UNV Welfare Officer

Contract

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

Assignment is with family (ENTEBBE)

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Develop programmes designed to improve the quality of life of staff members within the mission area; • Monitor environmental factors that could lead to unhealthy life style; • Increase and improve staff awareness and information about social and recreational opportunities available in the duty station through, among others, the following activities: - Contributing to the induction training of new staff, - Producing a guide to the local amenities, - Regularly updating information posted on the intranet system, - Facilitating access to housing information, - Developing links with local resources as appropriate, - Convening representative staff welfare committees; • Provide inputs to the onboarding program, especially in terms of implementing “cultural awareness” for staff in the Entity; • Develop regular recreational activities for staff (such as outings, and other social events) and work in partnership with Administration to secure a staff recreation space and gym; • Facilitate various welfare initiatives aimed at providing a conducive work environment for RSCE staff, including their families; • Participate in developing expertise, profile, and capacity of the Welfare Unit by identifying activities in line with the strategic and operational needs of the RSCE; • Assess on a regular basis the welfare needs of staff member and propose appropriate actions and initiatives; • Act as a non-clinical counselling resource to any RSCE staff member requiring non-judgmental support and assistance in resolving any personal and/or work-related problem(s) in consultation with the Staff Counsellors as necessary; • Organize memorial services for international civilian staff in cases of death within the duty station and acts as focal point/resource person for these families; • When working with national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training; • Perform other related duties as may be required.

Communication Respect for diversity and Gender Professionalism Integrity Team work

Social sciences

As Uganda’s main international airport is located in Entebbe, it is the most common entry point into Uganda for international travellers, with direct connections to/from Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Brussels, Cairo, Dar-es-Salaam, Dubai, Johannesburg, Juba, Kigali, Kinshasa, London, Nairobi and other destinations.

Entebbe is currently under Security Level 2, which is the warning and preparation stage to make sure that subsequent levels can be implemented smoothly (e.g. establishment of a coordination centre). The Security Management Team (SMT) and other entities that are part of the security management/assessment system (e.g. wardens) meet regularly in order to monitor the security situation and to make preparations for subsequent stages. Security section and the Department of Safety and Security regularly informs all UN personnel and conducts briefings upon arrival to sensitize newcomers and updates on latest political and social developments. There is a level 1 clinic on the Entebbe Support Base and there are several UN-cleared private hospitals in Kampala. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for UN personnel to enter Uganda, including yellow fever. It is possible that you be asked to provide proof of some/all of the vaccinations at Entebbe International Airport, though it is unlikely. Despite this, all UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with appropriate vaccinations, and that these are clearly and properly endorsed in the yellow International Certificate of Vaccination. Entebbe has been declared a family duty station for all UN personnel as of 1 July 2011. International schools and recreational facilities are available in Kampala and partly in Entebbe as well as markets and supermarkets. Upon arrival, the UNV Support Office will book temporary accommodation for the first few nights at the UN Volunteer’s expense (SIG is foreseen to this end), which can be extended or not at the UN Volunteer’s discretion until permanent accommodation is secured. Permanent accommodation can be found in Entebbe ranging between 500 and 800 US$ depending on size and location.

Various mobile phone companies operate in Uganda. SIM and top-up cards are widely available. UN personnel also have access to office internet and phone connections (including a PIN code that can be used for personal calls on a cost recovery basis).

Upon arrival a bank account has to be opened with a local partner bank (Barclays) in order to receive SIG and regular VLA payments. ATMs for major international cards are available in Entebbe and Kampala.