Organization Mission

The Development Coordination Office (DCO) manages and oversees the Resident Coordinator system and serves as Secretariat of the UN Sustainable Development Group. Its objective is to support the capacity, effectiveness, and efficiency of Resident Coordinators and the UN development system as a whole in support of national efforts for sustainable development. It is based in New York, with regional teams in Addis Ababa, Amman, Bangkok, Panama, and Istanbul, supporting 130 Resident Coordinators covering 162 countries and territories. At the regional level, DCO serves as the first port of call for Resident Coordinators and their offices. They also serve with UNDP and the Regional Commissions as part of the joint secretariats for the Regional Collaborative Platforms and ensure connectivity between global and country-level initiatives.

Context

The UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) Regional Office plays a pivotal role in supporting the work of Resident Coordinators (RCs), Resident Coordinator Offices (RCOs), and UN Country Teams (UNCTs). DCO facilitates the coordination of the UN’s regional assets to ensure efficient and effective delivery of operational activities both at the country level and across borders. The DCO Regional Teams are part of DCO headquarters capacities, located in the same region as the countries within their remit.

The United Nations (UN) system is committed to advance Disability Inclusion and is measuring progress against a globally agreed scorecard for which the UN Country teams report.

The Disability Inclusion Specialist under the DCO Regional Office will provide targeted support to two UN country teams with the largest scope of advancing the agenda, in addition to advise the DCO Regional Office of measures; it can take to enhance disability inclusion across its processes and products.

Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply to this assignment.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Sustainable Development/UNSDCF Partnership and Programme Officer, and Senior Regional Coordination Officer or their designated representative, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following duties:
• Undertake diagnostic and consultation with the RCO and UN Country Teams (UNCTs) in Kazakhstan and Ukraine to review current gaps against the targets in the Disability Inclusion Scorecard.
• Engage with UNCT disability inclusion focal points and task team, support capacity strengthening with targeted training session based on country needs.
• Support in mapping OPD stakeholders and advise on engagement plan.
• Develop action for the respective UNCTs on disability inclusion with potential joint concept note to mobilize resources.
• Develop one-pager on reasonable accommodation and onboarding. Standardized template clauses for accessible tenders/recruitment that can be used for all UN entities.
• Updating the UN Disability Inclusion Scorecard.
• Review the work processes and products of the regional offices, identifying opportunities and entry points to advance disability inclusion.
• Develop action plan for UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) Regional Office.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced higher degree (Master’s or equivalent) in social work, human rights, development studies, sociology, law, or any other relevant or related fields.
• At least 5 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in developing countries, or other relevant programmes; experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Prior experience working on Disability Inclusion is required, including experience establishing and strengthening a strategy for mainstreaming disability inclusion.
• Work experience in capacity development, support, and training of staff, partners, and state actors is desirable.
• Good interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of Russian would be an asset.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply to this assignment.

Core Competencies

• Integrity
• Creativity
• Respect for Diversity
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

This is a volunteer assignment, not employment. By sharing your time, energy, and talents, you can support communities in need and become part of something greater than yourself — a global movement for peace, development, and humanitarian aid. Volunteering strengthens trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and it can promote a sense of belonging and purpose.

The DCO Regional Office is located in Istanbul; however, the UN Volunteer will start the assignment under a telecommuting arrangement due to the short-term nature of the contract towards the end of the year. An immediate start to this assignment is required.

The UN Volunteers are responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials. The full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The Summary of UNV Entitlements (International Expert):
• Current Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is USD 3,971 monthly (including expertise differential)
Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment.
• Accommodation supplement: Not applicable for assignments carried out under telecommuting arrangements.
• Private insurance: Health, dental, life, and dismemberment coverage by CIGNA
• Entry allowance (one-time payment): USD 4,000
• Exit allowance: USD 225 per month and solely paid upon the satisfactory completion of assignment
• Family allowance based on eligibility and status (per month): USD 250 for 1 dependent, USD 450 for 2 or more dependents (Please read the conditions of service for eligibility criteria)
• Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month
• Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network

Notes:
1) It is important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment.
2) The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the volunteer work.
3) Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply to this assignment.