Country Coordinator for UNV Multi-Country Field Unit

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 employs thousands of staff worldwide, focusing on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises. UNDP is committed to promoting volunteerism through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, which mobilizes volunteers to support peace, development, and humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Country Coordinator for the UNV Multi-Country Field Unit (MCFU) in Barbados will play a pivotal role in leading volunteer mobilization efforts across the English/Dutch speaking Caribbean. This position involves positioning UNV as a key service provider within the UN system, developing and implementing strategies for volunteer mobilization that align with UNV’s Strategic Framework and partner demands. The coordinator will participate in collective planning processes to integrate volunteerism into UN initiatives, present UNV’s value proposition to partners, and support local talent outreach. The role also includes monitoring mobilization trends and facilitating missions by UNV, ensuring that volunteerism is effectively promoted and integrated into UN programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead volunteer mobilization efforts by positioning UNV as a system-wide service provider, developing country-level strategies, and participating in UN planning processes.
• Manage partnerships by building relationships with UN partners, analyzing country strategies for volunteer mobilization opportunities, and engaging with various stakeholders including government and civil society.
• Ensure the Duty of Care for volunteers by providing guidance on best practices, ensuring safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and conducting regular field visits to monitor volunteer well-being.
• Lead advocacy efforts on volunteerism by aligning communications with mobilization goals, developing impactful stories, and promoting UNV at various levels.
• Manage the MCFU by coordinating service delivery, supervising team members, and ensuring compliance with UNDP regulations.
• Collaborate with UNDP and other entities to facilitate administrative support and address operational issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in humanitarian, development, or peace-related fields, with a master's degree, or 4 years of experience with a bachelor's degree. Essential skills include experience in partnership building and management, as well as desired skills in advocacy, public relations, and volunteer management. Knowledge of national development situations in the assigned countries is highly desirable, along with experience in digital platforms and tools.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience for candidates with a master's degree or 4 years for those with a bachelor's degree. Experience in partnership building, advocacy, and volunteer management is essential, along with familiarity with national development contexts and digital tools.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in the local language of the duty station is also required. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is for local recruitment only and is open to citizens of Barbados. The successful candidate will hold a UNDP National Personnel Service Agreement contract. All travel, interview, and relocation costs incurred to take up the appointment are the responsibility of the applicant. UNDP values diversity and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions.