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 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. The organization emphasizes gender equity, youth empowerment, and data-driven innovation, partnering with government, civil society, and the private sector to deliver sustainable impact across sectors. As a trusted development partner, UNDP leverages strategic financing, research, and technology to advance human development and social inclusion nationwide.

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 enhance responsiveness to community needs, UNDP seeks to deploy dedicated community focal points, which will serve as UN Volunteers in each targeted district. These volunteers will act as a vital link between district authorities and the project team, ensuring smooth information flow, timely feedback, and alignment of activities with local priorities. They will facilitate community mobilization, awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Team and its implementing partners. The position involves working closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation and community involvement 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 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; addressing concerns from local communities and reporting feedback 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 demonstrate accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. These competencies are essential for effectively engaging with communities and stakeholders, managing project activities, and ensuring successful outcomes.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in social sciences, development studies, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of community engagement and project management.

Experience:
Candidates should possess relevant experience in community development, project management, or a related field. Experience working with local communities and stakeholders is highly valued, as it contributes to the effectiveness of the role in facilitating community mobilization and engagement.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the UNDP and with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the targeted districts is considered an asset, as it enhances communication and engagement with community members.

Additional Notes:
The position is a volunteer role, and candidates should be prepared for a commitment that may involve working in various district settings, which can include urban, semi-urban, and rural environments. The role may require flexibility in working hours and the ability to adapt to varying living conditions. The UNDP emphasizes the importance of community-oriented social life and cultural traditions in Sierra Leone, which may influence the working environment.