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 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 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. As a trusted development partner, UNDP leverages strategic financing, research, and technology to advance human development and social inclusion nationwide.

Job Overview:
The 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 volunteers will serve as dedicated community focal points, acting as a vital link between district authorities and the project team. They will ensure smooth information flow, timely feedback, and alignment of activities with local priorities. Additionally, they will facilitate community mobilization, awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Team and its implementing partners. The position requires a proactive approach to engage with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring their involvement and buy-in throughout the project lifecycle.

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 and 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; addressing concerns and feedback from local communities and reporting to district councils and UNDP CO; conducting onsite monitoring and verification of initiatives; documenting progress, issues, challenges, risks, and lessons learned; 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, case studies, and success stories; 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. A strong sense of accountability and professionalism is essential, along with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks. Creativity and problem-solving skills are also important for addressing challenges that may arise during project execution.

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. Training in community engagement, project management, or monitoring and evaluation would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in community development, project implementation, or volunteer work, particularly in a development context. Experience working with local communities and understanding their dynamics is highly valued. Familiarity with results-based management and evaluation processes will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNDP. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the targeted districts would be considered a strong advantage, as it would facilitate better communication and engagement with community members.

Additional Notes:
The position is a national UN Community Volunteer role, which may involve a commitment to serve in various districts across Sierra Leone. The role is expected to be full-time, with a focus on community engagement and project monitoring. The living conditions in the districts vary, with urban areas offering better access to services compared to rural settings. Candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in diverse environments, including limited infrastructure in some areas.