IVY 2026 Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is dedicated to contributing to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Established to mobilize volunteers for various United Nations initiatives, the UNV operates in numerous countries, providing support to UN agencies, funds, and programs focused on humanitarian needs and development. The organization emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in its workforce, ensuring that all individuals, including those with disabilities, have equal opportunities to participate in volunteerism and benefit from its programs. The UNV Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ROECA) plays a crucial role in overseeing and guiding UNV Field Units in the region, ensuring that volunteerism initiatives are effectively implemented and aligned with the strategic goals of the United Nations.

Job Overview:
The IVY 2026 Support Officer will play a pivotal role in supporting the initiatives of the International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026 across the Europe and Central Asia region. This position involves working closely with Member States to implement national plans that promote volunteerism and maximize the impact of IVY 202

• The officer will report to the Team Lead of the IVY 2026 Secretariat in Bonn, Germany, while also collaborating with the Regional Portfolio Manager at the UNV Regional Office in Istanbul. The role requires a proactive approach to outreach, advocacy, and partnership development, ensuring that various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector, are engaged in promoting volunteerism. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of IVY 2026 initiatives, ensuring that best practices and success stories are documented and shared effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The IVY 2026 Support Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting outreach efforts to promote IVY 2026 among relevant stakeholders in the Europe and Central Asia region, fostering engagement with governments, UN partner entities, civil society organizations, volunteer-involving organizations, the private sector, and academia.
• Adapting communication materials developed by the IVY 2026 Secretariat to ensure their relevance and impact within the region.
• Providing guidance and practical support to UNV Field Units in promoting IVY 2026 at the national level.
• Assisting with the designation of national IVY 2026 Focal Points by governments and supporting stakeholder engagement in the effective functioning of national committees.
• Facilitating networking and experience exchange on IVY 2026 among external stakeholders.
• Supporting the tracking and evaluation of IVY 2026 initiatives, preparing reports, briefing notes, and factsheets based on regional and country experiences.
• Documenting and disseminating success stories and best practices related to IVY 2026 to inform future initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the IVY 2026 Support Officer position should possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Proven experience in outreach, advocacy, and partnership development, particularly in the context of volunteerism or related fields.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to adapt materials for diverse audiences.
• Experience in project management and coordination, particularly in multi-stakeholder environments.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes, including the ability to analyze data and prepare comprehensive reports.
• A commitment to inclusivity and diversity, with an understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing volunteer opportunities.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the IVY 2026 Support Officer position should have a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in volunteerism, community development, or public policy may be advantageous. Continuous professional development and training in areas related to volunteer management and advocacy are also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in outreach, advocacy, and partnership development, particularly within the context of international organizations, non-profits, or governmental agencies. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector, is essential. Familiarity with the United Nations system and its operations, particularly in relation to volunteerism, will be considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the UN system. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Europe and Central Asia region, such as Russian or local languages, is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The IVY 2026 Support Officer position is based in Astana, Kazakhstan, and the selected candidate will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role is a volunteer position, and while it does not offer a traditional salary, it provides a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of USD 1,172.66 monthly, along with private insurance coverage, an entry lump sum payment, and an exit allowance based on the duration of service. The position may require compliance with Covid-19 vaccination requirements as per the applicable host entity policy. The UNV is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and offers reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and assignment.