UN Volunteer in Youth Peace and Security

Application Deadline: 15th June 2021

The UN Volunteer in Youth Peace and Security 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 and 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.

Description of the UN Volunteer Task

Under the guidance of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, the UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: As part of the Youth, Peace and Security team, the youth volunteer will support OSGEYs work on youth, peace and security by:

Supporting the Program Officer with implementing the key UNSC resolutions on Youth, Peace and Security in collaboration with the Global Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security
Providing overall programmatic support including knowledge management and organizing side events, meetings, webinars and communication campaigns on Youth, Peace and Security
Supporting the Program Officer in strategically promoting meaningful participation of young peacebuilders in the advocacy efforts of OSGEY
Supporting the Program Officer in organizing the High-Level Global Conference on Youth-Inclusive Peace Processes (January 2022 – TBC
Supporting the development of key messages, briefing notes, background notes and talking points for the Youth Envoy
Providing support with developing OSGEY’s communication and outreach on Youth, Peace and Security
Supporting writing proposals for funding for initiatives and donor reporting Supporting liaising and coordination on Youth, Peace and Security issues with different branches of the UN system, civil society organizations, youth networks on peace and security, and the Global Coalition on Youth, Peace and Security Participating in coordination meetings within and outside the UN system on behalf of OSGEY
Performing other duties as required

Furthermore, UN Youth Volunteers are required to:

Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take an 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.
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.

UN Volunteer Qualifications/Requirements

Required Degree Level

Bachelor degree or equivalent
Educational additional comments
Recognized First Level University degree in one of the following fields: Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Human Rights, International Development or other relevant subject areas.

Experience Remark

Previous formal or informal experience in working on projects and programmes relating to Youth, Peace, and Security.
Fluency in English (both oral and written) and excellent writing skills
Excellent coordination, interpersonal and communication skills, organized approach and positive working attitude
Ability to work independently when given clear instructions
A constructive and can-do attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to take initiative, multitask, and a drive for on-time delivery