Sustainable Development Monitoring Assistant

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.

Countries throughout the Pacific are required to monitor and report progress against a series of global and regional initiatives, whilst ensuring focus remains on their own national priorities with respect to sustainable development. As such, the role of National Statistical Systems (NSS) in identifying the most appropriate approach to prioritizing reporting needs (and thus data) is a complex and challenging one.

Understanding the data landscape within their own countries, and reviewing the way business is done to identify and produce priority information is crucial to maximise the limited resources (staffing and financial) within the NSS.

The project the UN Volunteer will support will be assisting countries enhance and better understand reporting requirements both globally, regionally and nationally, simplifying the manner in which information is prioritized and thus collected. Work will cover both countries from Micronesia (focus) but also the rest of the Pacific.

Priority will be given to supporting Pacific countries that wish to adopt the ESCAP National SDG Tracker tool, a tool designed to support countries report progress against the SDGs, with a strong National focus.

Under the direct supervision of Mr Chris Ryan, ESCAP Pacific Office (EPO) Statistician, the UN Volunteer will be required to undertake the following tasks:

• Support countries to review their data demands, including identifying all global, regional and national indicator frameworks of relevance to their reporting requirements. • Assist member States to develop National Sustainable Development Indicator Sets which address national priorities and incorporate relevant indicators from global and regional frameworks; • Support the design and implementation of statistical capacity development initiatives in the Pacific sub-region, especially with respect to developing National Sustainable Development Indicator Sets; • Under the guidance of the Head of Office and Deputy Head & Senior Economic Affairs Officer, support other areas of work pertaining to the interest of the successful candidate. Also includes support to the organization of and prepare technical documents for international, intergovernmental, expert group meetings, working groups, seminars and workshops and assist in drafting relevant reports.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

monitoring and measuring progress on sustainable development, including global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and measuring progress of National Development Plans/Policies • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;

Only open to nationals of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of allowances for UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as a compensation, reward or salary in exchange for the volunteer work.

• Monthly Living Allowance: USD 1895.76 • Accomodation Allowance Supplement: USD 500 monthly • Entry Lump Sum: USD 4000 • Travel Lump Sum to purchase air ticket (amount depends on actual cost) • Family Allowance: USD 250 per month for one dependent/ USD 450 per month for two or more dependents • Medical and life insurance (Cigna) • Leave entitlements (annual leave, sick leave, learning leave, maternity/ paternity leave – details can be found in the Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos) • Access to UNV's learning and career development resources • Exit Lump Sum: USD 225 for each month served, paid on completion of contract

Fiji, one of the larger countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economics in the region. Fiji became independent in 1970 and its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism, but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is Fiji Dollar.

Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the South-Eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji's population is made up of a mixture of indigenous Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures. English is spoken widely on the Island and it is the common language of communication although the indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language.

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 and tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region and has reasonably modern facilities including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small apartments is limited; an open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is available also for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Fiji along with many other Pacific islands is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. It is a unique country providing for an interesting and enriching environment.