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.

This UNV assignment is located within the Office of the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. The position is based in Tripoli, Libya (Tripoli is classified as a Hardship "E" duty station and a non- family duty station). The incumbent will be under the overall supervision of the Chief of Staff.

On 28 October 2022, the Security Council, by its resolution S/RES/2656 (2023) renewed the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) through 31 October 2023, as an integrated special political mission to carry out its mandate, as set out in resolution 2542 (2020) and paragraph 16 of resolution 2570 (2021) to: (i) further an inclusive political process and security and economic dialogue; (ii) further the continued implementation of the Libya Political Agreement; (iii) help consolidate the governance, security and economic arrangements of the Government of National Accord, including support for economic reform in collaboration with international financial institutions; (iv) help to achieve a ceasefire and, once it is agreed by the Libyan parties, provide appropriate support to its implementation; (v) support subsequent phases of the Libyan transition process, including the constitutional process and the organisation of elections; (vi) coordinate and engage closely with international actors including neighboring countries and regional organizations; (vii) provide support to key Libyan institutions; (viii) support, on request, the provision of essential services and delivery of humanitarian assistance, including in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with humanitarian principles; (ix) monitor and report abuses and violations of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, including sexual violence in conflict, notably through the effective deployment of women and child protection advisers; (x) provide support in securing uncontrolled arms and related materiel and countering their proliferation; and (xi) co-ordinate international assistance, and provision of advice and assistance to GNA-led efforts to stabilize post-conflict zones, including those liberated from Da'esh. On 16 April 2021, the Security Council, through resolution 2570 (2021), tasked UNSMIL to provide support to the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned ceasefire monitoring mechanism including through the facilitation of confidence-building measures and the scalable and incremental deployment of UNSMIL ceasefire monitors.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Chief of Staff or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Welfare Officer will:

Staff Welfare Responsibilities :

• Assist in developing social, recreational and sporting programmes designed to improve the quality of life of staff members in Tripoli, Oea;
• Assist in monitoring environmental factors that could lead to unhealthy lifestyles;
• Increase staff awareness and information about social and recreational opportunities available in the mission by contributing to induction training for new staff, producing a guide to local amenities, regularly updating information posted on the intranet, facilitating access to housing information, and developing links with local resources as appropriate;
• Improve the recreational and social opportunities of staff by convening staff welfare and recreation committees and act in an ex-officio capacity at committee meetings including recording of Minutes;
• Assist in developing and implementing regular recreational activities for staff (such as celebration of national and UN days, film nights, barbecues, sports activities, gardening, camp greening and environmental activities and other social events), at times during unsocial working hours, and working in partnership with administration to continually improve standard welfare facilities (gym and sports facilities, restaurants, shared recreation areas etc.); •
• Liaise with welfare focal points in the military component to develop and promote integrated welfare activities;
• Establish an information resource center and organize a book/ library for staff;
• Facilitate increased welfare initiatives in his/her designated duty station by supporting the initiatives and work of welfare and recreation committees and fostering the development of relevant sub-committees;
• Review monthly financial reports of the welfare and recreation committee;
• Enter in a timely and accurate manner, all welfare financial expenditure in the relevant Welfare Unit database;
• Maintain an inventory of equipment and appliances used in the camp’s welfare facilities and oversee arrangements for timely repair, maintenance and replacement;
• Participate in developing the expertise, profile, and capacity of the Welfare Unit by identifying funding opportunities;
• Assist in assessing welfare and recreation requirements within the mission and act as a focal point for welfare initiatives within his/her designated duty station;
• Organize memorial services for international civilian staff in the event of death and act as focal point/resource person for the family of the deceased staff members as appropriate;
• Participate in regular Office of Chief of Staff meetings.
• Work harmoniously and in tandem with the Staff Counsellor.

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 an active UNSMIL team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNSMIL and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o The continuous improvement of welfare facilities and activities that promote integration between all components of UNSMIL. o The well-being of staff members and mission personnel improved by providing welfare services and activities in an efficient, effective, timely, and professional manner; o Work relationships improved and stress-related health problems in the mission were minimized; o A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed. o Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment o 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 UNSMIL; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNSMIL 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 UNSMIL 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 UNSMIL mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

at the national and/or international level in social sciences, or other relevant programmes; •Experience with social work is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • 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;

Libya is a unique country and it provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in potentially high stress and hazardous conditions are essential.

This position is based in Tripoli, where international UN personnel is based in a compound in Oea, Janzour (Tripoli), where accommodation is shared with other UN personnel.

UNSMIL adheres to local laws and customs regarding the import of alcoholic beverages. This is strictly enforced.