National UN Associate Volunteer for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. With a mission to promote the rights of every child, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, focusing on equity and the most disadvantaged children and families. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing inequity to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it aims to accelerate progress towards realizing human rights for all children.

Job Overview:
The National UN Associate Volunteer for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Jharkhand will play a crucial role in operationalizing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. This position is part of the Adi Yuva Fellowship programme, which aims to empower tribal and marginalized youth by providing them with opportunities to engage in impactful roles across government and development sectors. The volunteer will work closely with UNICEF and other UN agencies to ensure that DRR and climate resilience actions are integrated into development efforts for tribal communities. The role involves mapping and aligning interventions with the priorities of the PM-JANMAN mission, which focuses on providing basic facilities and socio-economic empowerment to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The volunteer will gain valuable experience in policy coordination, community-led development, and resilience building, contributing directly to the inclusive and sustainable development of tribal communities in Jharkhand.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Programmatic Support & Coordination: Support the mapping of ongoing and planned interventions in tribal districts, identify gaps and opportunities for culturally sensitive programming, document initiatives, and liaise with community leaders and organizations.
• Inter-Agency Coordination: Facilitate inter-agency meetings, document shared priorities, and ensure cross-learning.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: Integrate DRR principles into youth-focused programming, support school safety initiatives, and map traditional knowledge related to environmental conservation.
• Youth Engagement: Support the formation of Youth Volunteer Clubs, organize awareness sessions on various topics, and facilitate youth-led initiatives on climate action.
• Knowledge Management: Prepare meeting agendas, track action items, and contribute to reports highlighting results and challenges.
• UNV Mandate & Volunteerism Tasks: Learn about volunteerism, document local forms of volunteerism, write articles for communication, and support newly arrived UN Volunteers.
• Additional Responsibilities: Conduct field visits, monitor activities, and perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, be culturally sensitive, and demonstrate a commitment to the principles of volunteerism. They should be adaptable and flexible, with the ability to work in diverse environments. A strong understanding of community engagement and development principles is essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, development studies, environmental science, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of disaster risk reduction, climate change, and community development principles.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience working in community development, disaster risk reduction, or related fields. Experience in engaging with tribal communities and understanding their unique challenges is highly desirable. Previous volunteer experience or involvement in youth-led initiatives will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in local languages spoken in Jharkhand is highly desirable. Knowledge of Hindi or regional dialects will be beneficial for effective communication with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is open exclusively to candidates from Scheduled Tribe communities, and a Scheduled Tribe certificate issued by the Government must be uploaded at the time of application. The role is a full-time volunteer position with a monthly living allowance of INR 56,126.74, along with other benefits such as relocation costs, exit allowance, comprehensive insurance coverage, and access to learning resources. The volunteer will be responsible for arranging housing and living essentials in Ranchi, with frequent travel to remote tribal districts.