Municipal Associate

Municipal Associate

Assignment country: Nepal

Expected start date: 21/05/2025

Sustainable Development Goal: 11. Sustainable cities and communities

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNDP

Type: Onsite

Duration: 10 months

Number of assignments: 5

Duty stations: Nalgad, Barekot, Rukum West (2), Jajarkot

Details

Mission and objectives
UNDP in Nepal

VISION STATEMENT

UNDP Nepal works with the people and Government of Nepal, and other development partners to pursue equitable and sustainable human development goals through eradication of poverty, increase in livelihood opportunities, improvement in community resilience against conflict, disasters and impact of climate change, while laying down strong foundations for a society based on rule of law with an inclusive and participatory democracy.

Context

On 03 November 2023, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Karnali Province, with the epicenter identified near Ramindanda of Jajarkot district. The initial earthquake, which was followed by at least 466 aftershocks, caused catastrophic damage. This is among the largest earthquakes to impact Nepal since the 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude earthquakes in April and May 2015. The earthquake and aftershocks caused catastrophic devastation, resulting in a total of 154 deaths (70 males and 84 females) and 366 injuries, and at least 250,000 people directly affected, including damages to physical and social infrastructure. Jajarkot and West Rukum in Karnali Province are the two districts most heavily impacted by the earthquake.
UNDP with support from the Government of Japan is collaborating with the government of Nepal (GoN) to implement ‘Livelihoods Improvement and Disaster Resilience Enhancement in the Jajarkot earthquake affected areas’. The overarching goal of this project is to support effective earthquake recovery and long-term resilience by enhancing government capacity for service delivery, support reconstruction, and promote revitalized livelihoods. The project has two outputs – local and district level governance in earthquake-affected areas strengthened to ensure continuity of basic service delivery, support long-term reconstruction, and enhance disaster preparedness; and earthquake-affected community resilience enhanced through community-led reconstruction of damaged small infrastructures for livelihoods opportunities and psychosocial support.
This UNV assignment is a part of this project on strengthening capacities and resilience building for long-term recovery and rehabilitation. It includes providing support on field-level implementation of project activities, monitoring and reporting, and coordination with UNDP’s project team, UN-Habitat, service providers and project municipalities.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Resilience Analyst or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Municipal Associates will:

•  Coordinate with the local government, communities and other stakeholders in implementing the project activities.
•  Develop/Update Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP)/ Response/ Business Continuity Plans and documents related with DRRM in coordination with the project municipalities.
  In consultation with the focal person of the respective municipality office, organize meetings, share progress updates and receive feedbacks including documentation of project events. Update the project team on a regular basis.
•  Assist the project team and service providers by providing data and information of the project municipality related to construction works, equipment support, disaster response capacity and livelihoods interventions.
•  Undertake regular visits to project sites to track progress of implementation and share monthly reports to the project team.
•  Provide coordination support to implement district-level activities, if required.
•  Facilitate project team, project partners and project related consultants’ missions to municipality by arranging meetings with municipality and development partners, community consultations, site visits, data collection, etc.
• Provide assistance on activities related with construction works, equipment support, disaster response capacity and livelihoods interventions in project municipality.
•  Coordinate with other Municipal Associates of the project municipalities to share updates and replicate good practices.
•  Under the guidance of Resilience Analyst, supervise and assist the works done by local communities, service providers (line agency, NGOs, private party, etc.) to ensure timely completion of activities.
• Document meeting minutes, case studies and success stories during the implementation of the project activities.
  Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
•  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.
•  Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
•  Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
•  Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers.
•  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.
•  As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
•  Coordination with the local governments, communities and other stakeholders in implementing the project activities.
• Coordination with the focal person of the respective municipality office to organize meetings, share progress updates and receive feedbacks.
•  Documentation of project events, meeting minutes, case studies and success stories during the implementation of the project activities.
•  Providing data and information of the project municipality related to construction works, equipment support, disaster response capacity and livelihood interventions to the project team and field team.
• Undertaking regular field visits to track progress of implementation at the field level.
  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

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 – 80

Required experience: 3 years

Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience: 5 years

Languages

Nepalese, Level: Fluent, Required
English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in environmental studies, climate change, agriculture, social sciences (Sociology, Rural Development, Economics and Development Studies), engineering or other relevant fields

Competencies and values

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP 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 UNDP 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 UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Skills and experience

• At least 3 years experience in project implementation in government or non-government organizations;
• Demonstrated experience (at least 2 years) in DRRM;
• Work experience with local governments in Karnali Province will be an added advantage;
• 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;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;  Have affinity with or interest volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise

Agriculture, Social work, Development programmes

Driving license
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Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Learning and development are a central part of the UN Youth Volunteer’s assignment and take place before, during and after his or her assignment in the field. Ideally, offering diverse opportunities for learning and development aim to strengthen the volunteer’s skills and competences, improve the quality of the assignment and keep the volunteer’s motivation high.

Station:Nalgad Municipality, Bheri Municipality, Barekot Rural Municipality of Jajarkot district, Aathbiskot Municipality and Sanibheri Rural Municipality of Rukum West district, Karnali Province

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

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