Online UN Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that aims to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 1965, UNDP operates in 170 countries worldwide, working through diverse and effective partnerships. The organization plays a critical role at the country level by acting as an integrator across various policy, programmatic, and organizational silos, and serves as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. In Syria, UNDP has adopted a principled approach to deliver its mandate, focusing on providing essential support to crisis-affected communities while ensuring that its operations are sensitive to the local context. UNDP's activities in Syria are guided by a do-no-harm approach, which is informed by thorough context analysis to ensure effective safeguarding measures are applied across all areas of operation, addressing the unique challenges posed by the Syrian context.

Job Overview:
The Online UN Volunteer position is part of UNDP Syria’s Gender Programme Unit, which is implementing various initiatives that intersect gender equality, mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (MHPSS), and social cohesion. A key component of this program is the Mental Health, Outreach, Solidarity, and Support (MHOSS) initiative, which includes the community-led psychosocial support model known as 'Fadafda'. The Gender Unit is also in the process of finalizing a guidance note for MHPSS in Women Safe Centers and regularly produces knowledge products and reports. The Online UN Volunteer will play a crucial role in supporting these efforts by assisting with research, documentation, and editorial tasks over a three-month period. This position requires collaboration with the Gender Analyst and program staff to ensure that the outputs meet the needs of the program and contribute to the overall goals of the Gender Programme Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online UN Volunteer will be responsible for a variety of tasks that support the Gender Programme Unit's initiatives. These include:

• Reviewing and editing the MHPSS Guidance Note for Women Safe Centers to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Drafting documentation and communication materials related to the Fadafda MHPSS model, which may include proposals, concept notes, case stories, and activity summaries.
• Conducting light literature reviews and desk research on topics related to MHPSS, gender-responsive recovery, and social cohesion models that are relevant to the Syrian context.
• Providing language support in English and French as needed for documentation and reporting purposes.
• Reviewing and editing research papers and reports, ensuring proper formatting and citation checks are completed.
• Attending selected internal coordination or learning sessions, assisting with notetaking, and drafting summaries of discussions. The expected outputs from these tasks include a revised draft of the MHPSS Guidance Note, 2-3 edited reports or knowledge products, 1-2 short summaries or briefs for internal use, and summary notes from coordination or technical meetings if assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online UN Volunteer position should possess strong writing and editing skills, with a keen attention to detail. They should have a background or interest in gender equality, mental health, and psychosocial support, as well as social cohesion. Familiarity with the Syrian context and the challenges faced by crisis-affected communities is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to conduct research and synthesize information effectively. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French is considered an asset. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are also essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, gender studies, psychology, international development, or a related field is preferred for this position. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the principles of gender equality and mental health, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in practical settings. Relevant coursework or training in research methodologies and documentation practices will be beneficial.

Experience:
While prior experience in a similar role is not mandatory, candidates with previous volunteer or internship experience in gender equality, mental health, or related fields will be given preference. Experience working in a multicultural environment and familiarity with the United Nations system or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will also be advantageous. The position is suitable for individuals looking to gain practical experience in the field of gender and mental health support.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as most documentation and reporting will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of French is considered a good-to-have skill, as it may be required for certain documentation tasks. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms in these languages to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position with a duration of three months. The role is part-time and can be conducted remotely, allowing for flexibility in working hours. The position is open to individuals who are interested in contributing to the UNDP's mission and gaining valuable experience in the field of gender equality and mental health support. Compensation for this volunteer role may not be provided, but it offers an opportunity to develop skills and gain insights into the workings of a major international organization.