Administrative Assistant

Details:
Mission and objectives:
Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The objective of UNCCD is to combat desertification and land degradation, and to mitigate the effects of drought in affected countries around the world, through effective action at all levels. The mandate of the Convention and its 197 Parties is to support a future that avoids, and reverses desertification/land degradation and minimizes effects of drought in affected areas at all levels – and to achieve a Land Degradation Neutrality consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Regional Liaison Offices (RLO) are a part of, and under the direct supervision/coordination of the Global Policy, Advocacy and Regional Cooperation Unit (GPARC) of the UNCCD secretariat Headquarters based in Bonn. The basic functions of GPARC, including all RLOs, are the framing of relevant and persuasive policy messages and the delivery of related strategic advocacy on issues of desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD); building partnerships with key stakeholders – governments, civil society and the private sector – to enhance cooperation and collaboration in the implementation of the Convention; the coordination of the programme of work of the UNCCD institutions at the regional, sub regional and national levels; and the facilitation of effective communications between country Parties and headquarters.
Context:
This UNV assignment is part of UNCCD project supporting the operational activities of the Interregional Group ‘Central Asia – Russia’ (countries Parties: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) which is administratively supported by the RLO for Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEE and CA). The group has been formed in 2019 to facilitate cooperation for the implementation of the goals of the Convention and the UNCCD Strategic Framework for 2018- 2030. The Parties have established its bureau and a roadmap of actions. They regularly celebrate in-person and online meetings with the administrative support provided by the UNCCD secretariat. A website of the group is about to be developed and launched in the near future.
Task description:
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Regional Liaison Officer for CEE and CA or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Administrative Assistant to the Interregional group ‘Central Asia – Russia’ will be performing the following tasks:
Administrative, organizational and technical support

Assist the Parties of the Interregional Group, the members of the bureau and the working groups within the Interregional Group.

Be continuously in contact and fulfill tasks assigned by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Interregional Group bureau.

Facilitate the organization of in-person (in and outside the duty station) and online meetings / events including logistics support, background documents (minutes, protocols, concept and information notes, etc.) and provide technical inputs as required.

Provide translations/interpretation (Russian-English languages), when necessary, during the meetings.

Support maintaining the Interregional Group´s website content and design to ensure that it is functional, accurate, and up to date. Suggest thematics and articles for publication. Translation of the website information.

Research and knowledge management

Provide to the supervisor and to the members of the bureau of the Interregional Group regular and accurate information of the latest political, economic, and environmental news as well as existing environmental programmes and key projects in Central Asia region and Russia with potential implications on the implementation of the UNCCD and its Strategic Framework 2018-2030 and the process of engaging relevant stakeholders.

Monitor the fulfillment of the ‘roadmap of actions’ of the Interregional Group.

Compile relevant key scientific articles, policies, best practices, news articles, position statements, ´success stories´ and relevant case studies on land degradation in Central Asia and Russia.

Awareness-raising and outreach

Contribute to communications and awareness raising on the Interregional Group and its activities (visual communications, print, online media, etc.).

Coordinate the planning and delivery of events such as policy dialogues, webinars, workshops.

Support with outreach activities, provide assistance in organizing virtual and in-person meetings with stakeholders interested in engaging with the Interregional Group.

Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
Results/expected outputs:
As an active UNCCD team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNCCD and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

Bi-Monthly reports on the activities undertaken in the above areas.

Monthly digests on key projects and programmes on issues within UNCCD in Central Asia and Russia.

Reports with key messages from relevant information on environmental issues within the Convention for Central Asia and Russia (desertification, land degradation, drought, water issues, SDS, land tenure, gender, migration, etc.).

Mission reports, meeting reports, photographs.

Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.

A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Requirements:
the environmental area at the national and/or international level or other relevant programmes; experience working in the UN or other international development organization.

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

Strong writing skills, creative writing would be an advantage;

Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; good knowledge of Zoom and other communication platforms;

Web design and web content development is an asset;

Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Sound security awareness;

Have affinity with or interest in ecological and environmental issues, international relations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Competencies and values:

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNCCD; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNCCD procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNCCD in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

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.

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 priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

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 personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNCCD´s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Area(s) of expertise:

Development programmes

Administration

Information technology

Required education level:
Bachelor degree or equivalent
Other information: As of September 2024 National UN Youth Volunteers in Kazakhstan receive USD 884/month as their Volunteer Living Allowance.
Other benefits include:

Pre-assignment Entry lump sum – USD 400 (one time payment)

Volunteer living allowance (as mentioned above) – USD 884/month

Learning – Access to UNV’s learning and career development resources

Annual leave – 2.5 days per month

Insurance – 100% coverage by CIGNA

Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment)

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.
The above summary is provided as information only and is subject to change. For further information on the full range of entitlements and eligibility criteria, please read the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service.

United Nations