UN Community Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been actively providing development assistance to the people of Myanmar since the 1950s. Initially, UNDP operated under a restricted mandate from 1993 until 2012, during which it implemented the Human Development Initiative programme aimed at assisting communities and individuals to improve their lives and livelihoods. In 2013, UNDP transitioned to working through two country programmes, and from 2018 to 2020, the focus shifted to providing direct support to the Myanmar Government. Following the military takeover in 2021, UNDP Myanmar adapted its approach to directly target the most vulnerable populations by addressing their basic needs and supporting community recovery through the Community First Programme, which spans from 2021 to 202

• UNDP has established a significant presence in Myanmar, operating four field offices across 11 states and regions, including Mon State, Kachin State, Shan State, and Rakhine State. The organization collaborates with a vast network of local civil society organizations (CSOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), grassroots partners, and community leaders, which were established under the Human Development Initiative that began in 199
• These networks remain operational, allowing UNDP to quickly connect and deliver support despite the rapidly changing political and social landscape in Myanmar.

Job Overview:
The UN Community Volunteer position is designed to support community mobilization and facilitate the effective identification of communities where project activities should be prioritized, in accordance with the implementation guidelines of the ENCORE programme. The volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Nyung U Office and receive day-to-day guidance from the Township Coordinator. The role involves supporting the formation and capacity building of village/village tract project committees, engaging with local authorities and community representatives to identify cash-for-work (CFW) opportunities, and initiating livelihood assistance packages. The volunteer will also facilitate community consultations for various assessments related to vulnerability, capabilities, and the preparation of community profiles and work plans. This position is critical in ensuring that the community's needs are met and that project activities are aligned with local priorities and conditions. The volunteer will be expected to perform any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor, contributing to the overall success of the community recovery efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Community Volunteer include:

• Community mobilization: Engage with community members to identify priority areas for project activities based on the ENCORE implementation guidelines.
• Capacity building: Support the formation of village/village tract project committees and provide training to enhance their capabilities.
• Coordination: Work closely with local authorities and community representatives to identify cash-for-work opportunities and initiate livelihood assistance packages.
• Facilitation: Conduct community consultations for assessments on vulnerability and capabilities, and assist in preparing community profiles and work plans.
• Reporting: Prepare clear and concise reports on community engagement activities and project progress.
• Collaboration: Establish and maintain effective partnerships with various stakeholders, including local organizations and community leaders.
• Flexibility: Adapt to changing circumstances and be willing to travel within the area of operations as necessary.
• Additional tasks: Perform any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall objectives of the project.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong understanding of UNDP operations and the ability to apply relevant technical knowledge and skills. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to teamwork and respect for diversity. The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, is essential, as is the capacity to work independently and manage information confidentially. Candidates should also exhibit strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects and work under pressure. A genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement, including solidarity and compassion, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the UN Community Volunteer position should possess a relevant educational background, ideally in fields related to social sciences, community development, or a similar area. A degree or equivalent qualification is preferred, but practical experience and demonstrated skills in community engagement and development may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience in community mobilization, project implementation, or a related field. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, candidates should demonstrate a track record of working effectively in community settings and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Experience in humanitarian or development contexts, particularly in challenging environments, is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNDP. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Myanmar is considered an asset, as it will facilitate better communication and engagement with community members.

Additional Notes:
The duration of the assignment is indicated above, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. UN Community Volunteers are expected to be recruited locally and work within their communities, thus they are not required to travel to the duty station and are not eligible for a settling-in grant. Additionally, they should not require reintegration into their locales upon completion of their service, meaning there is no entitlement to a resettlement allowance. A monthly volunteer living allowance is provided to cover housing, utilities, and normal living expenses. Life, health, and permanent disability insurance are included in the benefits package. Furthermore, in non-family duty stations classified as hardship categories D or E, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.