Volunteerism Integration in Lusophone UN Frameworks
Organizational Context
Cabo Verde hosts a pilot Joint Office (JO) for UN agencies including UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF, established in 2006 to harmonize and simplify UN activities. This office operates with a unified structure and common country program. Volunteerism is increasingly recognized for its role in achieving sustainable development and SDG implementation, yet its ecosystem in Cabo Verde remains under-documented, necessitating this assignment to gather evidence for future UNV engagement.
Job Purpose
This assignment aims to generate evidence and insights on the volunteerism ecosystem in Cabo Verde to inform future UNV engagement, partnership development, and volunteer mobilization. The Online Volunteer will conduct desk research and provide analytical support to identify opportunities for mainstreaming volunteerism within UN planning frameworks in Lusophone countries. The expected contribution includes analyzing existing UN strategic documents, identifying references to community engagement and volunteerism, researching best practices, and developing recommendations for integrating volunteerism into UN planning and programming. This will support UNV's efforts to leverage volunteerism for development outcomes.
Responsibilities
The Online Volunteer will conduct desk research and provide analytical support on mainstreaming volunteerism within UN planning frameworks in Lusophone countries (Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Equatorial Guinea). Key duties include reviewing existing UNSDCFs, CPDs, and other UN strategic documents to identify references to community engagement, civic participation, youth engagement, localization, social cohesion, and volunteerism. The volunteer will analyze volunteerism's contribution to UN development priorities and SDGs, research integration examples and good practices from UN agencies and partners, and identify opportunities for mobilizing volunteers in areas like health, youth empowerment, gender equality, climate action, and community resilience. The role involves developing recommendations for strengthening volunteerism inclusion in future planning and programming, and preparing a concise summary of findings with practical recommendations and engagement entry points.
Work Experience
Strong desk research and analytical skills are required. The ability to review and synthesize policy documents, excellent writing and reporting skills, and an interest in sustainable development, volunteerism, and UN programming are essential. Experience in international development, public policy, or social sciences is desirable, as is familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Skills
Key competencies include strong desk research and analytical skills, ability to review and synthesize policy documents, excellent writing and reporting skills, and an interest in sustainable development, volunteerism, and UN programming. Desirable skills include experience in international development, public policy, social sciences, and familiarity with the SDGs. Communication, advocacy, public information, partnerships, resource mobilization, and volunteer management are also relevant areas of expertise.