Client Engagement Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is a UN organization dedicated to contributing to peace and development through volunteerism on a global scale. Established to harness the power of volunteerism, the UNV program aims to engage individuals in addressing development challenges, thereby transforming the pace and nature of development. The organization emphasizes the mutual benefits of volunteerism, fostering trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens while creating opportunities for participation. UNV operates in numerous countries, mobilizing volunteers to support UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes in various sectors, including peace, development, and humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Client Engagement Assistant role is pivotal in supporting the UNV Field Unit's mission at the country level. Under the guidance of the Regional Manager and day-to-day reporting to the Country Coordinator, the assistant will focus on identifying, developing, and nurturing partnerships with UN Agencies and Host Entities. This position involves managing relationships with priority partners, gathering and disseminating data to influence mobilization opportunities, ensuring client satisfaction with volunteer services, and facilitating the delivery of services from centralized functions of the volunteer management cycle. The primary goal of this assignment is to ensure the sustained mobilization of volunteers to designated partners while supporting the duty of care for serving volunteers. The role requires regular interaction with UN personnel at various levels, including senior staff, and necessitates collaboration across multiple units and functions within UNV to enhance horizontal cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in mobilizing volunteers and developing and maintaining partnerships: Support the management of assigned partner accounts and maintain relationships with UN entities to promote UNV’s mandate and the value of volunteer assignments. Identify volunteer placement opportunities aligned with UN agency strategies and assist in preparing descriptions of assignments. Contribute to developing tailored offers and initiatives that address partners’ evolving needs for volunteer solutions. Support advocacy campaigns, key events, and communications that raise awareness of volunteerism and highlight impact stories. Collect and analyze data from UN Cooperation Frameworks and agency programmes to identify opportunities for volunteer engagement. Record mobilization opportunities and partnership intelligence in UNV’s Client Relationship Management (CRM) system and ensure knowledge is documented and shared. Prepare presentations, mapping, and key messages for engagement with partners and internal use. Act as the focal point for online volunteering, supporting host entities in developing OV opportunities, promoting the concept of OV, and assisting with the accreditation of OV service organizations.
• Support volunteer experience and duty of care: Assist with onboarding and provide ongoing support throughout the volunteer management cycle to ensure a positive experience for all UN Volunteers in the country. Respond to volunteer inquiries, escalate concerns when needed, and gather feedback through surveys or check-ins to inform improvements. Help organize appreciation initiatives and local events that recognize contributions and foster belonging. Support host entities with information on volunteer roles, wellbeing, and enabling instruments (e.g., insurance, benefits). Contribute to duty of care by liaising with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security focal points, supporting emergency headcounts, and coordinating assistance in cases such as medical evacuation. Provide tailored support to peers facing language or integration challenges to help them navigate their assignments effectively. Backstop other Field Unit/country-level functions during peak periods or staff absences to ensure continuity of service and support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand and navigate complex systems. They should demonstrate a solid understanding of the UN system and be able to apply this knowledge to practical situations. Excellent communication skills are essential, both written and verbal, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences. A customer-oriented mindset is crucial, with the ability to anticipate client needs and deliver timely solutions. Relationship management skills are necessary to engage effectively with a diverse range of partners. Additionally, candidates should have event planning and execution capabilities to support public and private events that align with UNV's communications and advocacy initiatives.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in volunteer management, partnership development, or related areas would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in partnership management, volunteer coordination, or a related field. Experience working with UN agencies or in international development contexts is highly desirable. Familiarity with volunteer management systems and client relationship management tools is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Portuguese is highly desirable given the location. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region or UN operations would be an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Sao Tome. The contract duration is subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal. The Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and living expenses. Life, health, and permanent disability insurance are included, along with health insurance for up to three dependents (excluding UN Community Volunteers). The UN Volunteer is responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials, and they are expected to be culturally sensitive and adapt to local customs and traditions.