Community Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is part of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) initiative, which aims to enhance global health systems and support communities in crisis situations. The UNV operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on volunteerism as a means to achieve peace and development. The organization is dedicated to mobilizing volunteers to contribute to sustainable development goals, particularly in health care and emergency response projects. The UNV's mission is to promote volunteerism as a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it has been operational for several decades, with a significant number of employees and volunteers working across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Community Officer position is integral to the UNOPS 'COVID-19 Emergency Response' project in Uzbekistan, which aims to bolster the country's health care system in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary responsibilities of this role include overseeing the delivery and installation of medical and laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with procurement rules, and facilitating training for local health staff. The officer will work closely with the Biomedical Engineering and Procurement Department, focusing on administrative tasks related to contract management and procurement processes. This role is expected to evolve based on project needs, with a commitment to enhancing the resilience of Uzbekistan's health infrastructure against current and future health crises. The officer will also be responsible for documenting all activities, reporting discrepancies, and ensuring that all equipment is properly installed and operational, thereby directly contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Handover and Delivery of Medical & Lab Equipment Observation: Verify inventory against procurement rules, assess storage conditions, observe communication between stakeholders, identify bottlenecks, and document status.
• Installation Monitoring: Track timelines for equipment setup, ensure adherence to safety protocols, verify calibration of instruments, and report on any faults.
• Training and Knowledge Transfer Oversight: Monitor attendance and evaluate comprehension of training sessions for local staff, identify gaps in training, and report findings.
• Administrative Activities Linked to Contract Management: Digitize and organize contract documents, assist in document preparation, monitor deadlines, maintain vendor data, support audits, and follow up with stakeholders.
• General Volunteer Responsibilities: Maintain confidentiality, submit progress reports, and ensure effective communication with project management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Community Officer position should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment, as well as sound judgment and decision-making abilities. Professionalism and self-management are essential, as the role involves handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality. Additionally, candidates should have a proactive approach to problem-solving and be able to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public health, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline is required for this position. Additional certifications or training in project management, procurement, or health care systems would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of health care infrastructure and emergency response protocols, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience in project management, procurement, or health care administration. Experience working in international development or with UN agencies is highly desirable. Familiarity with contract management processes and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures will be beneficial. Candidates should also have experience in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in health-related projects.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of the UN. Proficiency in Uzbek or Russian is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of project implementation. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role, and candidates should be prepared to reside in the same region where the activities are taking place, as there are no additional living allowances provided. The UN Volunteer entitlements include a monthly living allowance of USD 399, a one-time entry lump sum of USD 50, and medical and life insurance through Cigna. Volunteers are entitled to annual leave, certified and uncertified sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave. The role is expected to last until the end of 2026, with the possibility of extension based on project needs.