Organization Mission

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization
that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide.
Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it
benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes
to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally,
encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development
programming, and mobilizing volunteers.In most cultures volunteerism is
deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and
support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in
various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace
together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.In all
assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action
and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively
enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a
bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This
will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and
productive.

Context

The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Trade and Employment with all volunteer organizations, Volunteer Network in The Gambia in collaboration with the UNV programme, is undertaking a review of the National Volunteer Policy to ensure its alignment with the country’s National Development Plan (NDP). The review aims to strengthen the policy framework governing volunteerism, ensuring it reflects current national priorities, global best practices, and the evolving role of volunteers in achieving sustainable development. The assignment will support the harmonization of the old and new draft versions of the policy into a coherent and actionable framework that promotes inclusive, well-coordinated, and impactful volunteer engagement across sectors.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for one online volunteer to review, analyze, and edit both the old and new draft versions of The Gambia’s National Volunteer Policy to ensure full alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP) and other relevant national and international frameworks. The task aims to strengthen the policy’s strategic direction, coherence, and operational framework to promote volunteerism as a key driver of national development.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct a comprehensive review of the old and new draft National Volunteer Policy documents.

Analyze policy gaps, overlaps, and inconsistencies in relation to the priorities and goals outlined in The Gambia’s NDP.

Incorporate relevant recommendations, emerging trends, and best practices in volunteer management and youth engagement.

Edit and refine the policy language to ensure clarity, inclusiveness, and alignment with national priorities and UN values.

Prepare a final, consolidated version of the National Volunteer Policy reflecting NDP objectives and stakeholder inputs.

Provide a brief summary report highlighting key revisions and rationale for changes made.

Expected Output:
A revised and fully aligned National Volunteer Policy that reflects The Gambia’s development priorities under the NDP and supports a coordinated approach to promoting and managing volunteerism across sectors.

Required Skills and Experience

Advanced university degree in Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Proven experience in policy analysis, review, and drafting, preferably in the area of youth development or volunteerism.

Strong understanding of The Gambia’s National Development Plan (NDP) and its strategic priorities.

Familiarity with the UN system, national governance frameworks, and development coordination mechanisms.

Excellent analytical, writing, and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable policy recommendations.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts, development partners, and civil society stakeholders.

Strong communication and facilitation skills, with experience in conducting consultations and validation meetings.

High level of professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to deadlines.