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. Type of Assignment: International UN Volunteer

2. Type of Assignment Place: Family Duty Station

3. Assignment Title: Regional Innovation Specialist in Basic Social Services

4. Link with UNV Strategic Framework: Securing access to basic social services

5. Duty Station, Country: Bangkok, Thailand

6. Duration (in months): 09 months initially

7. Expected Starting Date: Immediately

8. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNV Regional Office, Bangkok

9. Organizational Context/Project:

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that contributes to
peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means
of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and
nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer
by strengthening trust, solidarity and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating
opportunities for participation. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for
recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development
programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including ex-
perienced UN Volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and
inclusive, and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well
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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity. UNV engaged
6,351 UN Volunteers in 2013, on a total of 6,459 assignments. UNV is headquartered in Bonn,
Germany and has Field Unit presence in about 69 countries.
The UNV Regional Offices is a pilot initiative currently being implemented in three locations,
Bangkok, Nairobi, Panama and Dakar and expected to be expanded to other regions. It is
composed of a Regional Manager and 4 to 5 international UN Volunteers and 1 Programme
Associate. At UNV HQ level the UN Regional Office is headed by the Chief Programme Coor-
dinator. The key objectives of the Regional Office are: (i) provide high quality programme ad-
visory support to the Field Units and partners; (ii) establish strategic partnership with UN enti-
ties, Government, Regional Bodies, Civil Society Organisations and Volunteer Involving or-
ganizations to position UNV at the regional level; (iii) effective advocacy and promotion of vol-
unteerism at the regional level through relevant conferences, fora, networking, etc. Within the
context of the UNV Strategic Framework (2014-2017), the UNV Youth Volunteering Strategy
(2014-2017) and the Global Programmes, the international UN Volunteers under the Regional
Offices will work in the five priority areas where volunteerism has a transformational and cu-
mulative impact on the lives of people.

Brief Project Description:

The UNV Strategic Framework 2014-2017 advocates for the effective enhancement of the
capacity of UNV Field Units based at the country level with high quality programme advisory
support through a regional office. The Strategic Framework informs the Global Programmes
in the following focus areas: a) Access to Basic Services, b) Community resilience for environ-
ment and disaster risk reduction, c) peace building, d) Youth and national capacity building
through volunteer schemes. Within the context of the UNV Strategic Framework and through
the Global Programmes, the UNV Regional Offices are to provide high quality programmatic
support and establish strategic partnerships at the regional level to promote volunteerism for
peace and development in their respective regions.

10. Description of tasks:

Under the direct supervision of the UNV Regional Manager, who is the head of the UNV Re-
gional Office, the UN Volunteer Regional Basic Social Services Specialist will:

A. Undertake and support the strategic planning and programming on Basic Social Services
initiatives in the region in line with the UNV Basic Social Services Global Programme in-
cluding programme development, preparation of concept notes and project documents,
technical and coordination support to Field Units.

Specifically she/he will undertake the following key functions:

Keep abreast of development challenges and priorities on volunteering and Basic So-
cial Services in general in countries within the region to identify relevant entry points
at the UNV Field Units (FU) level for programming and partnerships;
Provide support to FUs in developing the concept notes and project documents in line
with the strategic quality criteria to be considered for funding under UNV global pro-
grammes;
Develop consistent result frameworks and theories of change aligned to the UNV
IRRM, the global programme documents and global projects for each priority area;
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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
 Identify programmatic opportunities that maximise potential for volunteer mobilization
as well as promotion of volunteerism in working closely with the FUs and the Portfolio
Managers;
Gather relevant information and analysis on regional trends on Basic Social Services
in general and related volunteerism in particular as a basis to make substantive con-
tributions to discussions, network, think tanks, etc. on Basic Social Services and vol-
unteerism;
Under the guidance of the Regional Manager, undertake a scoping exercise in con-
junction with the UNV FUs to gather technical knowledge and evidence based results
to inform emerging and ongoing initiatives on Basic Social Services in general and
related volunteerism;
From the Basic Social Services angle provide regional-level assessments, analysis
and trends on how volunteering is an asset and provide substantive inputs to UNV
Field Unit teams in their engagement with UN agencies through the UN Development
Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and Country Programme and other planning tools
for forecasting of demand in their programmes;
Support the development of innovative volunteering solutions enhancing delivery of
public services with national, regional and sub-regional bodies (with a focus on South
South Cooperation) as well as outreach and engagement of the private sector.
Undertake missions to support UNV Field Units in programme and project formulation
on Basic Social Services in general and related volunteerism within the context of the
national development plans, CCA and UNDAF processes.
Undertake mapping exercises in order to identify the regional, sub-regional and na-
tional pipeline of projects of different UN agencies, including UN joint programmes;
Under the guidance of the Regional Manager, participate in different forums and meet-
ings on Basic Social Services issues, including the initiatives under the UN regional
interagency thematic group on Basic Social Services.
Integrated UNV knowledge and innovation in programme development;
Under the guidance of the Regional Manager, support effective result reporting on
global and regional programmes and aggregate results to report progress against
UNV IRRM and global programmes/grobal project result frameworks.

B. Assist the Regional Manager in identifying and strengthening relationships with main part-
ners in the region supporting innovative volunteering solutions enhancing multi stakehold-
ers and volunteer engagement in delivery of public services. Specifically:
Assist Regional Manager to analyze and strategize on innovative solutions to engage
the private sector and corporate volunteering in BSS and SDGs related programmes
with the UN and Government partners.
Assist Regional Manager to analyze and strategize on innovative solutions to support
South South Cooperation.
Effectively use existing evidence and actively support evidence generation on volun-
teerism-related Basic Social Services in the region and develop into advocacy products
and projects for resource mobilisation;

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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
 Gather donor intelligence and mapping of relevant partners, including private sector.
Contribute to conceptualization and realization of fundraising material. Contribute to
development of social media packages.

C. Others Tasks:
As the UNV Regional Office is a multidisciplinary team, the team members are expected
to support each other and step in in absence of a team member. The team members will
also be assigned other tasks by the Regional Manager.
The incumbent might be asked to provide guidance, supervise and/or be paired with
online, on-site volunteers, interns who are on short term assignments.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required 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 International Volunteer Day);
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 publica-
tions/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the
local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary
basis;
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.

11. Results/Expected Outputs:

Concrete programming initiatives on basic social services and related volunteerism

at the regional level and field offices;
Evidence based information on volunteerism and basic social services at the re-
gional level is documented, disseminated and used for resource mobilisation;
Effective support to UNV Field units to develop concept notes, project and pro-
gramme within the context of UNDAF, Country Programme, UNV Global Pro-
gramme, etc.
Active participation in basic social services related fora, conferences, meetings,
working groups and effective follow up on recommendations for action;
The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training,
when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-
parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated
and documented in all activities throughout the assignment

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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
 A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the
assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities par-
ticipated in and capacities developed

12. Qualifications/Requirements (including competencies, values and skills):

A) Qualifications, skills, experience:

Degree level: Master's degree

Type of Degree: Development studies, social and community development with particular
focus on health, education and gender equality, public policy, and administration or
equivalent academic areas;

Years of work experience: 4-5 years of working experience in innovation and programme
development with at least 2 years related to delivery of basic social services related issues,
preferably as it relates with volunteerism, in an international environment or national level;
Experience in private sector engagement is an asset.

Language: Excellent English writing and communication skills.

Driving license required: No

Computer skills: Advanced computers skills (word-processing/spreadsheets, PowerPoint)

Substantive knowledge in project design and formulation as well as monitoring implemen-

tation;
Knowledge of private sector CSR in Asia Pacific
Knowledge and analytical overview of the development realities and challenges in the re-
gion;
Knowledge to network and mobilization of resources is an asset;
Ability to work in teams from a multidisciplinary and cultural background.

B) Competencies and values:

Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to

apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take own-
ership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under

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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
 established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion,
impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confi-
dentially; responsive and client-oriented.
Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational
rules and regulations.
Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay
abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work envi-
ronment.
Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to
manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish prior-
ities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with
conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational
boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious work-
ing
relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diver-
sity and gender;
Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication
skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations,
articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations;
ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military person-
nel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse back-
grounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective,
without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide
range of different target groups;
Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, re-
mote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical
hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of oper-
ations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be
necessary;

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes sol-
idarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core
values.

13. Living Conditions:

Bangkok allowed basic living needs, including accommodation, banking facilities, medical
facilities and telecommunications/internet services are readily available. All staple foods can
be found in the markets, eg: rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil, salt, etc. Many imported
goods are available in Bangkok and other places throughout Thailand. Bangkok has many
good restaurants with good health standards and most guesthouses provide food. In Thailand
the most used means of transportation are taxi or local bus (and, in Bangkok, the elevated
train service). Mobile phone is the most dependable tool to
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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
be in-touch with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available and affordable at
most apartment complexes. ATMs are everywhere in Thailand and Western cards can usually
be used to withdraw Thai Baht.

For those with children, schooling options in Bangkok are to be well evaluated and determined
before taking your children at duty station. School fees and area really depends on your
preferences. Admission fee for school in Thailand ranges from $3,000 - $9,000 and tuition fee
from $5,500 - $25,533 (per annum). Depending on educational quality and the area which
comes with price tags, you may need to explore more on schools to find out what they could
offer that serves the needs of your children. No specific allocation is available for schooling
and Volunteers will need to bare the entire costs.

14. Conditions of Service for international UN Volunteers:

The duration of your assignment is 12 months.

A volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) which is composed of the

Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with
dependents (maximum three).

The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing,
utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be computed by
applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate of US$ 1,587. The VLA
base rate is a global rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and
fluctuates on a monthly basis according to the cost of living. This method ensures that
international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations
irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service
Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website
(http://icsc.un.org). For example, if the PAM for the current month is 54.6%, then the VLA for
that month will be (US$ 1,587 x 54,6 /100) + 1,587= US$ 2,453. Moreover, a Family Allowance
(FA) is added in accordance with the number of recognized dependents: US$ 250 if the UN
Volunteer has 1 recognized dependent, and US$ 450 if the UN Volunteer has 2 or more
recognized dependents. Accordingly, the VLA per month will be US$ 2,149 for a volunteer
without dependent; US$ 2,399 for a volunteer with one recognized dependent and US$ 2,599
for a volunteer with two or more recognized dependents.

In non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC,
international UN Volunteers receive a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are provided a settling-in-grant (SIG) at the start of the
assignment (if the volunteer did not reside in the duty station for at least 6 months prior to
taking up the assignment) and in the event of a permanent reassignment to another duty
station.

UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual
leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security
reimbursements).

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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight
tickets for periodic home visit and for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). Resettlement
allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment.

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service,
including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.

Description of Assignment prepared by the UNV Field Unit/UN Agency:

Manon Bernier, UNV Regional Manager - Asia and the Pacific

Date: 03/05/2016

Description of Assignment approved by UNDP/RR/CD or UNV Field Unit :

Rior Santos, UNV Programme Officer

Date: 02/03/2017

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.

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The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).