Monday, January 30, 2017

Support Officer - Beirut, Lebanon

Support Officer
UNDP
05/02/2017
Beirut, Lebanon




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 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.
Organizational Context/Project:           
The Ministry of Environment where the UN Volunteers will be hosted was established by Law 216/1993.  The mandate of the MOE was amended by Law 690/2005 and the application Decree 2275 (dated 15/06/2009For more information, please visit the following website - www.moe.gov.lb.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Minister of Environment and/or the Institutional Strengthening of the Ministry of Environment (ISMOE) Project Manager, the national UN Volunteer will assist the office of the Minister in smoothly executing the mandate of the Ministry as set by Law 690.2005 and Decree 2275/2009, including:  
  • Assist in drafting a work program for the Ministry and follow up on progress.
  • Support in drating press releases and reporting on achievements.
  • Coordinate with MoE departments for the smooth execution of the work program.
  • Follow up on citizens’ referrals related to the Ministry.
  • Assist in proactive and reactive planning for the solid waste sector.
  • Support in following up on the execution of the roadmap for combating pollution of the Qaroaun lake.
  • Undertake research (legal and technical) in relation to other priority topics (such as chemicals, quarries, etc.).
  • Support in liaising with partners.
  • Follow up on urgent matters as requested by the Minister.
  • Support in any other matter related to the smooth operation of the Minister’s office.
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 IVD);
  • 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 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.
Results/Expected Output:
  • Capacities of the Ministry of Environment to better assume its mandate as set by law 690/2005 (MoE organizational law) and decree 2275/2009 (MoE organizational decree) strengthened.
  • 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.
Competencies
  • Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Required Skills and Experience
Candidates must be minimum 22 years old, be Lebanese national or legally resident in Lebanon with the status of refugee or stateless.
  • University degree in sciences or law or economics or any other relevant degree
  • 2 years of experience.
  • Experience in the Lebanese Government, international projects and/or environmental regulation projects is an asset
  • Language Requirements: Arabic and English or French
  • Computer Skills: Fully proficiency in Windows environment and full Office package. GIS environment, AutoCAD environment, Google Earth are a plus.
Living Conditions:
As this is a national UNV assignment, the incumbent will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Beirut, LebanonNational UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.
Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers
A contract until 31/12/2017; 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 LBP 1,859,375 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. 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.
Disclaimer
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.
United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.