Job: NUNV PROJECT COORDINATION OFFICER

Location : Prishtina, Kosovo, UN Administered Territory

Application Deadline : 15-Oct-13

Additional Category : Poverty Reduction

Type of Contract :UNV

Post Level : UNV

Languages Required : English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Nov-2013

Duration of Initial Contract : 6 months with possibility of extension

Expected Duration of Assignment : 6 months with possibility of extension

Background

Preamble:

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, 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.

UNV Assignment Title: NUNV Project Coordination Office

Type of Assignment: National UN Volunteer

Project Title: Rapid Responses for Community Stabilization Project

Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension

Location:Pristina, Kosovo

Expected Starting Date: 1 November 2013

Brief Project Description:

The intervention addresses directly the fragmentation, the sense of inequality and sensitivity to conflict in Kosovo's communities, by extending rapid support to vulnerable individuals and communities that are at risk of social exclusion because of underdeveloped livelihoods, poor living conditions and lack of social protection. A particular emphasis will be placed on the needs of non-majority communities and individuals, with special focus on women or women-led households. The project will contribute to community stabilization by promoting cooperation and peace, through direct social and economic support and activities of shared interest for communities.

1. The project objective will be accomplished through the following activities:Improvement of living conditions
2. Cultural, economic and environmental actions, promoting stability and cooperation between communities
3. Social support for individuals in needThe project will cooperate with and engage all relevant local and central level institutions and CSOs. The initiative is co-funded between the Office of the Prime Minister for Community Affairs and the Ministry of Local Government Administration and builds on previous UNDP pilot activities to support community stabilization Kosovo-wide, including in the northern municipalities.

Host Agency/Host Institute: UNDP

Organizational Context:

The primary and overarching objective of United Nations Development Programme in Kosovo is the eradication of poverty in the context of sustainable development, including the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals, and promotion of United Nations fundamental principles. The core dimension in our approach is investing in human development, wealth creation (with emphasis on issues such as entrepreneurship, job creation) and institutional reform and capacity development. The empowerment of women is key to all development and gender equality is a core part of all policy strategies. The MDG agenda and the economic, social and environmental dimensions of development include many development activities from democratic governance, economic and social reforms, conflict prevention, social justice, promotion of access to public services, the environment and sustainable management of natural resources, pro-poor economic growth, trade development, gender equality and social inclusion. The United Nations Development Programme - Kosovo addresses the challenges and helps through two programme teams and three practice areas: Democratic Governance, Inclusive growth and Energy and Environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Description of tasks:

Under the direct supervision of the Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst of UNDP Kosovo the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• In coordination with Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst prepare Call for Proposals;
• Perform continuous needs assessment of non-majority communities in the field and identify possibilities for follow-up projects or additional activities within the communities;
• Disseminate information about the project activities and the call for proposals among non-majority communities and potential beneficiaries and assist the non-majority communities to prepare applications for the call for proposals;
• Compile applications for assistance and prepare them for the selection committee meetings;
• Assist in organizing of the regular beneficiary selection committee meetings (preparing minutes of the meetings, sending out invitations, reserving the venue etc.);
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and quality of the project activities in the field;
• Assist in identifying the relevant stakeholders and other projects at the local and community level in Kosovo to ensure coordination and collaboration, prevent overlapping of activities, and to identify possibilities for organizing joint activities;
• Capture lessons learnt during project implementation and share these with the UNDP Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst and/or UNDP projects;
• Identify success stories within the communities supported by the project and assist the UNDP Kosovo programme in external communication activities;
• Assist in preparation of project progress reports and final reports and other documents (especially with gathering data from the field);
• Perform any other duties within the scope of work assigned by the Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged 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:

• Needs of the non-majority communities identified and assessed in the field, and communicated further for the UNDP Inclusive Growth Programme Analyst
• Information about the project and assistance in preparation of applications provided for potential beneficiaries from non-majority communities
• Possibilities for partnerships and joint activities identified and collaboration between and among communities, relevant local level stakeholders and UNDP Kosovo promoted
• Progress and quality of the project activities in the field and within the communities monitored and evaluated effectively
• Lessons learnt, best practices and success stories based on implementation of the project in the field identified and shared with UNDP programme and communications staff.
• Assistance in preparation of documents and meetings provided.
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of activities participated in and capacities developed.

Living Conditions:

UNDP Kosovo Office is located in Pristina, national UN volunteer should be able to commute to respective office by own (no cost coverage for transportations).

UNDP Kosovo Office is located in Pristina, national UN volunteer should be able to commute to respective office by own (no cost coverage for transportations).

Conditions of Service

A six monthly contract (with possibility of extension); monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to 455 Euro, life, health, and permanent disability insurance; resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Application Instructions:

• Click on the 'Apply now' button.
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit 'submit application' tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11).
• System will only allow one attachment. All docs (P11, academic qualifications/diploma) should be included as one attachment
• Without the completed and signed P11, your application may not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at this link: http://www.ks.undp.org/content/kosovo/en/home/operations/jobs

Competencies

Competencies:

• Communication and inter-personal skills:
• Communicates effectively with different kinds of people regardless of their ethnic or cultural background, and is outgoing and comfortable in handling external relations at all levels;
• Excellent interpersonal and liaison skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Demonstrates sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
• Is culturally sensitive and demonstrates appreciation and understanding for different cultures and practices.

Professional capacity:

• Excellent practical analytical skills
• Able to exercise sound judgment
• Adept at working in a highly pressured professional environment and ready to take on a wide range of tasks
• Works well in a team and projects a positive image
• Self-motivated and able to recommend innovative options for resolution of issues
• Able to handle confidential and politically sensitive issues in a responsible and mature manner

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree (or equivalent) in social science, public administration, political science, economic development, or other relevant field;
• Minimum of 2 years post master/university experience in a relevant field such as community development, project implementation, or progress monitoring and evaluation;
• Good general knowledge of Kosovo's socio-political issues and challenges;
• Valid driving license and practical experience of driving a car in Kosovo;
• Previous experience as a volunteer at local, national or international levels is a distinct advantage.

Computer skills:

• Experience working with Microsoft Office applications

Language skills:

• Knowledge of the Kosovo Official Languages, fluency in Serbian is an asset
• Excellent English language skills (written and spoken)

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.

More Info and Application