Area Coordination Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme promotes volunteerism to support global peace and development. UNV advocates for volunteerism, encourages its integration into development programming, and mobilizes volunteers. At the country level, UNV Field Units, often hosted within UNDP offices, are responsible for mobilizing and placing UN Volunteers in peace, development, and humanitarian assistance roles. They represent UNV to the UN Country Team and collaborate with government, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.
Job Purpose
The Area Coordination Assistant supports the UNV Country Coordinator in Papua New Guinea by identifying, developing, and cultivating partnerships with UN Agencies and Host Entities. This role is crucial for mobilizing volunteers and ensuring partner satisfaction with UNV services. The assistant manages key relationships, facilitates information exchange, and bridges service delivery from centralized functions. A primary objective is the sustained mobilization of volunteers while upholding the duty of care for serving volunteers. The position requires regular liaison with UN personnel at all levels and contributes to horizontal collaboration within UNV.
Responsibilities
The Area Coordination Assistant is responsible for mobilizing volunteers and developing/maintaining partnerships. This includes managing key accounts, ensuring partner satisfaction, and staying updated on UNV policies. The role involves tracking service delivery metrics, providing business intelligence to the Country Coordinator, and following up on partnership opportunities. The assistant will support the development of tailored volunteer service offers and promote online volunteering. Additionally, the role contributes to talent acquisition by supporting outreach campaigns, identifying sourcing channels, and assisting in selection processes. A key aspect is contributing to a positive volunteer experience through onboarding support, guidance throughout the volunteer lifecycle, and gathering feedback. The assistant also supports the duty of care for UN Volunteers, liaising on security, assisting with medical evacuations, and providing language support where needed.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of practical experience is required, with a technical/vocational diploma, or 2 additional years with a high school certificate. Experience should be in partnership management, operations support, client service, or related areas. Proficiency in computer office software, database packages, and web-based management systems (like CRM/ERP) is necessary. Fluency in the local language is required, with working knowledge of Tok Pisin being desirable. Previous volunteering or experience with international organizations is an asset.
Skills
Key competencies include System Thinking, Relationship Management, Results-based Management, and Customer Satisfaction/Client Management. The role requires the ability to integrate within the UN System and generate knowledge. Specific expertise areas include community development, project management, programme development, strategy, and volunteer management and advocacy.