Back Regional Policy Specialist

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) contributes to position UNV as a Knowledge and Policy hub on volunteerism for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), generating knowledge, consolidating evidence and advocating with Member States and the UN system to integrate volunteerism in their policies and plans, as a cross-cutting means of implementation into the 2030 Agenda, in alignment with UNV 2022-2025 Strategic Framework.

Reporting to the Policy Specialist that leads the Integration Team, the Regional Policy Specialist strives for the integration of volunteerism into national and global implementation strategies for the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals. S/he adapts policies, approaches and models to meet emerging needs, identify niches of opportunity for volunteerism and further the continuing relevance of the organization’s capacity as a reliable development partner for the Western Asia, Latin American and the Caribbean and Europe regions, extending its geographic scope of work to the member states of the respective United Nations Economic Commissions (ESCWA, ECLAC, ECE) except those who are members of ECA and ESCAP. S/he works in close collaboration with the Regional Offices teams, the Evidence Team in VASS and engages with key partners and critical interlocutors in the region for advocacy purposes.

Volunteer advisory services

• Provide substantive technical orientation on volunteerism and contribute to its integration into the UN system and governmental and non- governmental organizations in the region through evidence-based information using adequate and innovative data collection solutions;
• Under the guidance of the Chief and Integrations Team Policy Specialist of VASS and in close collaboration with the Regional Offices, carry out regional and sub-regional consultations and develop focused intelligence to identify main priorities and needs;
•  Undertake analyses and contribute to the interagency work for the UN Common Country Analysis as a multi-dimensional document that shows the interlinkages and integrated nature of the SDGs;
• Analyze accurate, reliable and coherent inputs, both qualitative and quantitative, support decision making processes and promote volunteerism with UN Agencies, inter-governmental bodies, civil society organizations, donors and national counterparts;
• Support the Regional Office Managers’ efforts to scope possible advisory engagements with regional and national clients and articulate strategic and thoroughly documented proposals in close coordination within VASS; 
• Contribute to UN Reform related mechanisms by providing Regional Managers with substantive technical support for consideration and integration into the Peer Support Group´s analytical work within the framework of their support to UNCT´s planning work for country analyses and UN Cooperation Frameworks;    
• Liaise and engage with the Field Units, in close coordination with the Regional Offices, for guidance, monitoring and technical guidance in the identification and shaping of opportunities for volunteerism integration.

Coordination and monitoring for integration

• Based on direct knowledge and understanding of the region covered, interact closely with UNV´s organizational units to ensure quality synergies and coordinated service offer for volunteerism engagement;
• Monitor the emerging, existing, and evolving socio-economic and political context in the region to enable adequate and focused response for UNV’s support;
• Proactively seek involvement with local communities through joint local initiatives for sensitizing and capacity building on volunteerism and its integration in development¸

Advocacy and partnerships building

• Actively promote and advocate for UNV’s contributions to development showcasing volunteerism as a key vehicle for SDG implementation;
• Support the development of sustainable partnerships at the regional level with the UNRCO, UN agencies, government entities, regional organizations, economic commissions, private sector, foundations, civil society, volunteer involving organizations and donors to increase the mobilization of UN Volunteers, and the integration of volunteerism into development planning;
• Participate in fora and special events with technical presentations and consolidating feedback from different communities of interest.

Knowledge management and dissemination

• Identify and document key lessons derived from evidence monitoring on volunteerism for wider dissemination and utilization in advancing partnerships and capacity investments. Select inputs for shaping policies, tools and mechanisms for improved performance;
• Contribute to UNV’s research and knowledge assets, including the UNV Knowledge Portal related to volunteerism to provide credibility and legitimacy in UNV’s convening role among volunteer involving organizations;
• Participate in and contribute to regional communities of practice and other knowledge management mechanisms to actively promote exchange of experiences and good practices on volunteerism.

Core

• Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

• Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

• People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

• Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

• Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Technical/Functional

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 20130 and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

• Development Planning and Monitoring

Ability to develop business and planning processes at the national and local level and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations

• Resource Mobilization

Ability to identify and organize programmes and projects to implement solutions and generate resources

• Partnerships

Ability to engage with other agencies, donors, and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relationships

• Results-based Management

Ability to manage programmes and projects with a strategy aimed at improved performance and demonstrable results

• Data management

Ability to develop and execute architectures, policies, practices and procedures in order to manage the information lifecycle needs of UNV

• Relationship Management

Ability to engage and foster strategic partnerships with other parties, Inter-Agency Coordination and forge productive working relationships

• Knowledge Management

Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge

Education:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, planning and programme development, or a related field. 

Experience:

• 5 years of relevant work experience at national or international level in programme development and management;
• Knowledge of and experience in volunteerism preferably in a development setting is highly desirable;
• Experience in the UN system or other international organizations is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English.
• Knowledge of another UN language will be an asset.

Other:

• Good understanding of and commitment to volunteerism and volunteer action and familiarity with civil society organizations at both international and national levels.

Note:

• Only short-listed applicants will be contacted;

• 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.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Contract Duration: 2 Year with possibility for extension