Mission and objectives

The UN Development Programme is the lead UN agency fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in more than 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. In the Pacific, UNDP provides regional and country support to ten countries (Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu) and regional support to five countries (Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tokelau), together with a total population of 2.4 million. UNDP is guided by a Sub-regional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories 2018-2022, which in turn contributes to the achievement of an overarching UN system-wide Pacific Strategy. The Programme is shaped to assist countries to advance the global 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda tailored to each country’s priorities, through focus on data, policy prioritization, participatory planning, and budgeting and monitoring – and with accelerated action to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP seeks to target the most vulnerable i.e. people experiencing hardship, the marginalized living in remote rural areas, those who are vulnerable to climate and disaster risks, as well as women and youth excluded from socio-political and economic participation. UNDP adheres to an inclusive, pro-poor and human rights-based approaches that leverage cross-practice, multi-disciplinary expertise of UNDP.

Context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of UNDP’s election support programming – The Pacific Elections Assistance Program (PEAP) – supported by the Government of New Zealand – which provides focused, efficient, and sustained electoral support to Pacific Island Countries over the next five years. PEAP has been established as a platform to deliver a comprehensive package of assistance to national and regional partners supporting democratic governance in the Pacific region. This new initiative focuses on three outputs: (i) EMBs will be able to deliver effective, efficient, and inclusive elections with increased capacity and resources; (ii) EMBs will be able to make robust and informed decisions, safeguarding the integrity of elections with improved independence and stronger mandates; and (iii) Citizens will be able to actively engage, understand, and be committed to protecting democratic rights and values. By combining multinational electoral support into a single program, PEAP is able to efficiently provide technical advice across multiple focus areas and countries, enabling a continuous, long-term approach to addressing electoral challenges and responding accordingly.

Task Description

Research Pacific electoral topics Collect data for the Pacific Election database Prepare reports and articles Assist in Civic Education Curriculum development Support Civic education initiatives across the Pacific Draft reports for the Program Generate monthly updates and newsletters Provide workshop support Assist the Democracy and Inclusion Officer as necessary Support Election Advisors as needed

Competencies and values

Adaptability and flexibility Self-management Political Acumen Effective Communication, Information Dissemination Data Analysis & Research Skills Civic Engagement Initiative Multitasking Problem-solving

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of allowances for UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as a compensation, reward or salary in exchange for the volunteer work. Monthly Living Allowance: FJD 2166.24 Entry Lump Sum: USD 400 (approximately FJD 900) Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents (Cigna). See the Conditions of Service for more details on eligibility criteria. Leave entitlements (annual leave, sick leave, learning leave, maternity/ paternity leave – details can be found in the Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos) Access to UNV’s learning and career development resources Exit Lump Sum: FJD 180.52 per month served, paid on completion of contract

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements