Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UN Volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.
ContextThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both societies and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens and purposefully creating participation opportunities. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers worldwide, including experienced UN Volunteers. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity. The Multi-Country Field Unit (MCFU) are based in Pretoria and manages UNV operations in Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the overall direction of the Regional Portfolio Specialist and direct supervision of the Multi-Country Coordinator (MCC), the UN Volunteer will undertake the duties below: 1) Business development for volunteer mobilization: โข Liaise in conjunction with the MCC, targeted UN agencies across the MCFU countries to ensure a better understanding of UNVโs mandate, key offers, and the added value that UN Volunteer assignments brings to supporting the achievement of their respective mandates; โข Identify volunteer placement opportunities and present UNV's value proposition and volunteer modalities to maximize international and national volunteer presence, including collaboration in the preparation of descriptions of assignments with partner agencies and other partners across the MCFU countries; โข Support the MCFU in building strategic partnerships with UN entities by identifying relevant entry points for UNVโs mobilization of volunteers based on the development challenges and priorities in the MCFU countries; โข Support with UNV positioning in relevant projects/programme solutions, response planning processes, regional and country response strategic documents, country emergency task forces and assessments to identify opportunities for volunteers and volunteer placement. 2) Talent Acquisition โข Develop and implement a comprehensive MCFU Talent Acquisition Plan and an MCFU visibility and awareness campaign; โข Conduct mapping of the institutions (NGOs, Universities, Job Portals, Volunteer Networks, volunteer organizations, Facebook Groups and Governmental Institutions responsible for legislation and implementation of volunteerism) in each of the five countries to be engaged in the MCFU Talent Plan; โข Support with outreach activities to attract potential candidates and monitor talent acquisition processes to ensure alignment with UNV goals and values; โข Conduct promotional events, partnership initiatives, on-site and online talent acquisition events, fairs, and awareness campaigns to increase the MCFU countriesโ local talent pools and generate a consistent, diverse flow of applications to meet recruitment targets. 3) Communication; โข Design, develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy and plan to advance UNV initiatives; โข Coordinate internal communication initiatives such as town hall meetings and staff meetings; โข Maintain and manage the MCFUโs social media accounts by posting and tagging on Facebook and X; โข Editing, writing and producing various communication materials such as press releases, concept notes, newsletters, monthly reports, speeches, talking points and website content; โข Support with increasing the visibility of the MCFU countries and volunteer contribution through publications - draft/review impact stories, newsletters etc.; โข Develop and showcase the MCFUโs impact stories for UNV publications, websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; โข Support and closely coordinate with the MCFU countries and the regional office monthly content sourcing; โข Support the Programme Assistant with events planning and management as well as mission planning and preparation.
Competencies and valuesProfessionalism; Integrity, Teamwork and respect for diversity; Commitment to continuous learning; Planning and organizing; Communication; Flexibility; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement.
Living conditions and remarksBigger cities in South Africa can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world-class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world-class airport offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. Many international airlines fly to this airport. Crime rates in South Africa are ranked on the high end; petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs, and hijackings are also frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant, especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually signposts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email, providing information at the national level with regard to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are ad hoc and follow security-related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided this week. UN Volunteers receive the below entitlements: โข A Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): R22,926.08 per month; โข A once-off entry lump sum of $400 at the start of the assignment; โข Medical insurance; Life cover, and annual leave; โข Access to all learning platforms; โข A once-off exit lump sum at the end of the assignment.