National UN Community Volunteers

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sierra Leone Country Office was established in 1978 and has grown to a total staff strength of over 140 employees. The organization has an average annual delivery of USD 25 million. UNDP Sierra Leone is committed to transformative development, focusing on innovation, resilience, and inclusive governance in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025–2030) and Sierra Leone’s vision of becoming an inclusive, green middle-income country by 203

• The organization operates through two strategic pillars: People-Centered Sustainable Development & Resilience and Inclusive Governance, Peace & Prosperity. UNDP supports various initiatives including climate resilience, renewable energy, sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth while promoting democratic institutions, justice, and peacebuilding. With a strong emphasis on gender equity, youth empowerment, and data-driven innovation, UNDP collaborates with government, civil society, and the private sector to deliver sustainable impacts across various sectors. As a trusted development partner, UNDP leverages strategic financing, research, and technology to advance human development and social inclusion throughout the nation.

Job Overview:
The UNDP aims to enhance the capacity of implementing partners in results-based management, evaluation, and social and environmental standards to optimize development outcomes. To strengthen local ownership and responsiveness to community needs, UNDP is deploying dedicated community focal points, which will serve as UN Volunteers in targeted districts. These volunteers will act as vital links between district authorities and the project team, ensuring smooth information flow, timely feedback, and alignment of activities with local priorities. They will also facilitate community mobilization, awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Team and its implementing partners. The position of National UN Community Volunteers is crucial for the successful implementation of UNDP projects across six districts in Sierra Leone, where they will be responsible for engaging with local communities, monitoring project activities, and ensuring that the needs and feedback of the community are effectively communicated to the UNDP.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The district Community Coordinator will maintain a strong interface with community structures, partners, and other project staff to ensure improved, expanded, and sustainable project activities in the targeted communities. Key duties include: serving as the primary liaison between the UNDP project team and local community structures; facilitating communication and collaboration among project team members; actively participating in resolving social issues that may arise during project implementation; engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure their involvement throughout the project lifecycle; addressing concerns from local communities and reporting feedback to district councils and UNDP; conducting onsite monitoring and verification of initiatives; collecting and analyzing data to inform evidence-based decision-making; supporting needs assessments and baseline studies; administering surveys and participatory assessments; collecting quantitative and qualitative data to measure project relevance and impact; drafting reports and success stories to showcase project relevance; and providing support to evaluators during data collection.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in their approach to community engagement and project implementation. Creativity in problem-solving and a strong sense of accountability are essential. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism and self-management skills, with the ability to plan and organize their work effectively. A commitment to the values of the UN, including respect for diversity and inclusion, is crucial.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a secondary school education is required, with preference given to candidates who have completed higher education or vocational training in relevant fields such as social sciences, development studies, or community engagement. Additional training in project management or community development is an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in community engagement, project implementation, or related fields. Experience working with local communities, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with results-based management and monitoring and evaluation processes will be an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of the local context and community dynamics in Sierra Leone.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is a volunteer role, and candidates should be prepared for a commitment that may vary in duration depending on project needs. The role is full-time, and candidates will be expected to work in various districts outside the capital city, Freetown. Living conditions in these districts may vary, with some areas having limited infrastructure and access to services. Candidates should be adaptable and willing to work in diverse environments.