UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT
Preamble:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to
support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and
support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.
In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in
volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive. UNV Assignment Title: UNV Training Officer
UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017; Outcome 1, Output 1.2: ‘Volunteerism is integrated within UN entities’ programming through the implementation of UNV-UN partner joint programmes/projects in four priority areas: (a) youth; (b) peace building; (c) basic social services; (d) community resilience for environment and disaster risk reduction’
Type of Assignment: International UN Volunteer
Project Title: UNV Assistance to MONUSCO
Duration: Until 30 June 2015 (with possible extension of 12 months based on work performance and mission’s mandate)
Location, Country: Goma, DR Congo (volunteer may be required to travel extensively to deliver training activities in various locations within the mission)
Expected Starting Date: Immediate
Brief Project Description: MONUSCO has three established Training Centers in Entebbe, Kinshasa
and Goma. These three main locations drive and support all training initiatives to MONUSCO personnel. In a nutshell, the Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC): implements the comprehensive training needs assessment; plans, identifies resources, implements and assesses
training initiatives to all Mission personnel MONUSCO-wide.
Host Agency/Host Institute: MONUSCO
Organizational Context: MONUSCO/MONUC was established in 1999 under the auspices
of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO)
Type of Assignment Place: Non family Duty Station
Description of tasks:
Under the direct supervision of Chief Training Officer/Chief Integrated Mission Training Centre (IMTC), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
Design, develop, deliver and coordinate training events, seminars and workshops aimed at enhancing the competencies and technical skills of staff members. Training events also include, technical and substantive modules, induction briefings, safety and security briefs, leadership, management, communication skills, and planning;
Coordinate the implementation of external trainings and follow up on the post-external training requirements;
Organize and implement the MONUSCO IMTC National Staff Capacity Building Programme;
Manage e-learning programs and coordinate internal training requests;
Manage the database for all training activities and maintain accurate statistics inputs
Monitor and report on IMTC training budget;
Update information on the training webpage;
Generate various reports/e-reports on training-related activities for submission to mission management and UNHQ;
When working with (including supervising) 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;
Any other related duties as may be required.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:
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; network and build relationships with local organizations, groups or individuals, and support and/or participate in local volunteering initiatives; reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; initiate and/or participate in local volunteer groups, including assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;
Promote or advise local groups on the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible;
Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary basis;
Discuss with supervisors how volunteerism for peace and development can be mainstreamed in the assignment and integrate activities promoting volunteerism for peace and development into work plans;
Assist with the UNV “buddy programme” for newly arriving UN Volunteers.
Results/Expected Output:
Timely, responsive and high-quality delivery of a variety of training programmes to MONUSCO personnel, resulting in:
an increase in the number of MONUSCO personnel trained on a yearly basis, with quality, equal opportunity, and gender balance respected
an increase in the number of training deliveries MONUSCO-wide
implementation of the first stage of the National Staff Capacity Building Programme (2015)
accurate and readily accessible training statistics, records and data
up-to-date information in the training webpage
accurate and on time reports submitted to mission management and UNHQ
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.
Qualifications/Requirements:
The Training Officer must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, with the following essential qualifications and abilities:
University degree in educational studies, communication, management or other related field of studies
At least 3 years of professional work experience in designing, developing, delivering and coordinating training, seminars and workshops; planning, organizing and implementing learning and development programmes, public speaking or similar field of communication;
Sound communication and teamwork competencies;
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations/MONUSCO therefore fluency in oral and written French and English is mandatory (for candidate with no fluency in French, please refer to paragraph 15);
Good computer skills, including proficiency in various MS Office applications, emails, internet research, web applications, database management, e-learning program/ website management and office technology equipment;
Previous work experience in a post-conflict context, in a UN/NGO, national, international or civil/military setting, is strongly desirable;
Valid driver’s license is also desirable;
Affinity with or interest in: humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, the UN SystemCompetencies and values:
Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations;
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;
Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.
Living Conditions:
The Democratic Republic of Congo is the third largest country in Africa, and as a result is quite diverse.
Living conditions therefore vary between MONUSCO duty stations, with all usual amenities present in the capital Kinshasa, but only very basic conditions in remote duty stations in the provinces, where, for instance, there may be no guarantee of public power supply or running water. The ability to live and work in difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential.
Accommodation is very expensive in both Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Supermarkets exist in the large towns (e.g. Bukavu, Kisangani), but consumer items are generally very expensive (as everything is imported). For food, local markets offer a much cheaper alternative.
Most MONUSCO duty stations, with the exception of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are considered non-family duty stations, and most are currently under UN Security Phase III (“relocation phase”: internationally-recruited staff are temporarily concentrated or relocated to specified sites/locations). In addition to insecurity related to the relatively volatile political situation as well as various conflict situations, certain places are subject to increasing street and residential crime, including in Kinshasa and Goma.
Some degree of medical service is provided in all MONUSCO duty stations. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for MONUSCO personnel to enter the DRC, while others are compulsory for all other incoming persons. It is possible for incoming MONUSCO personnel, including UNV volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations at N’Djili airport in Kinshasa, though this is unlikely (a MONUSCO protocol/travel officer is usually present and may be able to assist). All UNV volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the DRC, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis.
The unit of currency is the Congolese Franc. The US dollar is the other preferred currency. It may be impossible to exchange traveler’s checks away from the capital city. Credit cards are usually accepted in major hotels only in Kinshasa. In larger towns and cities (e.g. Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani),UN Volunteers are recommended to open US Dollar bank accounts, while in other places, banks may be absent (including ATMs) and VLA payments will be processed in cash. UN Volunteers have the possibility to send part of their allowances to a bank account abroad.
In addition to French, there are four major spoken languages in DRC, namely Lingala, Kikongo, Tshiluba and Swahili.
Language Requirements
This position entails that the incumbent has good spoken and written communication skills in English and has basic French language skills. Further, s/he personally commits to take intensive French lessons from the beginning of his/her assignment. French classes are available at mission level through different means: at MONUSCO Training Centre (IMTC); online and through the UNV buddy scheme which is in place in DR Congo among UN Volunteers. A language test shall be conducted to assess progress and acquired competencies of French language during the course of the assignment (envisaged to take place 6 months into the assignment).
Conditions of Service
Initial contract is issued until 30 June 2015, with possible 12-month extensions depending on mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment, in accordance with art. 5.4 UNV COS.
Settling-In-Grant is provided. Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) – intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost-of-living expenses – is US$ 2,554. Life, health and permanent disability insurances are included, as well as periodic home leave, final repatriation, and resettlement allowance.
The UNV Programme will provide a copy of the UNV Conditions of Service to the successful candidate together with the offer of assignment.
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes and encourages people from minorities, disadvantaged groups and women to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
If you have not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by registering your profile at:https://ereta.unv.org/html/index.php?module=myprofile. Important: Please select the following code from the drop down menu on the first page of the registration form: “15ZAIR_TRAIN”. If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at:http://MyProfile.unv.org, click on the ‘Special Recruitment’ option on the left menu, then click on the ‘Edit’ button and select the advertisement code “*15ZAIR_TRAIN”.
The United Nations Volunteers Programme is committed to ensuring gender equity among UN Volunteers and welcomes applications from women.
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism. UNV is inspired by the conviction that volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and by the idea that everyone can contribute their time and energy towards peace and development. With partners, UNV advocates for volunteerism, integrates volunteerism into development planning and mobilizes volunteers. The enormous potential of volunteerism is an inspiration to UNV and to volunteers around.