Area Coordination Assistant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme promotes peace and development globally through volunteerism, integrating motivated volunteers into development initiatives. Administered by UNDP, UNV Field Units operate at the country level, mobilizing and placing volunteers within UN agencies for peace, development, and humanitarian assistance. They represent UNV to the UN Country Team and collaborate with government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders, often hosted within UNDP offices.

Job Purpose

The Area Coordination Assistant supports the identification, development, and cultivation of partnerships with UN Agencies and Host Entities at the country level. This role is critical for managing partner relationships, facilitating data exchange to identify volunteer mobilization opportunities, and ensuring partner satisfaction with UNV services. The primary objective is the sustained mobilization of volunteers while upholding their duty of care. The position involves regular liaison with UN personnel at various levels and requires collaboration across UNV units and teams to enhance horizontal cooperation and service delivery.

Responsibilities

The Area Coordination Assistant is responsible for supporting volunteer mobilization and partnership development by managing key accounts, ensuring effective collaboration, and staying updated on UNV policies. This includes maintaining and strengthening relationships with UN partners, tracking client satisfaction, and providing data to the Country Coordinator for progress monitoring. The role involves identifying and following up on partnership opportunities, developing tailored volunteer service offers, and documenting knowledge for process improvement. Additionally, the assistant serves as a focal point for online volunteering, supporting host entities and promoting the concept. The position also contributes to business intelligence by gathering data, recording opportunities in the CRM system, and informing the Country Coordinator about the UN operating environment. Talent acquisition support includes attracting local talent, identifying sourcing channels, and assisting with advocacy and outreach campaigns. A key aspect is contributing to a positive volunteer experience through onboarding support, guidance throughout the volunteer management cycle, responding to inquiries, and organizing appreciation initiatives. Finally, the role supports the duty of care for UN Volunteers by liaising on security matters, assisting with medical evacuations, providing language support, and informing host entities about available well-being resources.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of 3 years of practical experience in partnership management, operations support, client service, or related areas, with a technical/vocational diploma. Fluency in the local language is mandatory. Experience with international organizations, civil society, volunteer management, or using computer software packages (MS Office, CRM, ERP) is advantageous.

Skills

Key competencies include System Thinking, Relationship Management, Results-based Management, Customer Satisfaction/Client Management, Integration within the UN System, and Knowledge Generation. Expertise in business management, development programmes, and volunteer management is also essential.

Explore related opportunities