United Nations Volunteers Office in New York Outreach and Partnership Consultant

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. UNV is administered by and aligned with the strategic goals of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), including those relating to support to the United Nations System as a whole. It operates amidst growing recognition that achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) will require the ingenuity, solidarity, and creativity of millions of ordinary people through voluntary action. As part of those, every year more than 7300 UN Volunteers, representing 160 different nationalities, are active participants in the programmes of the United Nations itself and almost all United Nations Funds, Programmes and Specialized Agencies in more than 130 countries. UNV is headquartered in Bonn, Germany and has approximately 150 staff positions – the majority in Bonn with some dozen positions in different UN peacekeeping missions, and other Headquarters locations (e.g. New York and Tokyo). In the field, UNV has country office teams, composed of UNV Programme Officers (UNV volunteers) and Country Office Assistants, in many of the UNDP country offices. The major organizational groups within UNV are: The Office of the Executive Coordinator (OEC);The Evaluation Unit; The Corporate Planning and Performance Unit; The Volunteer Programme and Management Group (VPMG) comprising the Peace and Development Divisions; Volunteer Recruitment Resources Section (VRRS); Volunteer Knowledge and Innovation Section (VKIS); supported by a Quality Assurance Unit; The Partnerships and Communications Division (PCD); and The Management Services Division (MSD) comprising sections for Information Support Services, Finance, Human Resources, as well as Units for Common Services and Administration. Organizational Setting The UNV Office in New York is part of the Partnerships and Communications Division (PCD) of UNV and is the focal point for strengthening UNV’s relationship with UNDP/HQ and for partnership building with locally-based UN Agencies and Diplomatic missions. Its focus is on maintaining and strengthening relations with UNDP headquarters, UN Secretariat headquarters and UN system agencies; representing UNV in key New York-based forums and taskforces; liaising with Bonn, Germany. The consultancy will require interaction with these partners primarily and others that will be identified, as part of the office’s responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the UNV Office in New York, the consultant will carry out the tasks described below. Particular emphasis will be on the development of outreach and advocacy strategies for enhancing UNV’s partnerships with universities, foundations, the private sector, and other relevant organizations. There will be a focus on building and identifying strategic partnerships to advance UNV’s agenda through advocacy for volunteerism. Additionally, the consultant will be responsible in supporting strategic planning and coordination functions in partnership development. Assist the Chief of the UNV Office in NY (ONY) in monitoring potential partnerships at the UN, universities, foundations, the private sector, and other organizations. Support corporate efforts to integrate UNV priorities into at least two (2) UN policy-setting processes. Support VPMG in targeted outreach to at least five (5) New York-based UN partners and establish formal focal point relation with them (ONY-PS-UN partner). Develop formal volunteer-mobilization-oriented collaboration between UNV ONY and at least one (1) North-American University and one (1) US-based nonprofit institution or foundation.   Assist the Chief of UNV ONY in the development of a new modality of collaboration between UNV and Universities Support the Chief in delivering quality advice to UNV Bonn on the development of UNV partnership strategy Identify and research common interests and goals of prospective partners and support ONY in developing joint initiatives that reflect potential avenues for UNV policy engagement Act as the focal point for mapping out potential partners that could assist in UNV’s mission Prepare materials about UNV’s activities, as and when required for New York based stakeholders Develop and maintain a common internal database for all contacts of UNV ONY Advocate for UNV’s role in the promotion of volunteerism in peace and development Attend related meetings, task forces and workshops as needed, drafting notes for official records. Draft and contribute to briefing notes and talking points for the Chief of UNV ONY. UNV ONY Partnership Database Develop a common internal database for all contacts for UNV ONY End of May 2013  Report on Potential Partnerships for Universities Research and Mapping of Universities Partners End of June 2013  Report on Potential Partnerships for UNV ONY Research and Mapping of Foundations or Private Sector Partners End of July 2013  UNV Youth Modalities and Partnership Report on German Mission to the UN Support implementation of UNV’s Youth Volunteer Strategy 12 August: International Youth Day Research and Map potential partnership events with other stakeholders August 2013 MDG Special Event at HLPF Develop and implement partnership strategy for side-event during UN MDG High-Level event/Summit 12 September: UN Day for South-South Cooperation September 2013  UNV Online Volunteers/Intergenerational Awareness International Day for Older Persons Awareness Campaign 01 October 2013  Report on implementation of Outreach and Partnership Strategy Modalities for partnership with Foundation , Universities, NGOs or Private Sector November 2013  Develop Partnership Strategy for International Volunteer Day 2013 Partner with liked-minded entities focusing on volunteering for IVD 2013 celebrations. 05 December 2013

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: Demonstrate integrity by modeling values and UN ethics standards Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNV Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity, adaptability, and tolerance Skills to work as a valuable team member Constructive and enthusiastic approach to program of work Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment Functional Competencies: Good knowledge of UNV’s mandate Ability to identify opportunities and build strong relationships with clients and partners Motivated, well organized with good research skills Independent worker,  able to work with multiple stakeholders from different cultures and backgrounds Excellent interpersonal skills; capable to take initiative Outstanding oral, negotiation and writing skills, with proven ability to meet tight deadlines Substantive knowledge of civil society, UN system and civic engagement issues Capability to problem solve; flexibility, and adaptability to changing situations Capacity to manage workload with minimum supervision.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in International Relations, Development or a related field Experience: Minimum one year relevant experience Research ability; strategic, analytical and drafting abilities Good understanding of and commitment to volunteerism and volunteer action and familiarity with civil society organizations at both international and national levels Knowledge of volunteering issues and their link to social development, an asset Volunteer experience, an asset Sound knowledge of the United Nations system in general and UNDP, in particular at UN HQ Language Requirements: Fluency in English required. Good working knowledge of either Spanish or French is a plus. Click here for important information for US Permanent Residents  (Green Card holders)    http://jobs-intra.undp.org/cj_us_permanent_card_holders.cfm

Click here for important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders).

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.

http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=36738