Preamble:

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV)programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peaceand development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature ofdevelopment and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer.UNV contributes to peace anddevelopment by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners tointegrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.

In most culturesvolunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions ofsharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers takepart in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peacetogether with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promotevolunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activitycan effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and socialrealities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people intheir host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers evenmore rewarding and productive.

1.Duration: Until 31 December 2012

2.Expected Starting Date: Immediate

3.Brief Project Description:

The overall objective of this project is to support early recoveryactivities undertaken by UNDP Pakistan through the mobilization of UN Volunteersand the promotion of volunteerism, by applying UNV’s business model which isbuilt on the three main thrusts of (i) advocacy for volunteerism for peace anddevelopment globally, (ii) integration of volunteerism into peace anddevelopment programming and (iii) mobilization of volunteers for peace anddevelopment.

The specific objective of this project is to support UNDP’s “EarlyRecovery and Restoration of Flood-Affected Communities in Pakistan” project by(a) deploying international UN Volunteers to support UNDP Islamabad’s floodresponse operations, (b) support some of UNDP’s main governmental counterpartsin this effort; and (c) deploying teams of national UN Volunteers in severelyflood-affected districts in Pakistan’s Sindh province.

4.Host Agency/Host Institute: UNDP

5. OrganizationalContext:

Under the overallsupervision of the UNDP Country Director, guidance and supervision of theCrisis Prevention and Recovery Unit Chief, and in direct supervision of the UNVProject Coordinator, the UNV CommunicationOfficer is responsible for providing information management support toUNDP and PDMA Sindh.

11. Description of tasks:

Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under thedirect supervision of PDMA Sindh and the UNV Project Coordinator, the UN Volunteerwill undertake the following tasks. He/she will work at PDMA Sindh office tosupport their communication tasks:

a) Monitor and assess developments in the floodrelated aid conducted by UNDP and PDMA Sindh, and their impact on the floodaffected population:

·RepresentUNDP/PDMA Sindh in the field; carry out field visits and meetings with theaffected population and representatives of the local communities/authorities;

·Pro-activelyreport on the flood related aid, social and economic developments in the floodaffected areas in Sindh on a daily/ad hoc basis;

·AssistPDMA Sindh in the development of trend analysis and provide recommendations onflood aid activities;

·Monitorall local sources of flood aid-related information, including the media, agencyreports and through regular contact with governmental and civilian institutionsand key informants; triangulate and verify information;

·Initiateand sustain regular contact and liaison with stakeholders involved in the floodaid activities with the consent of PDMA Sindh, to share information; supportthe development of a common and consistent analysis, and formulate scenariosfor action;

·Participatein coordination meetings to identify humanitarian issues and seek to developresponse mechanisms jointly with other stakeholders, including invitations,logistics, minutes and information dissemination, as required by UNDP/PDMASindh;

·SupportUNDP/PDMA Sindh in mobilizing resources and interventions to respond to gaps inexisting flood aid programmes.

b) Analyse humanitarian issues and support UNDP/PDMA Sindh advocacy:

·Carryout and/or participate in field briefings for media representatives, donors,officials and diplomats and maintain awareness of current flood aid activitiesand related issues in Sindh;

·Provideregular inputs for the production of weekly, monthly and ad hoc situationreports (i.e. Special Focus. reports, flood aid updates, presentations, etc.);

·Anyother related duties as may be required.

Furthermore,UN Volunteers are encouraged to:

·Strengthentheir knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by readingrelevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities(for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);

·Beacquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism inthe host country; network and build relationships with local organizations,groups or individuals, and support and/or participate in local volunteeringinitiatives; reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they areundertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;

·Contributearticles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNVpublications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; initiate and/orparticipate in local volunteer groups, including assisting them in submittingstories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;

·Promoteor advise local groups on the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevantlocal individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering servicewhenever technically possible;

·Encourage,mobilize and support co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the localcommunity to play an active part in peace and development activities on avoluntary basis;

·Discusswith supervisors how volunteerism for peace and development can be mainstreamedin the assignment and integrate activities promoting volunteerism for peace anddevelopment into work plans;

·Assistwith the UNV “buddy programme” for newly arriving UN volunteers.

12.Results/Expected Outputs:

·Efficient, timely,responsive, client-friendly and high-quality informationmanagement services rendered to the project;

·Afinal statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development duringyour assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized,activities participated in and capacities developed.

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNDP with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required

University degree, in International Relations, Development Studies, Communications or related field, or equivalent experience;
A minimum of 3 years of work experience;
Proven experience in field research, data analysis and report writing;
Proven experience in communication/advocacy work, especially in developing and maintaining relations with donors and media representatives;
A high level of spoken and written English, an ability to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style, and evidence of a record of successful report writing;
Fluency in English and Urdu, with strong oral and written communications skills; knowledge of local languages would be a plus;
Proficiency in computer software skills;
Valid national driving license;
Effective organizational skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan and coordinate own work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
Ability to work harmoniously with people of different backgrounds and national staff; experience in a multinational working environment would be an asset;
Must be able to work effectively in a politically sensitive environment and exercise discretion, impartiality and neutrality;
Ability to work under pressure, flexibility, and willingness to live and work in hazardous conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort;
Sound security awareness;
Commitment to UN core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.

b)Competencies and values

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; 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;
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, volunteers, counterparts, beneficiaries and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; 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 or 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;
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

14.Living Conditions

As this is a national UNV assignment, the volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

15.Conditions of Service

Settling-In-Grant and travel grant is provided when duty station is different from place of residence/recruitment. Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost-of-living expenses, is PKR 32,000. Life, health and permanent disability insurances are included and resettlement allowance is paid at the end of assignment.