Support the rollout of a new UNCDF platform (Agora)

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The volunteers will work under the direct supervision of the Fellows responsible for the Agora rollout. They will receive guidance from the Deputy Executive Secretary of UNCDF, who leads the Agora initiative, to ensure alignment with the initiative's objectives. Additionally, coordination with the Head of Communications will be maintained to ensure the marketing and communication strategy for Agora aligns with the overall goals of the rollout.

The volunteers will be supported by dedicated volunteers who will assist in research and other tasks related to the rollout of Agora in their assigned continent. The volunteers will be selected based on their skills and experience and will report directly to the Fellows.

Duration: The volunteer assignment will span 3.5 months, starting in mid-June and concluding in September.

Scope of Work:

Month 1 (June):

• Familiarize themselves with the Agora platform, including its features, functionalities, and target users.
• Understand the Agora team's structure and collaborate with the IT developers to gain insights into the platform's technical aspects.

Months 2-3 (July-August):

• Conduct market research to identify potential users, partners, and competitors in selected countries.
• Assist in developing a country-specific rollout plan, including key milestones, activities, and required resources for a successful launch.
• Contribute to the creation of a stakeholder engagement plan to identify decision-makers, influencers, and supporters in selected countries.
• Collaborate with the Agora team in drafting marketing and communication materials that effectively promote Agora's benefits, features, and value proposition.
• Support the organization of workshops, webinars, and other events to showcase Agora's capabilities and connect with potential users, partners, and investors.

Month 4 (September):

• Coordinate closely with the Agora team and local partners to ensure a smooth rollout of Agora in each country.
• Monitor the progress of the rollout, gather user feedback, and report key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned to the Agora team.

Deliverables:

• A concise research report highlighting key trends, opportunities, and challenges in selected countries.
• Contribution to a country-specific rollout plan, including milestones, activities, and required resources.
• Assistance in developing a stakeholder engagement plan identifying key decision-makers, influencers, and supporters.
• Support in creating marketing and communication materials that effectively promote Agora's benefits and value proposition.
• Participation in organizing workshops, webinars, and events to showcase Agora's capabilities and engage with potential users, partners, and investors.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, international development, economics, marketing, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge in market research, project planning, stakeholder engagement, marketing, and coordination is desirable.
• Experience or familiarity with digital platforms, entrepreneurship, and investment in developing countries is an advantage.
• Previous experience working as a volunteer or in a multicultural environment is beneficial.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent research and analytical skills to gather and synthesize information from various sources.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare concise reports and contribute to the development of marketing materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and platforms.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including team members, partners, and potential users of the Agora platform.
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is required, including excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in any additional languages relevant to selected countries in Africa and Asia is an asset.

Technical Requirements:

• Access to a reliable internet connection and a personal computer or laptop with necessary software to perform assigned tasks.
• Familiarity with virtual collaboration tools such as video conferencing platforms, project management software, and cloud-based document sharing is desirable.