National UN Volunteer (NUNV), Project Specialist (Management)

Job Description

**NUNV TERMS OF REFERENCE** Preamble: The United Nations Volunteers is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. It serves the causes of peace and development through enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer action in all its diversity. This post is a UNV volunteer assignment based on the values of free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. Volunteering brings benefit to the individual volunteer as well as the society at large. It enhances social cohesion and enriches communities. 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 your understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between yourself and the people in your host community. This will make the time you spend as UNV volunteer even more rewarding and productive. **UNV Post Title:** National UN Volunteer (NUNV), Project Specialist (Management), Human Development Research & Coordination Unit, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa and Gujarat **Duration:** Till December 2007 **Duty Station:** Bangalore, Mumbai, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar and Gandhinagar **Host Agency:** UNDP **Brief Project Description:** The Government of India-UNDP Project on Strengthening State Plans for Human Development aims to (a) build and strengthen capacity of State planners to provide a human development perspective in State Plan documents and relevant policies and programmes of the State government, (b) provide research and training services to identify specific policy options for financing of human development, and (c) strengthen State statistical systems through development of methodologies, software and training courses for data providers and users, both in the Directorate of Economics & Statistics and relevant departments. Emphasis would be placed on generation and computation of district level statistics pertaining to education, health, income and poverty. The State Governments are committed to national and international goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) through an effective poverty reduction strategy and an action agenda for human development. The State Governments, which have prepared the State HDR, is participating in the above project, and accordingly signed a tripartite agreement (MOU) with the Government of India and UNDP. The State Governments have established a Human Development Research & Coordination Unit in the State Planning Board/Commission/Planning Department as per the terms of the MOU. Accordingly, the service of a National UNV is required to provide management and advisory support to the State Human Development Research & Coordination Unit. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, mandated by its Executive Board to assist member countries in devising more effective public policies and programmes for poverty reduction, human development and the achievement of MDGs. The UNDP’s Country Programme 2003-07 has a specific focus on human development and gender equality, and the Government of India has approved a Project for Strengthening State Plans for Human Development, led by the Planning Commission, Government of India. **Description of Duties: ** The NUNV Project Specialist (Management) will be posted at various places mentioned above, to work as an integral part of the State Human Development Research & Coordination Unit under the direct supervision of the Nodal Officer designated by the State Government to perform the following duties: • Assist in implementation of project activities as per approved work plan. • Maintain up to date records of all expenditures. Prepare disbursement requests for all administrative & programme expenditures and record them as appropriate. • Assists in financial monitoring and reporting of project activities including consultancies, sub-contracts, travel, workshops and meetings. • Prepare monthly reports of all activities providing necessary information pertaining to activities, budgets and deliverables. Conduct regular bank reconciliation. • Maintain all project related records, documents, files, and supplies. • Maintain appropriate follow-up system to serve as a good reminder on project activities. • Ensure proper maintenance of equipment and other items of supply under the project, prepare and maintain up-to-date inventory of equipment and other items, and AMCs as necessary. • Undertake field visits, as authorized, for proper monitoring of project implementation and submit necessary back-to-office reports for appropriate follow-up and action. • Any other task as assigned by the Nodal Officer and HDRC/UNDP from time to time. **Qualifications / Requirements:** • Post Graduate Degree in finance/administration with a strong administrative, operational competence, financial management and reporting skills. • Minimum of 5 years of experience with proven administrative capabilities and accounting tasks. • Experience in a supervisory position will be preferred. • Good knowledge of basic government protocol and structure in the State. • Good numerical and analytical skills with a deep knowledge of the State. • Work independently and under pressure. **Computer skills: ** • Good Computer skills in MS Office and Internet. **Language skills:** • Excellent communication skills in English and the official language of the State are essential. **Promotion of Volunteerism** As a UNV volunteer, you are expected to promoting volunteerism and/or engaging in volunteering activities. As such you are encouraged to: • Strengthen your knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and other publications and taking active part in UNV activities; • Get acquainted with traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host community; • Network and build relationships with local organizations, groups or individuals and support and/or participate in local volunteering initiatives; • Encourage and mobilize co-workers, fellow UNV volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in the development of their community; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Initiate and/or participate in local volunteer groups. Assist them in submitting stories, experiences to the World Volunteer Web site; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), or encourage relevant local individuals and groups to use OV whenever technically possible. Interested candidates should submit their application including the names and contact address of three references, using UNV CV template by email to or by ordinary mail to the Programme Officer, UN Volunteers, Post Box No. 3059, 55 Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110 003, India, stating the post. The closing date of application is **09 July 2007**. UNV CV template is available at This position is open to applicants of either sex. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates. Only shortlisted candidates would be contacted.