National UN Community Volunteer

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 and is recognized as a leader in transformative development. UNDP Sierra Leone focuses on advancing 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 impact across various sectors in Sierra Leone.

Job Overview:
The National UN Community Volunteer position is designed to enhance the capacity of implementing partners in results-based management, evaluation, and social and environmental standards to optimize 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. They will ensure smooth information flow, timely feedback, and alignment of activities with local priorities. The volunteers will also facilitate community mobilization, awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Team and its implementing partners. This position requires a proactive approach to community engagement and a commitment to fostering sustainable development practices.

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 responsibilities include:

• Serving as the primary liaison between the UNDP project team/consultants, community structures/committees, local community, and district authorities.
• Facilitating communication and collaboration among the project team/contractors to ensure coordinated project implementation.
• Actively participating in resolving any social issues or challenges that may arise during project implementation.
• Engaging with local communities and district stakeholders to ensure their involvement and buy-in throughout the project lifecycle.
• Addressing local community and district stakeholder concerns and reporting feedback to district councils and UNDP CO.
• Conducting onsite monitoring and verification of past and ongoing initiatives, documenting progress, issues, challenges, risks, and lessons learned.
• Collecting and supporting analysis of data to inform the CO on evidence-based decision-making.
• 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
• Collecting feedback from beneficiaries and reporting to UNDP. 1
• Drafting reports, case studies, and success stories to showcase project relevance and impact. 1
• Providing support to evaluators to organize interviews, focus group discussions, and observations during evaluation data collection.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team and engage with diverse stakeholders. A demonstrated commitment to community development and a passion for social change are essential. Candidates should also exhibit adaptability and flexibility in their approach to challenges and be able to work in a dynamic environment. Proficiency in data collection and analysis, as well as report writing, is required. Familiarity with results-based management and evaluation processes is an advantage. Candidates should be proactive, self-motivated, and able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a secondary school education is required, with preference given to candidates who have completed higher education or possess relevant certifications in social sciences, development studies, or related fields. Additional training in community engagement, project management, or monitoring and evaluation will be considered an asset.

Experience:
While prior experience in community development or volunteer work is preferred, it is not mandatory. Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges. Experience in data collection, community mobilization, or stakeholder engagement will be beneficial for this role. The position is suitable for individuals looking to gain practical experience in the field of development and contribute to meaningful community initiatives.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role, and as such, it may not offer a salary but could provide valuable experience and networking opportunities within the UN system. The role is full-time and will require the selected candidates to be based in the respective districts. The living conditions in these areas may vary, with access to basic services such as markets, schools, and health facilities. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of urban, semi-urban, and rural settings, and should be adaptable to the local culture and community dynamics.