UNV VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

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, UNV 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, UNV 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 UNV volunteers even more rewarding and
productive.

1. UNV Assignment Title: UNV Programme Officer

2. Type of Assignment: International UNV volunteer

3. Duration: 12 months (renewable, subject to funding and satisfactory

performance)

4. Location, Country: N’Djamena, Chad

5. Expected Starting Date: Immediate

6. Host Agency: UNDP

7. Organizational Context:

The UNV Programme Officer (UNV PO) is central to the UNV Programme at the country level and
is governed by the same Conditions of Service (COS) that define all other international UN
Volunteers in the country. As such, s/he is expected to uphold and promote the principles of the
United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme.
S/he will work, as direct supervisor, with a UNDP/UNV Country Office Assistant (COA) who will
provide substantive and administrative support as part of the UNV Field Unit. Being an integral part
of the programme component of the UNDP Chad country office and as head of the UNV Field Unit,
s/he will on a day-to-day basis report to the Deputy Country Director /Programme (DCD/P) of the
UNDP Chad country office, and to the Portfolio Manager of the Peace Division at UNV
Headquarters, to whom s/he is ultimately responsible, through the Resident Representative (RR)
of the UNDP Country Office.
The UNV Programme Officer’s role is full-time. However, s/he may be asked by the UNDP
Resident Representative and/or UNV Headquarters to undertake additional tasks with a view to
strengthening the UNV Programme Officer’s integration into the UNDP programme team.

8. Description of Duties:

Under the direct supervision of the DCD/P, the UNV Programme Officer will undertake the
following tasks:

a) Programme Development and Management:

Page 1 of 7
  Keep abreast of development s in the country which are relevant to the UNV Programme,
by drawing on locally available, relevant, up -to-date country and sectoral socio-economic
information, in a systematic manner, and by working in partnership with Government
Counterpart(s), UNDP, other UN Agencies, the private sector, NGOs and CSOs ;
 Familiarize oneself with the development cooperation activities of the Government, the UN
System and other development partners in Chad that offer possibilities for the use of
volunteers;
 Participate in the formulation of Common Country Assessments (CCA), UN Development
Assistance Frameworks (UNDAF) and UNDP’s Common Country Frameworks (CCF), with
a view to identifying opportunities for volunteer input;
 Participate in the Country Partnership Programme formulation exercise with a view to
provide UNV input;
 Develop links, and initiate and maintain networks among Government, NGO s, CBOs, UN
Agencies, the private sector and other development partners;
 Monitor closely the implementation of projects based on the work plans and verify activities
against actual budget expenditures;
 Carry out periodic budget revisions and rephasals, and scrutinise financial requests for
advance payments, with a view to avoid over -expenditure;
 Undertake field monitoring visits, provide technical guidance to project teams, analyse
project performance and deal with problems that hamper progress;
 Prepare analytic reports on field visits with appropriate recommendations for action;
 Participate in cluster/unit programme meetings and Project Appraisal Committees (PAC)
within the UNDP office;
 Participate in UN Thematic Task Force, sectoral consultative meetings as well as donor
meetings;
 In coordination with programme managers, prepare annual reports and convene review
meetings;

b) Management of UNV Operational Issues:

 Manage the day-to-day activities of the UNV Field Unit, including the supervision of the
UNV COA;
 Scrutinise all incoming correspondence and prepare appropriate responses;
 Prepare correspondences for the Resident Representative’s signature, to UNV HQs,
Government, UN Agencies, Private Sector, NGOs and CSOs on UNV-related matters;
 Attend all UNV-related meetings and brief the Senior Management as appropriate;
 Screen candidates applying for UNV assignments and take lead in their recruitment if they
are selected; compile interview reports on related dossiers for recruitment and dispatch to
UNV HQ;
 Extend personal support and guidance to the UN Volunteers and volunteers in the country
through the sharing of concerns and advice; and build up a mutual support network for
volunteers in Chad;
 Encourage networking and discussions among returned volunteers and utilize their
knowledge and experience to facilitate the UNV activities;
 Receive and provide briefing and orientation to all incoming UN Volunteers; provide
guidance and administrative support to the in -country serving UNV volunteers;
 Assist incoming and serving UN Volunteers with practicalities such as opening bank
accounts, finding accommodation, etc.; monitor living conditions of UN Volunteers through
field visits.
 Assist and monitor field deployment, including possible duty station transfers, of serving UN
Volunteers;

Page 2 of 7
  Monitor the performance of serving UN Volunteers through routine field visits to their duty
stations, discussions with their supervisors and counterparts, and follow-up on their
periodic reports; prepare comments for the Resident Representative;
 Prepare analytical bi-annual reports on the UNV programme;
 Manage and report on UNV support funds such as monitoring and evaluation funds,
equipment and travel budget, as well as Programme Officer’s Empowerment Mechanism
(POEM);
 Ensure adequate preparations for individual UN Volunteer assignments are made,
including the provision of administrative support, budget provisions, training facilities,
equipment, office space, etc., prior to the volunteer’s arrival ;
 Maintain comprehensive updated records of the contractual status of serving UN
Volunteers and initiate timely action on decisions concerning post extensions, renewals
and replacements.

c) Promotion of Volunteerism:

The UNV PO is expected to explore ways to relate to local expressions of volunteerism and to
voluntary organizations/civil society organizations. S/he is to ensure advocacy and promotion of
volunteerism in the country of assignment. Specific effort s will be made to:

 Advocate promotion of volunteerism within UNDP and UN System, and government, non-
governmental and community levels;
 Contribute to the promotion of voluntary action for, among others, social cohesion, conflict
resolution, peace-building and poverty reduction;
 Support the process of building space for voluntary action, including through
national/international volunteer assignments and as an important means to improving the
effectiveness of technical cooperation;
 Support and encourage the local and national structures in the promotion of volunteerism
for sustainable human development;
 Pursue with the Government and national/local leaders the adoption of policies and
legislation to support volunteerism;
 Work with and further promote the local practices of volunteering and people working
together for building social capital, social inclusion, cohesion and solidarity;
 Follow up on the recommendations of United Nations resolutions and any other
international volunteer-related legislation or reports that meet the country -specific needs;

Specifically, s/he will:

 In coordination with UNDP Chad and UNV Headquarters, assist as appropriate the
Government, NGOs and other institutions in Chad in promoting volunteerism for peace and
development to achieve national goals and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs);
 Assist as appropriate in promoting volunteerism in Chad, and participate in activities of the
Post-IYV Committee (including IYV+10 preparation and activities);
 Coordinate the activities of the annual celebration of International Volunteer Day (5
December);
 Closely work and collaborate with the media for sound publicity and awareness raising;
 Encourage serving volunteers to embrace the ideals of volunteerism and be the best
advocates of volunteer action, among others through training and provision of promotional
materials;
 Ensure that volunteerism is mainstreamed in major in-country development instruments,
e.g. National Human Development Reports (NHDR), strategies for MDG achievement,
CCA, UNDAF, CCF , and other Agencies’ Country Programmes and Evaluation Reports;

Page 3 of 7
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 International Volunteer Day);
 Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host
country; network and build relationships with local organizations, groups or individuals and
support and/or participate in local volunteering initiatives; 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.; initiate and/or participate in local
volunteer groups, including assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the
World Volunteer Web site;
 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;
 Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the
local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary
basis;
 Discuss with supervisors on how volunteerism for peace and development can be
mainstreamed through the assignment and integrate activities that promote volunteerism
for peace and development into work plans;
 Assist with the UNV “buddy programme” for newly-arrived UN Volunteers.

d) Security-related Support:

 Work closely with the Field Security Officer (FSO) and provide support to the UN
Designated Official (DO) in availing detailed understanding among UN Volunteers on global
security, coordination, country-based security plan and management;
 Maintain constant dialogue with DO/FSO and host agencies, and ensure continuous flow of
security updates among the UN Volunteers;
 While on field visits, assess the security situation in the duty station and provide advice to
the DO if necessary;
 Support the DO and host agency in the orderly evacuation/relocation of the UN Volunteers
as authorised by the UN Security Coordinator and administer payments of relevant
entitlements;
 Keep UNV HQs informed regularly o n the security situation in the country;

e) Public Relations, Partnership and Networking:

 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;
 Establish, foster and maintain working relationships with all agencies that utilise the
services of UNV volunteers, including Government Institutions, UN agencies, the Private
Sector, NGOs and CBO s;
 On a continuous basis, collect and share information on the work of UN Volunteers with
development partners to stimulate interest in the organisation;
 Develop information kits and other promotional materials for the UNV programme .

Page 4 of 7
9. Qualifications/Requirements:

a) Qualifications, skills and experience:

The UNV Programme Officer must be a dynamic, multi -functional person, who supports the UNV
Programme with professionalism and dedication. The following qualifications are required:

 An advanced university degree, preferably in social sciences , public administration,

international relations, development studies, or any other related or relevant field, from a
recognized university;
 A few years of progressively responsible experience in project management and
development programming and administration ; previous relevant experience within the UN
System or an NGO setting at national or international level, or other organizations with
comparable mandates and working conditions, would be an asset;
 Solid knowledge of common office software (word processing, spreadsheets, email, etc.);
general ability to operate databases; proficiency in standard computer hardware (desktop,
laptop, printer, scanner);
 Great autonomy, initiative, dynamism and creativity;
 Good interpersonal skills as well as strong advocacy, negotiation, presentation and team-
building skills;
 Sound working knowledge in oral and written French and English; knowledge of Arabic is a
plus;
 Ability to perform duties under stress and in insecure, isolated and potentially hostile
environments;
 Valid national driver’s license; ability to drive manual gear 4x4 vehicle over rough terrain;
 Sound security awareness;
 Affinity with or interest in developing countries, humanitarian relief, post -crisis situations,
volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, the UN System and/or African
culture.

b) Competencies and values:

Professionalism: broad and in-depth knowledge, understanding and experience in Networks and
Information Technology Systems..; hands-on technical training and problem-solving skills, good
knowledge of relevant ICT policies, structure and strategy as it relates to area of assignment;
ability to assess network needs; technological background and experience in network design and
implementation;
demonstrated ability to apply good judgment and be accurate; ability to take initiative, ownership,
and work independently under established procedures; willingness to accept wide responsibilities;
Integrity: demonstrate the values of the UN in daily activities and behaviours while acting without
consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by
decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in
cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority.
Communication: good spoken and written communication skills., good interpersonal skills;
Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules
and regulations;
Planning and Organizing: ability to establish priorities and to plan and coordinate own work;
ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent
projects/activities;
Teamwork and Respect for Diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational
boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working
relations in a cross-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;

Page 5 of 7
Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in hazardous and remote conditions, involving
physical hardship and little comfort, and to operate independently in austere environments for
protracted periods, to include possible travel within the Mission area; willingness to transfer to
other duty stations within the Mission area as necessary;
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity,
compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN Core Values

10. Living Conditions:

Chad is a landlocked country in the centre of Africa. It is one of the poorest countries on earth,
ranking 175th out of 182 countries on the 2009 HDI list. It is officially French-speaking (with many
people also speaking Arabic, but few English) and its capital is N’Djamena. It is in many respects
similar to, although less mediatized than, its eastern neighbour Sudan, for instance in terms of the
north-south divide (both geographically and societal/religion-wise); several latent or open internal
tensions, among others related to ethnical diversity and/or land issues; ubiquity of small arms;
large parts of the country are scenario of manifestation of violence, are subject to frequent banditry
(“coupeurs de route”) and are highly militarized; a large population of IDPs and refugees; and
strained relationships with its neighbours, not in the least with Sudan itself. Large swaths of the
country are in “pre-/post-conflict” mode, and security is a serious concern, especially in the border
area with Darfur/Sudan (the area east of Abéché).

The entire country is in Security Phase III, with the Abéché region in Phase IV. Because of all
these reasons, the whole of Chad is a non -family duty station.
The climate in Chad is Sahelian. Temperatures are around 45°C in the warm season. In the rainy
season, many roads are impassable and flooding is frequent.
The cost of accommodation in N’Djamena is comparatively high as compared to eastern Chad.
Many expatriate staff, including UN Volunteers, choose to share accommodation for financial,
social and security reasons. Modest, furnished accommodation (on a sharing basis) costs between
US$ 500 -700 per month on average. There are two international franchise chain hotels in
N’Djamena, namely Kempinski and Novotel, but they are expensive. In eastern Chad, for security
reasons, it is recommended to stay within UN Guest Houses , which offer accommodation , also
on a share basis, at special subsidized rates for UN Volunteers.
Telephone, water and electricity are relatively expensive, and power outages can be frequent
during the warm season. As a result, generators are often used.
Food is available in N’Djamena from the local market as well as a few superstores (“Alimentation
Générale”). There are a number of restaurants in N’Djamena, including African, French, Chinese,
Lebanese and Indian. In eastern Chad as well, vegetables and meat are available in local markets,
usually in the form of an open-air fair once a week where m any other commodities can be found.
Because of widespread poverty and weak infrastructure and community facilities in the country,
leisure is somewhat reduced. In the capital, however, it is possible to play tennis, do horseback
riding, swimming, etc. Panel discussions and film screenings are regularly held.
Living and working conditions in the east of the country (town of Abéché and eastward) can be
particularly difficult and even monotonous, as most towns and settlements are relatively small (e.g.
duty stations of Abéché, Goz Beida, Farchana, Iriba ), movement is limited because of security
reasons, amenities (electricity and water) are not always guaranteed on a 24 -hour basis,
recreation facilities are far and few 6 between, and contact with the local population is not always
easy (or even advisable) due to security issues and cultural differences (e.g. some areas have an
ingrained “culture of violence” and gender roles can be rigidly defined).
Upon arrival in Chad, UN Volunteers are advised to open an account with a local branch of one of
the foreign banks. The currency of such account s is normally the Euro. Daily transactions in Chad
are conducted either in Euro or in the local currency, which is the FCFA or “franc CFA” (note that
this is the Central African FCFA, not the West African one; they are not mutually interchangeable).

Page 6 of 7
In summary, Chad is a unique country, where it may require more stamina and commitment than
elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and
willingness to live and work in hazardous and difficult conditions involving physical hardship and
little comfort are absolutely essential.

11. Conditions of Service

Contracts are issued for 12 months at a time (renewable pending operational necessity ,
availability of funding and satisfactory performance). Settling -In-Grant is provided. Monthly
Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is intended to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost -of-living
expenses. VLA rates are US$ 2,321 (single), US$ 2,571 (1 dependant) and US$ 2,771 (2 or more
dependants). Life, health and permanent disability insurance is included, as well as periodic home
leave, final repatriation, and resettlement allowance (US$ 150 per month of satisfactory service).
Hazardous Duty Station Supplement (HDSS) of US$ 546 is paid on the basis of full calendar
months in HDSS-applicable areas.

12. How to apply

If you are not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by registering your profile at
http://one.unv.org.

Important: Please select the following code from the drop down menu on the first page of the
registration form: 11CHD_PROG
If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile through
http://myprofile.unv.org and then send your UNV ID number by email, and with 11CHD_PROG in
the subject field of your message, to: volvacancy@unvolunteers.org
The United Nations Volunteers programme is committed to ensuring gender equity among UNV
volunteers and welcomes applications from women.

Closing date for applications: 29 January 2011

Description of Assignment prepared by:

Francesco Galtieri, Portfolio Manager, Peace Division, UNV

Date: 11 January 2011

Page 7 of 7