Client Engagement Assistant.
Organizational Context
The UNV Field Unit in The Gambia is responsible for mobilizing and placing UN Volunteers with UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes to support peace, development, and humanitarian assistance. Operating within the UN Country Team framework, the Field Unit enhances UNV's presence and services, fostering partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector. As UNDP represents UNV at the country level, UNV personnel are typically hosted within UNDP offices and adhere to UNV and UNDP policies.
Job Purpose
The Client Engagement Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the UNV Field Unit by identifying, developing, and nurturing partnerships with UN Agencies and Host Entities. This position is key to the sustained mobilization of UN Volunteers by managing partner relationships, gathering intelligence to identify opportunities, and ensuring client satisfaction. The role involves bridging service delivery from centralized functions and supporting the duty of care for serving volunteers. The Assistant will liaunt with UN personnel at various levels, contributing to horizontal collaboration within the UNV programme and ensuring the effective placement and support of volunteers to achieve partner mandates.
Responsibilities
The Client Engagement Assistant supports volunteer mobilization and partnership development by managing key accounts, maintaining relationships with UN partners, and promoting UNV's mandate and value proposition. This includes identifying placement opportunities aligned with agency strategies, assisting in drafting assignment descriptions, and developing tailored volunteer solutions. The role involves contributing to advocacy campaigns, documenting knowledge in the CRM system, and acting as a focal point for online volunteering initiatives. The Assistant also contributes to business intelligence by analyzing data from UN Cooperation Frameworks and agency plans to identify engagement areas. Furthermore, the role supports a positive volunteer experience through onboarding assistance, guidance throughout the volunteer management cycle, and by facilitating feedback mechanisms. The Assistant also plays a vital role in supporting the duty of care for UN Volunteers, liaising on security matters, assisting with medical evacuations, providing language support, and informing host entities about available well-being resources.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of practical experience is required, with a technical/vocational diploma, or two additional years with a high school certificate. Experience should be in partnership engagement, advocacy, management, or client service at the national or international level. Fluency in the local language is essential. Experience with international organizations, preparing presentations, report drafting, and using office software and database management systems is advantageous.
Skills
Key competencies include System Thinking, Integration within the UN, Knowledge Generation, Communication, Customer Satisfaction/Client Management, Relationship Management, and Event Planning & Execution. Additional expertise areas include Administration, advocacy, public information, Project Management, Programme Development, and Strategy. The ability to research, analyze, and apply concepts to new situations is important, as is effective communication tailored to different audiences and proactive client engagement.