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 developm
ent 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:
Communications Associate, Website and Social Media.
2. Type of Assignment:
national UN Volunteer
3. Project Title:
Project 00074217.
4. Duration: Six months,
renewable
5. Location, Country:
Kigali, Rwanda
6. Expected Starting Date:
Immediate
7. Brief Project
Description:
The
UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Rwanda supports the work of the One
UN Country team, operating under the Standard Operating Principles (SOPs) of
the Delivering Results Together model (also known as Delivering as One). Under
this model, the UN follows the principle of ‘Communicating as One,’ with the
key messages and news about all agencies coordinated through the UN
Communications Group and supported by the UNRCO. Two years ago, the http://www.rw.one.un.org/
website was launched. Since then, the team has also launched on Facebook and
Twitter. While the number of visitors to the website and followers on social
media continues to grow, the UNCG and RCO have not yet established a consistent
management of these platforms, nor an overall strategy to increase interaction
with followers. According to a 2014 Media Monitoring survey of the One UN in
Rwanda, 71 percent of the coverage the UN received in the country was online.
The RCO seeks a Website and Social Media Assistant to take over the day-to-day
management of the online platforms in both English and Kinyarwanda, with the
aim of increasing the online community’s knowledge of and interaction with the
One UN’s mission and work, as well as coordinating the inputs and supporting
the online content supplied by member agencies of the UNCT, both resident and
non-resident.
UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Rwanda supports the work of the One
UN Country team, operating under the Standard Operating Principles (SOPs) of
the Delivering Results Together model (also known as Delivering as One). Under
this model, the UN follows the principle of ‘Communicating as One,’ with the
key messages and news about all agencies coordinated through the UN
Communications Group and supported by the UNRCO. Two years ago, the http://www.rw.one.un.org/
website was launched. Since then, the team has also launched on Facebook and
Twitter. While the number of visitors to the website and followers on social
media continues to grow, the UNCG and RCO have not yet established a consistent
management of these platforms, nor an overall strategy to increase interaction
with followers. According to a 2014 Media Monitoring survey of the One UN in
Rwanda, 71 percent of the coverage the UN received in the country was online.
The RCO seeks a Website and Social Media Assistant to take over the day-to-day
management of the online platforms in both English and Kinyarwanda, with the
aim of increasing the online community’s knowledge of and interaction with the
One UN’s mission and work, as well as coordinating the inputs and supporting
the online content supplied by member agencies of the UNCT, both resident and
non-resident.
8.
Host Agency/Host Institute: UN Resident
Coordinator’s Office.
9. Organizational Context:
Host Agency/Host Institute: UN Resident
Coordinator’s Office.
9. Organizational Context:
The
Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), helps to improve the effectiveness of UN
operations at the country level by drawing upon the support, expertise, and
guidance of the entire UN Country Team (UNCT) in order to deliver more
coordinated programmes and better development results. The Resident
Coordinator, who is funded and managed by the United Nations Development
Program (UNDP), leads the Country Team and is the designated representative of
the Secretary General for development operations. Working closely with national
governments, the Resident Coordinator and the Country Team advocate the
interests and mandates of the UN system, while drawing on the support and
guidance of the entire UN family.
Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), helps to improve the effectiveness of UN
operations at the country level by drawing upon the support, expertise, and
guidance of the entire UN Country Team (UNCT) in order to deliver more
coordinated programmes and better development results. The Resident
Coordinator, who is funded and managed by the United Nations Development
Program (UNDP), leads the Country Team and is the designated representative of
the Secretary General for development operations. Working closely with national
governments, the Resident Coordinator and the Country Team advocate the
interests and mandates of the UN system, while drawing on the support and
guidance of the entire UN family.
10.
Description of tasks:
Description of tasks:
Under
the direct supervision of the RCO’s Head of Office/Senior Policy Advisor, the
Communications Associate,
Website and Social Media will undertake the following tasks:
. Act as administrator of the One UN Rwanda website http://www.rw.one.un.org/
as well as administrator of the One UN Twitter feed and Facebook page, posting
approved content that has been submitted by member agencies of the UN Country
Team, or assisting colleagues to do so;
· Produce and create approved content for use on One UN web
and social media – in the form of writing, photography or video — on behalf of
the UNRC and the RCO;
· Ensure that all information and content on the One UN
Website and online platforms are up-to-date and factually accurate, including
the commissioning or creation of new/updated content to replace any outdated
items;
· Attend and participate in regular meetings of the UN
Communications Group (UNCG), with particular attention to issues pertaining to
online communications;
· Support and participate in initiatives launched by the UNCG
including UN Days, and support the coverage of UN activities and events,
through the One UN’s web and online platforms;
· Liaise with the company providing Media Monitoring services
to the UNCG to keep the One UN team aware of online media coverage and trends,
and follow Rwandan online news platforms;
· Draft and enact a plan to increase traffic to the One UN’s
website and social media platforms, in collaboration with the UNCG and
communications colleagues from sister UN agencies in the One UN Rwanda team;
· Monitor interactions with the public who follow the One UN
on social media, responding to queries from the public, in consultation with
supervisor(s) and alerting supervisors to any potential reputational risks to
the UN;
· Support and assist colleagues in their own use of social
media through coaching and advice. When working with colleagues or
counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly
encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through
coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training.
the direct supervision of the RCO’s Head of Office/Senior Policy Advisor, the
Communications Associate,
Website and Social Media will undertake the following tasks:
. Act as administrator of the One UN Rwanda website http://www.rw.one.un.org/
as well as administrator of the One UN Twitter feed and Facebook page, posting
approved content that has been submitted by member agencies of the UN Country
Team, or assisting colleagues to do so;
· Produce and create approved content for use on One UN web
and social media – in the form of writing, photography or video — on behalf of
the UNRC and the RCO;
· Ensure that all information and content on the One UN
Website and online platforms are up-to-date and factually accurate, including
the commissioning or creation of new/updated content to replace any outdated
items;
· Attend and participate in regular meetings of the UN
Communications Group (UNCG), with particular attention to issues pertaining to
online communications;
· Support and participate in initiatives launched by the UNCG
including UN Days, and support the coverage of UN activities and events,
through the One UN’s web and online platforms;
· Liaise with the company providing Media Monitoring services
to the UNCG to keep the One UN team aware of online media coverage and trends,
and follow Rwandan online news platforms;
· Draft and enact a plan to increase traffic to the One UN’s
website and social media platforms, in collaboration with the UNCG and
communications colleagues from sister UN agencies in the One UN Rwanda team;
· Monitor interactions with the public who follow the One UN
on social media, responding to queries from the public, in consultation with
supervisor(s) and alerting supervisors to any potential reputational risks to
the UN;
· Support and assist colleagues in their own use of social
media through coaching and advice. When working with colleagues or
counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs), the incumbent is strongly
encouraged to set aside dedicated time for capacity development through
coaching, mentoring and formal and on-the-job training.
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 International
Volunteer Day);
· Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local
forms of volunteerism in the host country; network and build relationships with
local organizations, groups or individuals, and support and/or participate in
local volunteering initiatives; 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.;
initiate and/or participate in local volunteer groups, including assisting them
in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;
· Promote or advise local groups on the use of online
volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use
the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible;
· 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;
· Discuss with supervisors how volunteerism for peace and
development can be mainstreamed in the assignment and integrate activities
promoting volunteerism for peace and development into work plans;
· Assist with the UNV “buddy programme” for newly arrived UN
Volunteers.
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 International
Volunteer Day);
· Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local
forms of volunteerism in the host country; network and build relationships with
local organizations, groups or individuals, and support and/or participate in
local volunteering initiatives; 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.;
initiate and/or participate in local volunteer groups, including assisting them
in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;
· Promote or advise local groups on the use of online
volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use
the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible;
· 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;
· Discuss with supervisors how volunteerism for peace and
development can be mainstreamed in the assignment and integrate activities
promoting volunteerism for peace and development into work plans;
· Assist with the UNV “buddy programme” for newly arrived UN
Volunteers.
12.
Results/Expected Outputs:
· Rwandan public and One UN stakeholders are better informed,
via online platforms, about the UN work and results in Rwanda and beyond, and
are able to engage with One UN online;
· Traffic on the Rwanda One UN website and followers of the
One UN in Rwanda on social media is increased;
· A Rwanda One UN web and social media strategy is developed
and enacted;
· Efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and
high-quality support rendered to the RCO and member agencies of the UNCT, in
the dissemination of relevant information and communications products via the
One UN web and other online platforms;
· A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for
development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of
volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Results/Expected Outputs:
· Rwandan public and One UN stakeholders are better informed,
via online platforms, about the UN work and results in Rwanda and beyond, and
are able to engage with One UN online;
· Traffic on the Rwanda One UN website and followers of the
One UN in Rwanda on social media is increased;
· A Rwanda One UN web and social media strategy is developed
and enacted;
· Efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and
high-quality support rendered to the RCO and member agencies of the UNCT, in
the dissemination of relevant information and communications products via the
One UN web and other online platforms;
· A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for
development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of
volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
13.
Profile Requirements:
a) Qualifications, skills, experience:
Profile Requirements:
a) Qualifications, skills, experience:
The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional Rwandan, who will be able to
support the Rwanda UN Resident
Coordinator’s Office with professionalism, dedication and client orientation.
The following qualifications are required:
· University Degree or relevant academic qualifications in
International Relations, Communications, Public Relations and Marketing,
Information Technology or a related field.
· Excellent writing, editing and oral communication skills in
English and Kinyarwanda; French an asset;
· At least 2 years of experience working with development,
web and new media related areas;
· Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief,
post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development,
and the UN System.
b)
Competencies and values:
· Strong written and spoken communication skills and an
ability to work within a dynamic and collaborative team environment;
· Demonstrated ability to apply flexibility, creative
thinking, passion and drive for results;
· Experience in building strong cause-driven online and
social networking campaigns;
· Experience in online and digital resource and knowledge
sharing strategies;
· Knowledge of UNDP/UN system and understanding of
international development issues would be an advantage;
· Demonstrated ability to plan and organize workflows, manage
multiple concurrent projects under pressure, with attention to detail and deadlines;
· Demonstrate strong computer skills via Microsoft Office
Suite; Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Publisher, Illustrator and InDesign an
advantage;
· Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary
engagement, which include solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and
self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.
In addition, the incumbent should demonstrate:
· Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in
area of Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Development, Political or
Social sciences and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy,
personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide
responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures
in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion,
impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively,
accurately and confidentially; 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 environment;
· Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate
effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain
effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural,
multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
Competencies and values:
· Strong written and spoken communication skills and an
ability to work within a dynamic and collaborative team environment;
· Demonstrated ability to apply flexibility, creative
thinking, passion and drive for results;
· Experience in building strong cause-driven online and
social networking campaigns;
· Experience in online and digital resource and knowledge
sharing strategies;
· Knowledge of UNDP/UN system and understanding of
international development issues would be an advantage;
· Demonstrated ability to plan and organize workflows, manage
multiple concurrent projects under pressure, with attention to detail and deadlines;
· Demonstrate strong computer skills via Microsoft Office
Suite; Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Publisher, Illustrator and InDesign an
advantage;
· Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary
engagement, which include solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and
self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.
In addition, the incumbent should demonstrate:
· Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in
area of Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Development, Political or
Social sciences and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy,
personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide
responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures
in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion,
impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively,
accurately and confidentially; 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 environment;
· Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate
effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain
effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural,
multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
14.
Living Conditions:
The Republic of Rwanda is a small landlocked country in the Great Lakes region
of east-central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of
the Congo and Tanzania. With almost 10 million people, Rwanda supports the
densest population in continental Africa most of whom engages in subsistence
agriculture and 3/4 of the population live below the international poverty line
of US$1.25 a day. Rwanda is a verdant country of fertile and hilly terrain and
bears the title “Land of a Thousand Hills”.
Living Conditions:
The Republic of Rwanda is a small landlocked country in the Great Lakes region
of east-central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of
the Congo and Tanzania. With almost 10 million people, Rwanda supports the
densest population in continental Africa most of whom engages in subsistence
agriculture and 3/4 of the population live below the international poverty line
of US$1.25 a day. Rwanda is a verdant country of fertile and hilly terrain and
bears the title “Land of a Thousand Hills”.
The
country has received considerable international attention due to its 1994
genocide, in which between 800,000 and one million people were killed. In 2008,
Rwanda became the first country in history to elect a national legislature in
which a majority of members were women. The country now has many international
visitors and is regarded as a safer place for tourists.
country has received considerable international attention due to its 1994
genocide, in which between 800,000 and one million people were killed. In 2008,
Rwanda became the first country in history to elect a national legislature in
which a majority of members were women. The country now has many international
visitors and is regarded as a safer place for tourists.
The
principal form of public transport in the country is share taxi, with express
routes linking the major cities and local services serving most villages along
the main roads of the country.
A valid passport with visa is mandatory. In view of the bilateral agreements,
nationals of the following countries may visit Rwanda without visa for a period
up to 90 days: USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Sweden, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong.
Visas can be applied online at www.migration.gov.rw
principal form of public transport in the country is share taxi, with express
routes linking the major cities and local services serving most villages along
the main roads of the country.
A valid passport with visa is mandatory. In view of the bilateral agreements,
nationals of the following countries may visit Rwanda without visa for a period
up to 90 days: USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Sweden, Mauritius, South Africa and Hong Kong.
Visas can be applied online at www.migration.gov.rw
A
certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too
high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present
and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended. It is advisable not to drink
tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns. Hospitals are
located in all major towns. There is also the UN Dispensary that can provide
1st aid assistance and guidance.
certificate of yellow-fever vaccination is required. Much of Rwanda lies at too
high an elevation for malaria to be a major concern, but the disease is present
and prophylactic drugs are strongly recommended. It is advisable not to drink
tap water. Bottled mineral water can be bought in all towns. Hospitals are
located in all major towns. There is also the UN Dispensary that can provide
1st aid assistance and guidance.
A
combination of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of Rwanda
has a temperate year-round climate. Temperatures rarely stray above 30 degrees
Celsius by day or below 15 degrees Celsius at night throughout the year. The
exceptions are the chilly upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains, and the hot
low-lying Tanzania border area protected in Akagera National Park. Throughout
the country, seasonal variations in temperature are relatively insignificant.
Most parts of the country receive in excess of 1,000mm of precipitation
annually, with the driest months being July to September and the wettest
February to May.
combination of tropical location and high altitude ensures that most of Rwanda
has a temperate year-round climate. Temperatures rarely stray above 30 degrees
Celsius by day or below 15 degrees Celsius at night throughout the year. The
exceptions are the chilly upper slopes of the Virunga Mountains, and the hot
low-lying Tanzania border area protected in Akagera National Park. Throughout
the country, seasonal variations in temperature are relatively insignificant.
Most parts of the country receive in excess of 1,000mm of precipitation
annually, with the driest months being July to September and the wettest
February to May.
The
unit of currency is the Rwanda franc. The US dollar is the hard currency of
preference. It may be impossible to exchange travelers’ cheques away from the
capital. Credit cards are usually only accepted at the major hotels in Kigali.
In addition to Kinyarwanda, French and English are the major spoken languages.
unit of currency is the Rwanda franc. The US dollar is the hard currency of
preference. It may be impossible to exchange travelers’ cheques away from the
capital. Credit cards are usually only accepted at the major hotels in Kigali.
In addition to Kinyarwanda, French and English are the major spoken languages.
15.
Conditions of Service (National UNV COSENG )
A 6 – month contract; with subsequent contract extensions subject to
availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.
However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.
Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided
in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of
recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of 366,988 RWF is provided
monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. (NB:
The New COS national UN volunteers, memo- new methodology on the VLA for
National UN Volunteers in Rwanda will apply). Life, health and permanent
disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as
well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for
satisfactory service.
Conditions of Service (National UNV COSENG )
A 6 – month contract; with subsequent contract extensions subject to
availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.
However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.
Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided
in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of
recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of 366,988 RWF is provided
monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. (NB:
The New COS national UN volunteers, memo- new methodology on the VLA for
National UN Volunteers in Rwanda will apply). Life, health and permanent
disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as
well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for
satisfactory service.
16.
Application
Interest national candidates should include detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and
an application letter to UNDP Resident Representative (both in English or
French) marked: “Application for the post of “UNV Communications Associate,
Website and Social Media.” to UNDP, 12 Avenue de l‘Armée Kigali; before 14
November 2015, at 4:pm local time
Application
Interest national candidates should include detailed curriculum vitae (CV), and
an application letter to UNDP Resident Representative (both in English or
French) marked: “Application for the post of “UNV Communications Associate,
Website and Social Media.” to UNDP, 12 Avenue de l‘Armée Kigali; before 14
November 2015, at 4:pm local time
