Mission and objectives

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism.

Context

The UNV Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ROECA) provides oversight and strategic guidance to the UNV Field Units in the region and is accountable for the placement of UN Volunteers mobilized for UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes focused on peace, development and humanitarian needs. The UNV Regional Office represents and strategically positions UNV and bring UNV’s services and solutions closer to its partners from governments, UN entities, civil society, and private sector. The Programme Assistant will actively contribute to the partnership management and volunteer management cycles, ensuring effective mobilization, timely deployments, and high satisfaction of Hosting Entities. This role requires a proactive, action-oriented individual with a strong ability to manage partnerships, engage with stakeholders, and coordinate volunteer deployment processes. A key focus will be on increasing demand for UN Volunteers by engaging with key partners, managing relationships, and ensuring successful volunteer deployments.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Analyst, the Program Assistant will contribute to : 1. Demand Generation and Partnership Building • Actively participate in the partnership management cycle by identifying and engaging new partners and stakeholders, focusing on demand generation for UN Volunteer deployments. • Liaise with UN agencies and other relevant partners to understand their mandates and needs, ensuring that UNV’s volunteer solutions are aligned with their goals. • Maintain business intelligence on partners, identifying opportunities for increased volunteer assignments and diversifying partnerships. • Assist in organizing and participating in UN-led assessments, Programme Management Team (PMT) meetings, and thematic groups to identify new opportunities for UN Volunteer deployment. 2. Volunteer Management Cycle • Actively contribute to the volunteer deployment process by providing support to Hosting Entities, facilitating communication, and overseeing the deployment procedure to ensure the timely deployment of UN Volunteers. • Coordinate the timely mobilization and placement of UN Volunteers to meet demand, ensuring satisfaction of Hosting Entities and the successful integration of volunteers into their assignments. • Monitor the well-being of UN Volunteers, support in conducting regular field visits and liaising with supervisors to ensure alignment with organizational goals. • Respond to queries and concerns from Hosting Entities and UN Volunteers, providing proactive support and resolving issues efficiently. • Ensure continuous engagement with UN Volunteers during their assignments, offering necessary administrative support, maintaining coordination with host entities, and addressing any challenges that may arise. 3. Administrative and Logistical Support • Provide all necessary administrative and operational support to ensure smooth deployment of UN Volunteers. • Assist with the induction process for new UN Volunteers, implementing the buddy system and liaising with UNV HQ Volunteer Solution Section/Volunteer Service Center for effective onboarding. • Maintain accurate records of UN Volunteer assignments, and related administrative documentation. • Coordinate closely with the Programme Analyst and other stakeholders to manage UN Volunteer-related issues. 4. Reporting and Monitoring • Track UN Volunteer demand forecasts, reporting regularly on partner needs, volunteer deployments, and feedback from both UN Volunteers and Hosting Entities. • Contribute to the evaluation and improvement of UN Volunteer deployment processes based on data collected from various stakeholders, ensuring a continuous cycle of learning and adaptation. 5. Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Analyst, ensuring alignment with the broader UNV goals and strategic objectives.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

The UN Volunteer will be based in Istanbul and responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials. The full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos The Summary of national UN Volunteer (Specialist) Entitlement: Paid in local currency • Monthly living allowance: USD 1,360 (paid in Turkish Lira) • Private insurance: Health, dental, life and dismemberment (100%) coverage by CIGNA [As per UN’s diplomatic mission status, it is not included in National Security Institution’s (SGK) system. Can be only initiated on private basis] • Entry allowance (one-time): USD 400 • Exit allowance: USD 113 per month upon successful completion • Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month (For instance: 7.5 days for 3 months service) • Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network Notes: 1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward or salary in exchange for volunteer work. 2) It’s important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment. The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment, and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements