Partner 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, UNV aims to engage individuals in addressing development challenges, thereby transforming the pace and nature of development. The organization emphasizes the benefits of volunteerism for both society and individual volunteers, fostering trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens. UNV advocates for the recognition of volunteers and collaborates with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, mobilizing a diverse range of volunteers, including experienced UN Volunteers, worldwide. UNV operates in numerous countries, working closely with local communities and stakeholders to promote volunteerism as a universal and inclusive practice.

Job Overview:
The Partner Engagement Assistant role is crucial for supporting the UNV's mission at the country level, particularly in Guinea. 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 sharing relevant data to influence mobilization opportunities, and ensuring client satisfaction with volunteer services. The assistant will play a vital role in bridging the delivery of services from centralized functions of the volunteer management cycle. The primary objective of this UNV 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 teams within UNV to enhance horizontal cooperation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partner Engagement Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Mobilizing volunteers and developing 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 that align with UN agency strategies and assist in preparing descriptions of assignments. - Contribute to the development of 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, ensuring 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 and promoting the concept of OV.
• Supporting 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. - Respond to volunteer inquiries, escalate concerns when necessary, and gather feedback to inform improvements. - Help organize appreciation initiatives and local events that recognize contributions and foster belonging. - Provide information on volunteer roles, wellbeing, and enabling instruments to host entities. - Liaise with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security focal points and support emergency headcounts, coordinating assistance in cases such as medical evacuation. - Offer tailored support to peers facing language or integration challenges. - Backstop other Field Unit functions during peak periods or staff absences to ensure continuity of service and support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Partner Engagement Assistant position should possess a range of qualifications, including: - Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders. - Ability to analyze data and generate insights that inform partnership strategies. - Proficiency in using CRM systems and other digital tools for managing relationships and data. - Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and across different units. - A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to anticipate client needs. - Familiarity with the UN system and its operations, particularly in relation to volunteerism and development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position typically includes: - A bachelor’s degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related field. - Advanced degrees may be preferred or considered an asset, particularly for candidates with relevant experience in volunteer management or partnership development.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in partnership management, volunteer coordination, or a related field. Experience working within the UN system or with international organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of volunteerism in development contexts will be an advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary working language of the UN. Knowledge of French is highly desirable, given the linguistic context of Guinea. Additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Conakry, Guinea. The contract duration may vary based on project needs and funding availability. The role is open to both national and international candidates, and the organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, including health insurance and opportunities for professional development. Candidates should be prepared to navigate the socio-political landscape of Guinea, as well as adhere to security guidelines provided by the UNDSS Office.