Application deadline: 15 January 2009

This post is financed by the Government of Norway.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is seeking a qualified Norwegian national for the following UNV volunteer position:

Post Title: UNV Program Officer
Host Agency: United Nations Development programme (UNDP)/United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme
Duty Station: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Language: Fluent in written and spoken English; Knowledge of Russian language or Uzbek is an asset

Duration:  Two years
Application Deadline:  15 January 2009 (only Norwegian nationals may apply)

Under the direction and overall guidance of the UNDP Resident Representative, the UNV PO is expected to perform the following functions:

Promotion of Volunteerism

• Promote volunteerism and voluntary action within UNDP and the UN System, as well as at government, NGO and community levels in the process of MDG achievement; 
• Encourage local and national structures in the promotion of volunteerism for sustainable human development; 
• Pursue with the national/local leaders the policies and technical cooperation as an important means to improve the effectiveness of volunteerism; Further promote local practices of volunteering and work with local volunteers, working together for building social cohesion and solidarity; 
• Liaise with UN Agencies, bilateral institutions and governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop collaboration for the use of volunteer resources, including UNV.

Programme Development and Management

• Draft and revise project proposals of UNV-executed projects;
• Provide substantive input to the UNDP Programme Team;
• Manage projects under UNV responsibility and provide substantive advice as required; 
• Participate in discussions with programme/project management and UNV volunteers on project progress, revisions, implementation schedules and constraints, etc; 
• Keep abreast of developments of UNV volunteers contribution to the country; 
• Familiarize with development and cooperation activities of the UN and any other agencies; 
• Participate in Country Programme formulation exercises with a view to identifying opportunities for volunteer input; 
• Ensure preparation and delivery of necessary tenders (e.g. documents, purchase orders etc.) both to UNVHQ and UNDP CO.

Public relations and Conversations

• Act as focal point for the preparation, co-ordination and dissemination of information materials related to the UNV programme and specific UNV activities for local and international media, UNV News, UN information services, etc.; 
• Develop an information-base on locally available, relevant socio-economic information, maintain constant dialogue with host agencies to update information; 
• Organize collaborative activities such as International Volunteer Day and other efforts with local and international volunteer agencies in promoting volunteerism; 
• Encourage networks and discussions among “returned” volunteers and utilize their knowledge and experience to facilitate the above activities; 
• Undertake solicit inquiries/applications for UNV to guide to suitable advice.

UNV Recruitment and Assignment Planning and Management

• Assist agencies requesting the services of UNV in the preparation of job descriptions, including carrying-out of baseline surveys at designated site locations etc.; 
• Follow up with relevant authorities on UNV positions and candidates submitted to UNV HQs until finding a suitable candidate; 
• Ensure maintenance of updated records of the present status of all serving UNV volunteers and initiate timely action on decisions concerning post extensions, renewals and replacements; 
• Support the UNV in building professional competencies as required, for effective contribution to the host agency/country; 
• Monitor the work of the UNV volunteers through on-site visits, writing up field visit reports; 
• Ensure improvement of UNV reporting requirements as a mandatory advice of UNV HQs; 
• Extend support and guidance to the UNV in the country, maintaining mutual support networks. 
• Support in the special recruitment drives as requested by UNV HQs of candidates living in the country through organizing interviews, with the participation of UNDP and/or relevant UN Agency representatives and subject-matter specialists, to assess their suitability for the UNV assignments, ensuring other administrative formalities, including pre-departure briefing.

Briefing and Orientation Support

• Organise briefing and orientation to newly arrived UNV volunteers on UNV/UNDP and host agencies policies and procedures, socio-economic and security conditions, project environment and staff, etc. with the involvement of UNDP CO, relevant host agency and/or project authorities as appropriate; 
• Arrange periodic retreats and/or meetings among the UNV volunteers, as deemed necessary; 
• In cooperation with UN Field Security Coordinator’s Office, UN Designated Official and host agencies, ensure detailed understanding on global security coordination, country-based security plan and management, individual and organisational responsibilities, e.g. ensure orderly evacuation/relocation of the UNV as authorised by the UN Security Coordinator and administering the payment of relevant entitlements; 
• Ensure continued flow of information and keep the latest UNV contacts and the security situation at any given time at duty stations; 
• Keep UNV HQs informed regularly on the security situation in the country and concerns, if any, and measures to be taken.

Any other tasks as reasonably assigned by UNDP CO and/or the UNV HQ

Qualifications and Experience Required

• University Degree at the Masters level in Development Studies, International Affairs/Cooperation, Business Administration and relevant discipline in Social Sciences;
• 5-7 years relevant working experience in programme development and management, civil society organisations, including volunteer involving organisations;
• Understanding and articulation of development issues;
• Knowledge of the UN system, especially UNDP is an asset;
• Fluent in written and spoken English; Knowledge of Russian language or Uzbek is an asset
• Commitment to volunteering and previous engagement in a volunteering activity.

The full Terms of Reference of this assignment will be provided upon request.

UNV volunteers receive:

• A Settling-in-Grant
• A Volunteer Living Allowance for basic living costs
• Travel costs
• Annual Leave
• Life, health and permanent disability Insurances
• A resettlement allowance upon completion of an assignment, based on its duration

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Please reply by email, attaching a CV (Resume) and an application letter in English. Use the following subject line: Application – UNV Programme Officer - Uzbekistan 
The email should be sent to sonam.lhaky@unvolunteers.org.

Note: Acknowledgements will be sent to short-listed applicants only.

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.
For further information, visit www.unvolunteers.org