Programme Assistant

Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN (United Nations) 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.

ContextThis position is located in the UNV Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNV ROLAC). UNV ROLAC operates in all countries in Latin America and the entire English, Spanish and French-speaking Caribbean, hosting more than 1,000 Volunteers every year. Programme Assistant will mainly support efforts in Non-Field Unit countries covered by the UNV ROLAC. The Programme Assistant plays a crucial role in the effective mobilization of UN Volunteers by providing comprehensive administrative and operational assistance. She/he is integral to increasing volunteer engagement, in line with UNV’s Strategic Framework, ensuring responsiveness to the evolving demand of UN partners in the Non-Field Unit (Non - FU) countries covered by the UNV ROLAC.

Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Regional Portfolio Manager UNV ROLAC, the UNV Programme Assistant will provide support in the following tasks: a. UN Volunteer Mobilization and Management • Support the overall recruitment and deployment process of UN Volunteers and efficient volunteer management, bringing critical issues timely to the attention of the Programme Associate. • Liaise with HE (Host Entity) clients to determine areas of support for enhancing the Volunteer experience, including guidance for supervisors, tailoring training needs (CDLFs) and ensure that incoming and outgoing UN Volunteers are adequately briefed, onboarded and debriefed, and extend timely support and guidance to UN Volunteers in the non-FU countries covered by UNV ROLAC. • Ensure comprehensive maintenance of records for all UN Volunteers assigned to the non-FU countries covered by UNV ROLAC, systematically organizing and updating files to include relevant correspondence and periodic reports in the UNV platform; • Monitor and maintain records of the contractual status of serving UN Volunteers in the non- FU countries covered by UNV ROLAC, flagging any required follow-up actions to the Volunteer Services Centre (VSC); • Assist on the logistical and travel arrangements of arriving UN Volunteers and his/her recognized dependents; • Ensure the fulfilment of all required conditions prior to the disbursement of final entitlements to UN Volunteers upon the completion of their assignments; • Provide logistical and administrative support in required procurement processes; • Supports the organization with inductions for online and UN Volunteers, identifying Volunteer learning needs and assisting in the preparation of materials to meet these needs; • Support the organization with learning workshops for UN Volunteers. • Ensure overall management and administrative support to UN Volunteers. • Other Related Tasks: Perform any other related tasks as required or assigned by the supervisor. b. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing • Ensure knowledge is documented, systematized and fed back into volunteer mobilization and evidence building on volunteerism for the SDGs, and actively contribute to knowledge networks, communities of practice, and digital knowledge platforms; • Act as a peer-support resource for other Programme Assistants in the region as needed, facilitating the exchange of relevant information, best practices and lessons learned aimed at fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment that contributes to the success of the region. • Other Related Tasks: Perform any other related tasks as required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take an active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • 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 outputs: As an active UNV ROLAC team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNV and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Strengthen inter-agency and regional coordination activities, fostering effective collaboration and partnership; • Facilitate well-organized and productive regional meetings, workshops, and events; • Promote UN Volunteer engagement in non-Field Unit countries as SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) accelerators; • Present innovative inputs and suggestions for improved regional coordination; • Enhance regional and national planning and reporting efforts, improving operational efficiency; • Strengthen quality assurance processes and compliance for no-Field Unit countries; • Monitor events and activities, focusing on program effectiveness; • Deliver regular and structured reports, briefings, and presentations to support informed decision-making;

Competencies and values• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarksPanama is a family duty station and considered to be a safe place to live. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores and designer stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants There are beaches, mountains and national parks in the rainforest that it is said to have the broadest range of flora and fauna in the world. Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about, however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria. The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends the yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien province and the San Blas islands. Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80- and 90-degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70%. Average cost of living: USD1,120 Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, 'you'll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet. Panama is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. BENEFITS: (MLA) Monthly Living Allowance estimated at USD 1809.66 An entry lump sum of USD400.00 (paid in the first payroll). An exit allowance estimated at USD 150.81 for each month of service, paid upon contract completion. Insurance for medical, dental, and hospital care, as well as life and disability insurance. Medical insurance for eligible dependents. Check the Conditions of Service for eligibility details. Annual leave accrued at rate of 2.5 days per month