The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programmeis 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.
Regional Programme Assistant
Host Agency/Host Institute: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Organizational Context/Project: Working under the immediate supervision of the Project Officer (Training), Counter-Piracy Programme – Djibouti Code of Conduct, the incumbent will assist with all matters and activities relating to capacity building, developing legal frameworks and inter-agency cooperation, to promote regional maritime security, in particular to countering piracy and other unlawful activities at sea.
Living Conditions
The incumbent will find his/her own housing arrangements in Nairobi. Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services are available locally at reasonable cost. The city is at a high altitude, with sunny days and cooler nights. There is a short rainy season before Christmas, and longer rains fall from March to May. November to February is generally warm. No need for central heating, however warm clothes are necessary during the rainy season. There are several transportation options in Nairobi, including taxis, buses, mini-buses, and mobile applications for transport. Public healthcare in Nairobi is generally subpar, but there are private healthcare options that are of better quality. The city is widely connected through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both UN HABITAT and UNEP, and as the UN Regional Hub for the East and Horn of Africa region. Security is an issue in Nairobi, with incidents of car-jacking and theft not uncommon. Safety and security in Nairobi varies depending on different neighborhoods, and it is important to become familiarized with safety recommendations for the city. Telecommunication system in Nairobi is generally sufficient. Internet access is generally reliable. There are fairly frequent power cuts, however most of the shared compounds have generators. Water supply can also be an issue as Kenya often experiences drought. In these situations expats may need to supplement their water supply by buying in water tankers. Kenyans are wonderfully friendly and tolerant to visitors. English is the first language spoken here, though most Kenyans are trilingual, using tribal languages and Kiswahili.
Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers
A 12 month contract; with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.
Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of KES 80,541.17 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of Project Officer, Djibouti Code of Conduct the national UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
- Collating and mapping of Capacity Building (CB) needs from participating States and ensuring that needs get the attention of implementing partners.
- Keeping track of related ongoing and planned regional CB activities and developing communication strategies for better coordination with implementing partners to gain synergy/ avoid duplication.
- Promoting the work of the DCoC by publicising achievements and best practices
- Implement effective DCoC communications strategy
- Provide support in drafting of annual DCoC Brochure, annual reports, as well as monthly or bi-monthly bulletins
- Collating training needs of DCoC participating countries and ensuring that the training needs matrix is regularly updated on a country-by-country basis
- Perform other related duties, as required.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required 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 IVD);
- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
- 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.;
- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Results/Expected Output:
- Development of workshop materials
- Coordination of capacity building efforts
- Effectively communicating outputs and success stories to encourage sharing of best practices
- A final statement of achievements during the assignment, such as activities participated in, positive outcome and capacities developed.
Competencies
- Job Knowledge and Technical expertise
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Thoroughness and excellent attention to detail in all responsibilities, ensuring accuracy in delivery and implementation.
- Capacity for independent planning and ability to work accurately under pressure.
- Ability to draft effectively and convey information in a logical manner.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels.
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications, especially Word and Excel.
Required Skills and Experience
Education
Bachelor degree in in Maritime security, Maritime Policy or Maritime Law. Masters degree is desired
Experience
Minimum of two years professional experience in programme delivery with proven ability to demonstrate:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Thoroughness and excellent attention to detail in all responsibilities, ensuring accuracy in delivery and implementation.
- Capacity for independent planning and ability to work accurately under pressure.
- Ability to draft effectively and convey information in a logical manner.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels.
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications, especially Word and Excel.
More Information
- Job City Nairobi
