Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. 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.
United Nations Volunteers (UNV) is a global programme and shared service for the UN system hosted and administered by UNDP. UNV provides volunteer solutions to UN entities across development, humanitarian, peace and security pillars and provides volunteer advisory services to UN Member States and, on their request, carries out relevant intergovernmental mandates. The Administrator of UNDP is also the Administrator of UNV and delegates strategic management of UNV to is Executive Coordinator.
The External Relations and Communications Section builds and nurtures corporate donor relations, strategically leads the donor resource mobilization platform and conducts coherent communications efforts to highlight the value of volunteerism for peace and development and the contributions of UNV and UN Volunteers. Since September 2024, ERCS hosts the Secretariat for the International Volunteer Year.
In December 2023, through its Resolution A/RES/78/127, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development and invited UNV, in cooperation with Governments and relevant organizations of the UN system, to facilitate the implementation of the International Year (hereafter referred to as IVY 2026).
Subsequently, the IVY 2026 Secretariat was established to be responsible for preparing and delivering the work plan for IVY 2026. Reporting to the Team Leader for IVY 2026, the Project and Event Specialist supports the preparation and implementation of IVY 2026, including the organization of the key events.
UNV adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNV personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
3) Prepare the IVY 2026 Key Events
Plan the international calendar for IVY 2026 with a focus on events facilitated by UNV; Lead the planning and execution of the IVY 2026 key events, which will likely include an opening, a mid-year and a closing-event, with the help of the other members of the IVY 2026 Secretariat; Proactively collaborate with and engage UN Member States, UN partners and UNV’s relevant business units to identify invitees and speakers for the opening, mid-year and closing events of IVY 2026; Ensure communication on and documentation of IVY 2026 key events, with the support of the IVY 2026 Communications Specialist.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies Core competenciesAchieve Results
Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impactThink Innovatively
Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problemsLearn Continuously
Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiencesAdapt with Agility
Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demandsAct with Determination
Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater resultsEngage and Partner
Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaborationEnable Diversity and Inclusion
Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityCross-Functional & Technical competencies Event planning and execution
Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandateRelationship management
Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals Strategic Thinking Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight Negotiation and Influence Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations Public relations Ability to build and maintain an overall positive public image for the organisation, its mandate and its brand, while ensuring that individual campaigns and other communications and advocacy initiatives are supported in reaching the public Systems Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system Required Skills and Experience Education: Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of Human/Community Development, International Development, International Relations, Business Management or a related topic. First-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in project development and management and support to the coordination of advocacy initiatives at the international level is required. Experience with event management and stakeholder coordination is required. Experience in supporting the organization of large-scale events for the United Nations is highly desirable. Experience with an international or regional volunteer association and knowledge of volunteerism for peace and development with its diverse manifestations and cultural settings highly desirable. Experience in a multicultural working environment is desired. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet is required; familiarity with database management is desired. Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language highly desirable Disclaimer Only short-listed applicants will be contacted; The successful candidate will hold a UNDP letter of appointment. Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)