Mission and objectives

The Solomon Islands, made up of 992 islands in the southwestern Pacific, is a lower-middle-income country with a young and growing population. The country has made economic strides, reducing poverty from 33% in 2010 to 23.5% in 2019. However, it remains vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices and natural disasters, which impact its primary industries, including round log exports, fishing, and palm oil production. The government’s focus is on driving economic development, improving infrastructure, and decentralizing governance to foster unity and growth. Malaita Province is the most populous region, with a population of 172,740, and has received significant investments, especially in the northern and central areas, including the development of Bina Harbour and improved connectivity through roads and bridges. The province’s governance structure relies on Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Constituency Funds, which enable local communities to prioritize and manage development projects. WDCs are essential for identifying community needs, overseeing local projects, and ensuring that decision-making reflects local aspirations. Constituency Funds, managed by Members of Parliament (MPs) and Constituency Committees (CCs), are used for financing projects that support infrastructure and social services within the constituencies. The interaction between WDCs and Constituency Funds is critical for decentralized governance in the Solomon Islands. While this system empowers local communities, it faces challenges such as limited capacity, transparency issues, and potential political interference in the allocation of resources. The goal is to ensure that development projects align with the priorities of local populations, enhance accountability, and promote sustainable development in Malaita and across the country. Through this decentralized framework, the Solomon Islands aims to build more resilient and self-sufficient communities. Considering that the introduction of the area-based approach is new to the country, UNDP aims to test and tailor it through an iterative process which will consist of three stages: i. Stage 1 – Contextualization: UNDP will identify the necessary data to understand the contexts of the four selected wards in the northern province of Malaita and evaluate the availability of that information. UNDP will utilize existing data while also gathering any additional necessary data that may not currently be available. ii. Stage 2 – Connection: UNDP will identify relevant data-related interventions and overlay them with current activities from various programs, including those funded by the government. iii. Stage 3 – Calibration: UNDP will establish a methodology for local development that leverages knowledge-based interventions tailored to unique challenges. This will conclude with crafting the area graph tool.

Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We have a presence in 170 countries and territories, collaborating with governments and local communities to address global and national development challenges. Our goal is to enhance lives and strengthen nations by supporting our partners in finding effective solutions to today’s intricate cross-border development issues. We assist in designing and executing large-scale development projects that bring about enduring social, economic, and environmental advancements in countries throughout the region. UNDP extends its assistance to governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities at all levels, offering advice to transform governance systems, providing capacity building and training, and implementing employment programs to benefit the most vulnerable groups. Aligned with UNDP’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, our advisory and implementation efforts revolve around sustainable development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience. In addition to these priority areas, we also give prominence to gender, climate change, social protection, and inclusive growth across all our initiatives. The Area-Based Programming initiative is a strategic UNDP intervention aimed at improving economic growth, resilience, and livelihoods in the Northern Malaita region of the Solomon Islands. This programme focuses on building the capacity of local governance structures, primarily the WDCs and Constituency Committees (CCs), to ensure that development is locally led, evidence-based, and aligned with the needs of the community. The position is based in the UNDP Solomon Islands office, under the new Area-Based Programming initiative focusing on Northern Malaita. This initiative is part of a broader UNDP effort to support the government of the Solomon Islands in addressing regional development challenges through an integrated, data-driven approach. The position will directly contribute to the Area-Based Programming, which is designed to enhance local governance, economic development, and social cohesion by strengthening the capacities of Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Constituency Committees (CCs) in Northern Malaita.

Task Description

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Programme Coordinator for the Area Based Programming, the UN Volunteer will be expected to perform the following tasks in other to develop the area graph: Data Collection: • Discuss and define objective as well as data collection methodology • Develop or identify a methodology tool for data collection, if required, and propose implementation plan • Identify and screen for data sources • Conduct data collection using defined methodology and tools from selected sources • Create/prepare report capturing findings Data Mapping: • Discuss and define/determine objective and data sources for the data mapping task • Develop or identify a methodology and tool for data analysis, data preparation and data mapping based on defined objective • Conduct data profiling on selected data sources • Screen source for relevant data • Map data based on the mapping tool Data analysis: • Discuss and consolidate indicators and datasets for the analysis exercise • Develop research question and define method and tool for the analysis • Suggest indicators and tabulation plan to conduct analysis • Conduct analysis of data and identify relevant trends, patterns, and key findings • Develop a report, according to agreed reporting plan, including visualization and narrative interpretations of findings as required Promotion of the UN Volunteer Programme mandate UN Volunteers are expected to integrate the UN Volunteers Programme mandate within their assignment as well as promote voluntary action through engagement with communities (urban & rural) during the course of their work. As such UN Volunteers should dedicate a proportion of their working week to the following in support of and in synergy with their primary role as UNV Data Analyst. • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; initiating and/or participating in local volunteer groups, including assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site; • Promoting or advising local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encouraging relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible; • Encouraging, mobilising and supporting co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary basis; • Discussing with supervisors on how volunteerism for peace and development can be mainstreamed through the assignment and integrate activities that promote volunteerism for peace and development into work plans; • Assisting with the UNV ‘buddy programme” for newly-arrived UN Volunteers

Competencies and values

• High degree of integrity, professionalism, personal initiative and willingness to accept wide responsibilities; ability to take ownership, and work independently without supervision under established procedures; • Ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations; • Effective organizational, planning and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner, ability to establish priorities; plan, coordinate and monitor work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Ability to operate effectively in a team across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Proven interpersonal and organizational communication skills; good spoken and written expression; • Flexibility and willingness to live and work in remote places, involving little comfort, and including possibility of extensive travel within the area based programming; • Commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance and commitment towards the UN core values.

Living conditions and remarks

Location: Honiara is located on the island of Guadalcanal, in the Solomon Islands, a country in the Pacific Ocean. Honiara is the largest city in the country and serves as the political, economic, and administrative capital. The city is home to a significant portion of the Solomon Islands’ population and acts as the main hub for business and government affairs. Climate: Honiara has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity and temperatures throughout the year. There is a wet season from November to April, with the dry season occurring from May to October. Average temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), with the heaviest rainfall usually occurring between December and March. Population: The population of Honiara is estimated at around 100,000 people. The population of the Solomon Islands is approximately 700,000, with a significant proportion living in rural areas. Honiara, however, remains the largest urban center and continues to grow as more people migrate for work and education. Ethnic Groups: The population of Honiara is predominantly Melanesian, and the Solomon Islands is home to over 70 distinct languages and numerous cultural groups. The main ethnic group in Honiara is the Solomon Islanders, with smaller communities of expatriates, including Australians, Filipinos, and others. Religion: Christianity is the dominant religion in the Solomon Islands, with a large majority of the population identifying as Christian. The most common denominations are Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Seventh-Day Adventist. There is a small minority of people practicing other religions, such as Bahá’í Faith and traditional beliefs. Currency: The local currency is the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). 1 SBD is approximately equivalent to 0.12 USD. US dollars and Australian dollars are widely accepted, and foreign exchange services are available at banks and some hotels in Honiara. The currency exchange rates tend to be better in urban areas, particularly Honiara. Visas: Visas are required for most foreign nationals visiting the Solomon Islands. The visa fee generally ranges from US$50 to US$100, depending on the type of visa and nationality. Visas can be obtained prior to arrival at the nearest Solomon Islands diplomatic mission. However, nationals of some Pacific Island nations, including Vanuatu, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea, may not require a visa for short visits. Language Spoken: The official language of the Solomon Islands is English, though Solomon Islanders speak many local languages and dialects. The most common language in Honiara is Pijin, a creole language that serves as a lingua franca. Other local languages, including Gela and Choiseul, are also spoken. Security: Honiara is generally safe for visitors, but like any urban area, crime can occur, particularly petty theft and vandalism. It is advised to exercise caution, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. The city has experienced occasional unrest, but overall, it remains stable. It’s advisable to check for the latest security updates from official sources before traveling. Health: Honiara, like the rest of the Solomon Islands, has basic healthcare services. However, medical facilities are limited, and it is recommended that visitors carry any necessary medications. Malaria and other tropical diseases are present, so preventive measures, such as antimalarial tablets and insect repellent, are advisable. Visitors should also be cautious about food and water hygiene to avoid gastrointestinal issues. It’s important to have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, as serious medical treatment may require travel to Australia or New Zealand.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements