General

Description of assignment title

International Affairs Coordinator

Assignment country

Saudi Arabia

Expected start date

01/11/2023

Sustainable Development Goal

15. Life on land

Volunteer category

International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity

UNDP

Type

Onsite

Duration

12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments

1

Duty stations

Riyadh

Details

Mission and objectives

The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners. Saudi Arabia is witnessing economic prosperity and progress in all domains of socio-economic development which produced tangible improvement in all human development indicators such as standard of living, health and education services, environmental conditions as well as potentials of comprehensive development. In April 2016, the Government of Saudi Arabia announced its Saudi Vision 2030 – an ambitious long-term development programme. Saudi Vision 2030 represents an ambitious blueprint with long-term goals and expectations. It is expressed in three themes of a vibrant society; a thriving economy and an ambitious nation. A review of the three themes and their underlying issues of national concern reveal a holistic approach to development that encompasses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the social, the economic and the environment. The partnership between UNDP and Saudi Arabia is covering vital sectors and areas which contributes to address the needs of Saudi society, including enhancement of the local capacity of different government institutions and support to policy making and reporting. A wide set of under the scope of technical assistance is provided in order to assist the KSA departments in their reform processes. This UNV assignment is part of UNDP’s Saudi Arabia efforts to promote volunteerism and ultimately increase the capacity to respond to the various technical assistance demands from the counterparts.

Context

The UN Volunteer for International Affairs will support National Centre for Vegetation Cover (NCVC)’s efforts in establishing and sustaining international partnerships with a focus on combating desertification, promoting vegetation cover, and the sustainable management of national parks. This role is crucial for strengthening NCVC’s global network and facilitating cross-border knowledge and resource exchange.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Digital Stream Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN volunteer International Affairs Coordinator will: 1. Research & Analysis: Conduct in-depth research to identify potential international partners, including NGOs, academic institutions, and governmental bodies, that align with NCVC’s mandate. 2. Stakeholder Engagement: Assist in developing and implementing engagement strategies to establish partnerships and foster relationships with international entities. 3. Follow-Up and Communication: Regularly follow up with international organizations to maintain active relationships and facilitate ongoing projects. Update the internal team and external partners on the status of ongoing initiatives through written reports and verbal communications. 4. Documentation: Prepare briefs, reports, and presentations to facilitate decision-making and to document the outcomes of international collaborations. 5. Event Coordination: Assist in organizing international workshops, webinars, and conferences, including liaising with speakers, preparing materials, and post-event reporting. 6. Training Support: Assist in the planning and implementation of training programs in collaboration with international partners.

Eligibility criteria

Age

27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in project management and coordination and stakeholder engagement. 1. Strong organizational and multitasking skills. 2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in other languages is a plus. 3. Previous experience with international organizations is a strong plus. 4. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and build strong relationships.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Business management, Legal affairs

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Environmental Science, International Law, or related fields.

Competencies and values

•  Accountability
•  Adaptability and flexibility
•  Creativity
•  Planning and organising
•  Professionalism
•  Self-management

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Riyadh the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a peaceful city with over two million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken. The road network and while public transport is limited, taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are many shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; There are no specific security threats. Riyadh is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) is a family duty station. Conditions of Service for International UN Volunteers The initial contract is issued upon arrival for the period indicated above. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment. A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is composed of a Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three). The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be calculated using by applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate. The VLA base rate is a global rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and fluctuates monthly according to cost of living. This method ensures that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website – http://icsc.un.org. UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements). UN Volunteers receive flight tickets for periodic home visit and for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). Resettlement allowance is paid for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment. UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including Code of conduct, to the successful candidate

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