UNV Project Assistant

Job ID/Title :     591 - UNV Project Assistant
Brand : UNV
Post Level :National UNV Volunteer Specialist
Application Deadline :15-Nov-12
Duty Station : Ramallah  
Languages Required :Arabic, English,   
Duration of Initial Contract :     Six Months
   
Background:
The United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV) jointly with the United Nations Development Programme UNDP are seeking an experienced National United Nations Volunteer Specialist “Project Assistant” for duration of twelve months, renewable based in Jerusalem.
 
This post is a United Nations Volunteers assignment and based on the values of free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. Volunteering brings benefit to the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically, as well as socially. It contributes to creating social cohesion and capital, through helping to build trust and reciprocity among citizens.
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, UNV 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, UNV 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 UNV volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

Description of Responsibilities:
Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Poverty Reduction Team leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
-Provide project administration, management and implementation support to the Project Team in their daily tasks; this will include preparing letters and faxes in English and Arabic, copying, filing, editing, formatting computer documents, central record keeping, data input and UNDP/PAPP systems follow-up and processing, etc.;
-Assist in capitalizing on already existing management structures and help improving communication and coordination mechanisms and procedures amongst the various stakeholders;
-Assist in preparing inception reports, work plans and regular donor progress for the project;
-Ensure the compiling, copying of all project reports;
-Liaise with counterparts and project staff for any requirements regarding projects (especially for arranging meetings, requesting documents, etc.) and prepare reports in English when needed;
-Draft meeting minutes for the DEEP Committees and Team meetings;
-Manage subcontracts and other project-related transactions, ensuring updated records;
-Maintain records of project files and other support documents in hard and soft copies;
-Manage and supervise administrative paperwork required for project implementation;
-Supervise the administration of travel, claims, petty cash, and accounts;
-Maintain staff contracts and records;
-Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Project Management;
-When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, 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 expected 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 Outputs:
 
-Efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to have a positive impact on the execution of the project’s administrative services in terms of quality and accuracy.
Accurate data entry, presentation of information and client-oriented approach strengthens the capacity of the office in the provision of administrative services.
-A 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.
Profile Requirements:
The UN Volunteer must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who wants to contribute to development in the oPt through promotion of volunteerism. S/he will support the infrastructure unit with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required:
Competencies :
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;
-Technological Awareness - Fully proficient computer skills, particularly in using relevant technology and its application to archives, library, documentation and record keeping.
-Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.
 
Qualifications :
a) Qualifications, skills, experience:
The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports project activities with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required:
-High school diploma in Administration, Financial Management, Programme Management or related field from a recognized college or university; Bachelor Degree would be an asset;
-Minimum of two years experience, preferably programme experience in a team environment, including strong organizational and administrative skills and demonstrating increasing responsibility;
-Fluency in Arabic and English; strong English communications skills (written and oral);
-Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
-Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

b)Competencies and values:
 
Living Conditions:
As this is a national UNV assignment, the incumbent will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Conditions of Service:
A 12-month contract, renewable (depending on availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance); monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to US$ 740  (rate may change based on local cost of living, with due notice given); settling-in-grant (only if current residence outside of duty station); life, health, and permanent disability insurance; resettlement allowance upon satisfactory of service and assignment.

Interested and qualified candidates are kindly requested to apply on-line no later than 15 November 2012 to the following address:
 

UNV Programme
UNDP/PAPP Jerusalem
Ref: UNV  Project Assistant

Equal Employment Opportunity prohibits discrimination against anyone. It attempts to ensure that all applicants, males-females and all races have a fair opportunity in a hiring process, in competing for promotions, and equal access to training/professional development opportunities.