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: Public Information Assistant

2. Type of assignment: National UN Volunteer

3. Project Title: Protection monitoring activities and support to the asylum systems in the sub-region of Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.

4. Duration: 5 months with extension
   

5. Location, Country: Kyiv, Ukraine

6. Expected starting date: 15 August 2011

7. Brief Project Description: UNHCR seeks to strengthen national asylum systems and safeguard asylum in the broader migration context through dynamic partnerships with the European Union, national governments and NGOs.

8. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNHCR

9. Organizational Context: The national UN Volunteer will work under the supervision of the National Regional PI Officer.

10. Type of assignment place: assignment with family

11. Description of tasks:

12. Assist the supervisor in the planning and implementation of the regional public information and public awareness activities.

13. Provide day-to-day assistance in handling media relations including organizing media events, interviews, workshops, training; assist in the production of publications, compilation of information kits; assist in the organisation of media events.

14. Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, feature stories and other advocacy and information materials for both web-based and traditional media.

15. Ensures timely dissemination of UNHCR updates, press releases and statements.

16. Keep close working contacts with media, civil society and government partners, promoting a positive image of refugees and UNHCR’s activities in the region.

17. Monitor national, regional and international media and keep the office informed on the vital developments and issues which can be of relevance to UNHCR and refugees.

18. Maintain data base of contacts (including media, NGO and government partners) and news clippings; maintain an up-to-date filing system and library.

19. Update the regional website run by the office, using the content management programme.

20. Draft routine correspondence and respond to media queries and incoming requests.

21. Liaise with communication staff of other UN agencies and UNHCR offices world-wide.

22. Perform other duties as required, including unofficial translations as and when necessary.

23. Performs other duties as required by supervisor.

Furthermore, UN 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 UN 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:

• UNHCR PI activities are well coordinated, inputs from the all partners considered and activities are implemented.

• Support to the Protection Unit is provided as requested

• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development within your host community

• Qualifications/Requirements:

At least 25 years of age, University degree in linguistics, communications or equivalent professional work experience in the field of communication combined with a university degree in a related field, 2-3 years of relevant work experience Computer skills: Computer literacy with good knowledge of computer application.

Language skills: Excellent spoken and written skills in English, Russian and Ukrainian.

1. Living Conditions:

Security phase is 0.

1. Conditions of Service

A 4,5-months contract with possible extension; monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to UAH 5000; settling-in-grant (if applicable); life, health, and permanent disability insurance; resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae in English by 31 July 2011 to the address below. Only successful candidates would be contacted and invited for the interview.

UNHCR Attn:
Vladimir Lysenko 16, Lavrska St. Kyiv
01015 Ukraine
or by e-mail: [email protected],
or fax: 288-9850