Job ID: 34863
Practice Area - Job Family: Management
Vacancy End Date: (Midnight New York, USA) 31/01/2021
Duty Station: Bonn, Germany
Education & Work Experience: I-Master's Level Degree - 5 year(s) experience
Languages: English
Grade: P3
Vacancy Type: TA International
Posting Type: External
Bureau: United Nations Volunteers
Contract Duration: Until 31 December 2021
Background
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The Volunteer Advisory Services Section (VASS) helps to position UNV as a Knowledge and Policy hub on volunteerism for the Sustainable Development Goals, developing knowledge, evidence and policy to support implementation and achievement of Outcome 1 of the Strategic Framework 2018-2021 (the efforts of Member States to deliver on the 2030 Agenda are supported through volunteerism as an effective means of implementation and people engagement) through research, the generation of knowledge and evidence and the provision of technical advisory services to UN member states on research, measurement and volunteer infrastructure. VASS also oversees work on the Call to Action to integrate volunteerism into the SDGs and efforts to develop the next generation of volunteerism models.
Reporting to the VASS Policy Specialist, Volunteerism for the SDGs, the Policy Specialist, Research and Evidence guides, coordinates and implements research and knowledge gathering to enhance the evidence base for the understanding of the benefits of volunteerism for the SDGs, including the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2021 (SWVR2021). He/she also organizes innovative ways of engaging external and internal stakeholders in activities and events that help gather, generate and share knowledge on volunteerism. He/ she works closely with the VASS Knowledge Specialist, UNV Regional Offices and external research stakeholders.
Duties and Responsibilities
Development of global evidence and research on volunteerism for the SDGs
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Review and identify research and evidence gaps on volunteerism for the SDGs in conjunction with internal and external stakeholders, including policy research priorities and processes for UNV’s next Strategic Framework 2021-2025;
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Oversee the evidence library and good practices database of the UNV knowledge portal, proactively researching and sourcing new publications to fill identified gaps and completing the quality assurance process for both new publications and new good practices;
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Review and synthesize on an ongoing basis research and knowledge pieces on volunteerism for the SDGs conducted by member states, volunteer involving organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector, ensuring that key synopsis are shared with key stakeholders within UNV, including but not limited to Executive Office and Regional Offices and New York Office;
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Quality control research and evidence products produced by Regional Offices and/or by VASS colleagues;
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Develop and write the content of key analytical materials including strategic and thematic notes, think pieces and blogs.
Contribute to UNV flagship reports and products, and policy workstreams in 2021
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Finalize the Secretary-General’s Report on Integrating volunteering in the 2030 Agenda and provide written briefings and materials to support intergovernmental dialogue on volunteerism during 2021;
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Support outreach and knowledge exchange for the State of the World’s Volunteerism Report 2021 (SWVR2021) through the UNV Knowledge Portal and online events, particularly with respect to engaging academic partners;
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Contribute inputs to the SWVR2021 including writing case studies, facilitating research collaboration with UN entities and others, or analyzing specific policies to support the SWVR research, writing and editing team;
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Support the Policy Specialist with review and feedback processes for SWVR2021, including the advisory panel;
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Work with the VASS Knowledge Specialist to shape the development of innovative graphics and multi-media products that add value to the SWVR report;
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Contribute summaries of relevant research and policy findings to efforts to develop Next Generation Models of volunteerism under the Call to Action and to integrate volunteerism into UN strategic documents including UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks.
Partnerships, advocacy, events, debates and conversations on UNV knowledge, research and evidence on volunteerism for the SDGs and contribute to efforts to position VASS as a Global Policy and Knowledge Hub
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Identify, develop and coordinate partnerships to improve the scope, audiences and strategic impact of UNV work on research and evidence including with academia;
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Identify opportunities for UNV’s participation in key research forums (conferences, executive committees, task forces, etc.) and recommend UNV/HQ staff’s participation in events where the relevance of volunteerism for SDG’s can be promoted;
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Represent, as requested, UNV in technical missions, conferences, workshops, taskforces and other key knowledge events to communicate research findings, give presentations, expand strategic partnerships, alliances and provoke conversations and debates;
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Engage in online discussions and provide substantive inputs to UNV and other relevant communities of practice on the contribution of volunteerism to peace and development;
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Facilitate opportunities for southern based researchers to participate in key debates and conversations on volunteerism for the SDGs both online and in person;
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Represent UNV in key research working groups including FORUM’s Research and Learning Group;
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Prepare speeches, presentations, background technical papers, documentation and reports.
Competencies
Core competencies
Innovation
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Ability to make new and useful ideas work
Leadership
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Ability to persuade others to follow
People Management
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Ability to improve performance and satisfaction
Communication
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Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
Technical/Functional
Research
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Knowledge of analytical tools and methods for undertaking substantive research on various policy related issues
Knowledge Management
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Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge
Civil Society Engagement
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Knowledge of civil society initiatives creation and implementation and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations
Substantive Networking
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Ability to substantively engage and foster networks with academia, research institutions, and think tanks
Knowledge Facilitation
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Ability to animate individuals and communities of contributors to participate and share
Relationship Management
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Ability to engage with other parties and forge productive working relationships
Required Skills and Experience
Education
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Master’s degree in development studies, social sciences, sociology, research, development, or related area. Research degree an advantage.
Experience
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5 years of relevant work experience in research and knowledge management, including demonstrated experience in applying research methodologies;
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Experience in development programming on the SDGs preferably in a national setting;
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Experience publishing analytical and research papers, think pieces and blogs is an advantage;
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Knowledge of and experience in volunteerism with its diverse manifestations, preferably in a development setting is an advantage;
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Experience in the UN system or other international organizations is an advantage.
Language requirement
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Fluency in English;
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Proficiency in another official UN language, preferably French, Arabic and/or Russian is a strong asset.
Other
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Excellent writing skills
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Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the development of innovative and succinct presentations
Disclaimer
Note:
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Only short-listed applicants will be contacted;
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The successful candidate will hold a UNDP letter of appointment;
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
UNDP/UNV reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP/UNV at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
UNDP/UNV does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
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