Area Coordination Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is dedicated to contributing to peace and development through volunteerism on a global scale. Established to integrate qualified and motivated volunteers into development programming, UNV promotes the value of volunteerism and works with various partners to enhance its global recognition. The UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which provides oversight and strategic guidance to its operations. The UNV Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ROECA) is responsible for overseeing the placement of UN Volunteers in the region, ensuring that their services are aligned with the needs of UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes focused on peace, development, and humanitarian efforts. The organization operates in multiple countries, leveraging partnerships with governments, civil society, and the private sector to enhance its impact and reach.

Job Overview:
The Area Coordination Assistant role is a volunteer position under the guidance of the Regional Manager and day-to-day reporting to the Regional Portfolio Analyst. The primary function of this position is to support the identification, development, and cultivation of partnerships with UN Agencies and Host Entities at the country level. This involves managing relationships with priority partners, facilitating the exchange of data and information that influence volunteer mobilization opportunities, and ensuring partner satisfaction with volunteer services. The role is critical for the sustained mobilization of volunteers to designated partners while upholding the duty of care for serving volunteers. The Area Coordination Assistant will engage regularly with UN personnel at various levels and is expected to work collaboratively across multiple units and functions to enhance horizontal collaboration within UNV.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in mobilizing volunteers and developing and maintaining partnerships: Support the mobilization of UN Volunteers and follow up on partnership opportunities with UN entities in the assigned area. Share personal experiences as a UN Volunteer to highlight UNV’s mandate and the value of volunteer assignments. Provide relevant data and feedback to the Regional Portfolio Analyst to track progress and improve service delivery. Record mobilization opportunities in UNV’s Client Relationship Management (CRM) system and document entry points to increase volunteer assignments. Collect and share information on UN programming frameworks and changes in the operating environment. Contribute to developing tailored initiatives that respond to partners’ needs for volunteer services. Prepare presentations and key messages to highlight opportunities for volunteerism. Serve as the focal point for online volunteering in coordination with the Regional Office. Assist in identifying volunteer placement opportunities and preparing assignment descriptions with partner agencies.
• Support talent acquisition and outreach: Provide support in attracting qualified local talent in line with the country’s demand forecast. Identify effective channels for attracting local talent for potential UNV assignments. Support advocacy and talent outreach campaigns, promotional presentations, and engagement with local volunteer organizations. Contribute to organizing advocacy campaigns and key events that raise awareness and foster engagement. Ensure timely and effective selection processes for UN Volunteer assignments.
• Support volunteer experience and duty of care: Assist with onboarding to ensure volunteers receive timely information and resources. Provide support throughout the volunteer management cycle, responding to inquiries and escalating concerns as needed. Gather and compile volunteer feedback and contribute to appreciation initiatives. Support relationships with host entities and ensure effective integration of volunteers. Liaise with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security focal points and assist volunteers during emergencies. Provide tailored support to volunteers facing challenges and share information on UNV’s health and wellbeing instruments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. A demonstrated understanding of volunteerism and its impact on communities is essential. Candidates should also have experience in partnership development and management, as well as familiarity with UN programming frameworks. Proficiency in data collection and analysis, along with experience in using CRM systems, is highly desirable. The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks effectively is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in areas relevant to volunteer management, partnership development, or humanitarian assistance will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in volunteer management, partnership development, or a related field. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context and understanding of the challenges faced by volunteers in the region will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Romanian and/or Russian is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region will be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer assignment, not employment, and the UN Volunteer will be based in Chisinau full-time. The assignment may be extended based on the continuation of the mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. The UN Volunteer is responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. Monthly living allowance is MDL 20434, with a one-time entry lump sum of USD 400 and an exit allowance of MDL 1702 for each month served. Health and life insurance coverage is provided by CIGNA for the duration of the assignment. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service and entitlements can be found on the UNV website.