UN Volunteer (UNV) for Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is dedicated to ensuring that migration is humane and orderly, delivering benefits for both migrants and society. Established to address the complexities of migration, IOM operates globally, working with various partners to tackle operational challenges, promote understanding of migration issues, and support social and economic development through migration. The organization is committed to upholding the dignity and well-being of migrants, integrating a comprehensive approach into its operations as outlined in its Global Strategic Plan. IOM's mission aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), emphasizing the importance of migration in achieving sustainable development and resilience against challenges such as climate change and urbanization.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer (UNV) position focuses on supporting the Government of Rwanda in addressing the impacts of climate change on human mobility. The role involves facilitating disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives in vulnerable communities, particularly in disaster-prone areas. The UNV will provide technical expertise during the design phase of projects, monitor implementation, and ensure sustainability through community-based mechanisms. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders and contributes to the overall mission of IOM in promoting safe and orderly migration while enhancing community resilience against climate-related challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and assess the design and bill of quantities for disaster risk reduction initiatives, particularly those related to riverbank protection.
• Coordinate the identification and selection of vendors for project implementation.
• Monitor the progress and quality of construction works to ensure compliance with established standards.
• Establish and support a community-based monitoring and maintenance mechanism to ensure the sustainability of activities.
• Facilitate proper coordination with all stakeholders involved in the projects, including the preparation and dissemination of monitoring reports.
• Contribute to regular reporting and documentation of meetings, ensuring accurate records are maintained.
• Provide civil engineering and infrastructure expertise to the Programme Unit, enhancing the technical capacity of the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of disaster risk reduction principles and practices, particularly in the context of climate change. They should demonstrate excellent coordination and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. A background in civil engineering or a related field is essential, along with experience in project management and monitoring. Candidates should also exhibit a commitment to the values of the United Nations and the IOM, including accountability, professionalism, and respect for diversity.

Educational Background:
A degree in civil engineering, environmental science, or a related field is required for this position. Additional certifications or training in disaster risk reduction, project management, or community engagement would be advantageous and enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience in disaster risk reduction, project implementation, or civil engineering. Experience working with international organizations or in a humanitarian context is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context in Rwanda and previous work in community-based projects will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda or French would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing communication with local communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer role, which means it is not a salaried position but offers a monthly living allowance to cover basic needs such as housing, utilities, transportation, and communication. The role is based in Kigali, Rwanda, and is expected to contribute to the UN's mission of promoting sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate change. The UNV Programme emphasizes the importance of providing a secure standard of living for volunteers at their duty stations, aligning with United Nations standards.