UNV VOLUNTEER TERMS OF REFERENCE
FOR PORTUGUESE SPEAKERS
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, UNV 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, UNV 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 UNV volunteers even more rewarding and productive.
Type of assignment (International or National UNV volunteer): International Volunteer
Project Title: Guinea Bissau’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) for the implementation of its peacebuilding priority plan
Duration: 6 months - Renewable
Expected starting date: As soon as possible
General Context:
Guinea Bissau has received financial support from the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) for the implementation of its peacebuilding priority plan. A National Steering Committee (NSC), co-chaired by the Government and the United Nations, has been set up to oversee the development, execution and evaluation of the projects based on the priority plan. The NSC and its team of experts will be assisted by a PBF Secretariat.
A UNV PBF Monitoring, Evaluation and Communications Officer will be recruited to provide technical assistance to the NSC.
Host Agency/Host Institute: UNDP/UNOGBIS. Support to joint Government/ UN peace building projects within the PBF National Secretariat initially hosted by UNOGBIS (Peace building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau)
Description of Duties:
Under the overall supervision of the Co-Chairs of the NSC, and the direct supervision of the Representative of the Secretariat General (RSG) of UNOGBIS or his delegate, the UNV volunteer will support the activities of the Peace Building Fund (PBF) in Guinea-Bissau promoting the optimal programming and implementation of PBF projects – specifically ensuring results-based monitoring, reporting and evaluation strategy in project design and implementation and in the overall effectiveness of projects in relation to the PBF Guinea-Bissau Priority Plan.
Specific objectives will include:
- Collaborate with the National PBF Programme Officer to provide secretariat support for technical bodies set up to assist PBF project selection and review;
- From a monitoring effectiveness perspective, ensure the technical review and appropriate analysis of PBF Concept Notes and Project Proposals;
- Ensure a functional results-based Monitoring and Reporting Framework for all PBF projects and that the evaluation strategy per project is clearly articulated;
- Provide support and advice to Recipient UN Organisations to ensure proper and timely monitoring and performance reporting on all projects funded under the PB;
- Identify the needs (including drafting TOR) for external evaluation consultants;
- Facilitate and/or prepare the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and good practice case studies on peace building activities;
- Support a heightened profile of PBF/ PBC efforts in country through the drafting of press releases, organization of events, making use of other opportunities and support to public relations etc. and overall advocate for and support information sharing as in best practices, especially sharing lessons learned with other PBF in-country Secretariats in West-Africa, e.g. Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea;
- Ensure appropriate media coverage of the work on PBF in the country – including contributions to articles for publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
- Support and fill in, in times of absence, for UN staff related to the Peace building Commission (PBC) and for PBF support, including, in collaboration with the relevant components of the mission, facilitation of PBC visits.
Furthermore, UNV volunteers are encouraged to:
- Strengthening 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 IVD);
- Getting acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
- Reflecting on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
- Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Assisting with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UNV volunteers;
- 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.
Results/Expected Output:
- Monitoring and reporting for all PBF projects elaborated on a timely manner;
- Overall selection and design of PBF projects enhanced and better coordinated in relation to overall PB needs;
- Evaluation of selected PBF projects and overall PB efforts (Priority Plan portfolio level) performed;
- Increased public and donor community awareness of peace building issues;
- Identification of key peace building lessons and good practice stories.
- A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during your assignment such as specific quantification of mobilized volunteers, activities, capacities.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- Advanced degree in international relations, political science, development programme management or a related field
- Experience/ familiarity with working in post-conflict and transition environments
- Familiarity with national capacity building needs and approaches
- Three - five years project management experience
- Familiarity with monitoring & evaluation of projects in post-conflict situations
- Sound understanding of peace building and transition issues
- Good drafting skills in the working language of the country
Competencies:
Computer skills: Word Processing; Excel, PowerPoint, Internet
Language skills: Candidate should have an excellent command of English and Portuguese and knowledge of French
Living Conditions:
Language: Official language: Portuguese; Spoken language: Creole; Working language at the United Nations: French
Electricity and Communications: Some zones of Bissau have electricity nearly 24 hours per day, others depend totally on generators. There are several internet cafes in Bissau.
International code number: 245. There are two mobile phone companies: GUINE TEL and AREEBA (MTN)
Security: Although there is a certain political instability, the day to day life is calm and neither the International Community nor the population is aimed at. The staff is equipped with Codan Radios (VHF).
Health: The health sector is very precarious. The United Nations have their own health center.
Capital: Bissau
Economic capital: Gabu ; Population: 1.200.000 aprox. (45 % Muslims et 55% Catholic/other)
Climate: Bissau aprox. 29°-30°; Rainy season from June to October
Conditions of Service
A 6-month contract; monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to US$ 2.138 for single person, US$ 2.388 for person with one dependant, and US$ 2.588 for person with two or more recognized dependants; settling-in-grant; life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return airfares; resettlement allowance of US$ 150 per month of satisfactory service.
Date 15/06/09
