Operations Associate, Volunteer Management

Operations Associate, Volunteer Management

United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

January 16, 2026January 21, 2026BonnGermany
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address development challenges. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, valuing the multiplicity of nations and cultures in which it operates. UNDP is committed to ensuring that all personnel are empowered to contribute to its mission, and it actively encourages applications from marginalized or excluded populations. The organization has a strict policy against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, ensuring that all selected candidates undergo rigorous reference and background checks. The Volunteer Services Centre (VSC) is a key operational hub within UNDP, supporting over 13,000 UN Volunteers across various agencies, funds, and programs throughout the UN system, ensuring high-quality service delivery and compliance with UN Volunteers Conditions of Service.

Job Overview:
The Operations Associate, Volunteer Management plays a crucial role in providing HR administration services for UN Volunteers. Reporting to the Operations Associate Volunteer Management (G7), the incumbent will support multiple countries and collaborate closely with the Deployment and Payroll Team in the Volunteer Services Centre, as well as with Regional Offices and Field Units. The position requires a client-oriented approach to ensure high-quality service delivery and client satisfaction. The Operations Associate will be responsible for managing the full cycle of volunteer engagement, from hiring to separation, while adhering to established regulations and policies. This role also involves analyzing and recording benefits, entitlements, and claims for accurate payroll processing, as well as managing medical and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security evacuations, resignations, and terminations. The incumbent will guide and support UN Volunteers on the Conditions of Service and contribute to the development and maintenance of relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provision of volunteer management services: The Operations Associate will provide comprehensive volunteer management services, ensuring adherence to UN Volunteers Conditions of Service, regulations, and policies. This includes administering UN Volunteer contracts, analyzing and recording benefits and claims for payroll processing, and managing medical and security evacuations. The incumbent will also alert supervisors about deficiencies or risks and liaise with Regional Offices and Field Units on exceptional situations.
  • Volunteer management coordination and technical support: The Operations Associate will liaise with team members to stay updated on the demand for UN Volunteers, contribute to the development and maintenance of Conditions of Service, and analyze regional Volunteer Service Centre results to propose service improvements.
  • Facilitation of knowledge building and sharing: The incumbent will provide input for training materials, synthesize lessons learned, and contribute to the improvement of policies and processes by identifying bottlenecks and proposing solutions for optimization and automation. The Operations Associate may also serve as a focal point for various topics on a rotational basis and perform other administrative duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires secondary education with technical training in human resources, operations, business administration, or related areas. A university degree in human resources, business, or public administration is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should possess a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience with a high school diploma or 3 years with a bachelor’s degree in volunteer management, personnel, or business management. Familiarity with MS Office 365 and knowledge of UN Common System conditions of service or international organizations is an asset. Experience with web-based management/CRM systems, particularly Salesforce Service Cloud, and working in international or non-profit contexts is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have secondary education with technical training in human resources, operations, business administration, or related fields. While a university degree in human resources, business, or public administration is preferred, it is not a strict requirement for this position.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience for candidates with a high school diploma or 3 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. Relevant experience should be in volunteer management, personnel management, or business management. Experience with MS Office 365, web-based management systems, and working with volunteers is highly advantageous. Familiarity with the UN Common System or international organizations is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is open for local recruitment only, specifically for citizens of the European Union (EU) member states or holders of residence and unlimited work permits for Germany. All travel, interview, and relocation costs incurred to take up the appointment in Bonn will be the responsibility of the applicant. The UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.
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