UN Volunteers Junior Professionals in Lesotho - Nov 2014

UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT
Preamble:
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.

1. UNV Assignment Title: Junior Professional (8 positions)

2. Type of Assignment: National Volunteer

3. Project Title: Deepening Decentralization Programme (DDP)

4. Duration: 6 months, with possibility for extension

5. Location, Country: Maseru, Lesotho

6. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNDP

7. Organizational Context: The work of the Country Office of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Lesotho is guided by the Strategic Plan, organization’s Results Based Management, other programming as well as M & E tools. The United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF 20012-2017) provides the overall thrust of UN’s support in Lesotho under the Delivering as One initiative.

The day-to-day work of the Country Office is guided by the Country Programme Document (20012-2017), the corresponding Country Programme Action Plan (CPAP), and constituent programmes and projects formulated and implemented in collaboration with relevant Government Ministries or NGOs or Community Based Organizations (CBOs) in a few cases. The UN volunteers will be situated in the districts.

8. Description of tasks:
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, DDP, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the District Councils to develop and implement the LDG funded projects under the DDP.
Support the preparation of Quarterly and Annual work plans.
Support the preparation of mini project documents for each of the projects in the approved work plan.
Assist with establishment and training of project management/user committees for each project implemented.
Inform UNDP/UNCDF of any changes in the approved work plan that might affect the project
• Support the District councils to prepare and submit monthly financial reports and quarterly narrative reports to the Ministry of Local Government and UNDP/UNCDF
Support the districts to prepare monthly financial reports
Analyze and use data from the monitoring activities to prepare quarterly narrative reports.
Ensure that District prepare monthly bank reconciliations statements
Inform UNDP and UNCDF of any risks for mismanagement or diversion of funds
• Monitor implementation of project activities, track project performance in line with the approved work plan, identify and report any risks report to the Programme Manager
Communicate substantive information, issues and project updates to the Programme Manager as information becomes available through reports, minutes, project news and other sources of information in the District on issues related to the project implementation.
• Prepare the District for the second national assessment to access the LDG
Orientation on minimum conditions and performance measures
Organizing the necessary documentation to facilitate the assessment at the district level
• In liaison with the District Environment Officer, ensure that quick and rapid environmental impact assessments are conducted where necessary before the project implementation begins.
• Assist in building capacities of councils on the procedures, methodologies and approaches adopted for LDG
Provide hands-on and backstopping support to the Councils for smooth implementation of project activities
• Participate in meetings and training sessions organized at national level by the Ministry of Local Government or UNDP related to the project

Contribute to collaborative working relationships with other local stakeholders such as CSOs at the local level by building linkages and networks to deepen local governance through the DDP interventions.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

9. Qualifications/Requirements:

a) Qualifications, skills, experience:
The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNDP with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Development studies, Business Administration, Public management, or any other related field relevant for project management principles.
• At least 2 years’ proven experience with Project management and implementation
• Experience in use of computers
• Fluent in English as a working language, knowledge of Sesotho is an asset.

b) Competencies and values:
Analytical capabilities:
• Strategic vision, technical and analytical capabilities and demonstrated ability to collect, analyse and interpret data.

HOW TO APPLY

Detailed job description and recruitment qualifications will be available onwww.ls.undp.org Applications should include copies of curriculum viate and academic certificates and contact details of three referees should be submitted to UNV/UNDP Office in Maseru, UN House, 13 United Nations Road or alternatively posted to UNDP P.O. Box 301 Maseru 100, Lesotho on or before close of business Friday 28th November 2014.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.