National UN Community Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone is dedicated to supporting the United Nations system through an integrated approach that emphasizes a people-first strategy. This organization operates under the guiding principle of 'leave no one behind' and employs a human rights- and area-based development strategy. Established to align with the 2030 Agenda and the National Development Plan, UNDP aims to reduce multidimensional poverty while enhancing justice, peace, social cohesion, and resilience. The organization focuses on two main pillars: people-centred sustainable development and resilience, which prioritizes the well-being of individuals and planetary health, and inclusive governance, peace, and prosperity, which promotes harmonious development and effective resource management. UNDP leverages global and regional partnerships to strengthen good governance and provide technical and policy-oriented support, ensuring national ownership for sustainable outcomes. The organization operates in various countries, working towards achieving sustainable development goals through collaborative efforts.

Job Overview:
The National UN Community Volunteer position is designed to enhance the capacity of implementing partners in results-based management, evaluation, and adherence to social and environmental standards, ultimately optimizing development outcomes. The role is crucial for strengthening local ownership, enhancing responsiveness to community needs, and promoting the efficient delivery of project interventions. The selected volunteers will serve as dedicated community focal points in six targeted districts, acting as vital links between district authorities and the UNDP project team. Their responsibilities will include facilitating community mobilization, raising awareness, and engaging stakeholders in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Team and its implementing partners. The volunteers will be expected to maintain a strong interface with community structures, partners, and project staff to ensure improved, expanded, and sustainable project activities in the targeted communities. This position is integral to ensuring that local communities are actively involved in the project lifecycle and that their feedback is effectively communicated to the UNDP Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The district Community Coordinator will have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Serving as the primary liaison between the UNDP project team, community structures, local communities, and district authorities to ensure coordinated project implementation.
• Facilitating communication and collaboration among project team members and contractors.
• Actively participating in resolving social issues or challenges that arise during project implementation.
• Engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure their involvement and buy-in throughout the project lifecycle.
• Addressing concerns from local communities and district stakeholders, reporting feedback to district councils and the UNDP Country Office.
• Conducting onsite monitoring and verification of past and ongoing initiatives, documenting progress, issues, challenges, risks, and lessons learned.
• Collecting and analyzing data to inform evidence-based decision-making for the Country Office.
• Supporting needs assessments and baseline studies in target communities.
• Administering surveys, focus groups, and participatory assessments. 1
• Collecting quantitative and qualitative data to measure project relevance, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. 1
• Gathering feedback from beneficiaries and reporting it to UNDP. 1
• Drafting reports, case studies, and success stories to showcase project relevance and impact. 1
• Providing support to evaluators by organizing interviews, focus group discussions, and observations during evaluation data collection.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, and a commitment to the principles of the United Nations. They should demonstrate accountability, adaptability, creativity, and professionalism in their work. Additionally, candidates should have strong planning and organizing skills, as well as effective self-management abilities. Experience in community engagement and mobilization, as well as familiarity with project monitoring and evaluation processes, will be highly beneficial. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of local contexts and community dynamics.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a secondary school diploma is required, although a higher education degree in social sciences, development studies, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of community development principles and practices, as well as relevant training or certifications in project management or community engagement.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 1-2 years of experience in community development, project management, or a related field. Experience working with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with results-based management and monitoring and evaluation frameworks will be an advantage. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in data collection and analysis, as well as report writing.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UNDP. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the targeted districts is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication and engagement with community members. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role, and while it may not offer a traditional salary, it provides valuable experience and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful development work in Sierra Leone. The role is full-time and requires a commitment to working in various districts, which may involve travel to rural and remote areas. The living conditions in these areas may vary, with access to basic services such as markets, schools, and health facilities being more limited compared to urban centers. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in diverse settings and be adaptable to varying living conditions.