Mission and objectives

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. In Sudan, UNDP supports a broad range of development interventions. At present, this focuses on support for Sudan’s transition, coupled with efforts on peacebuilding and stabilization, climate-resilience and access to energy, and broader health and economic improvement. Learn more about our impact in 2019. With dedicated support from donor nations, the international community, and national and international partners, UNDP works in Sudan to deliver on our promise to empower resilient nations. Serving as the main development integrator in Sudan, UNDP supports SDG-focused strategic capacity development initiatives nationwide, focusing on: inclusive socioeconomic transformation and revival; restoring governance through inclusive and accountable institutions; sustaining and consolidating local peacebuilding; and investing in a new Green Deal through renewable energy and climate resilience efforts. Through our active partnerships with national and international entities, UNDP strives to eliminate poverty, enable recovery, and ensure effective management of natural resources, and advance peace and social cohesion. Achieving this will require investment in stabilization and resilience strengthening at all levels of society, in tandem with humanitarian assistance. For more details of UNDP work in Sudan please visit https://www.sd.undp.org/.

Context

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme has advanced over 42 years, expanding its mandate to mobilize volunteers for peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development. With a unique global role to promote volunteerism, UNV enables individuals to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 17, fostering collective action across all goals. As the lead United Nations agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships and institutional capabilities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is centred around six core development areas, known as our signature solutions: poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy and gender equality. This position is established in partnership with UNDP. The volunteer will dedicate 50% of their time to supporting UNDP and 50% to UNV. The role involves supporting communications on the work and mandate of UNDP, strengthening volunteer mobilization, advocating for civic engagement, and advancing sustainable development practices in alignment with national and global goals. Since 1996, the UNV Field Unit in Sudan has worked with UN agencies and partners to integrate volunteers into national efforts, enabling impactful development initiatives and fostering pathways for volunteers to grow into substantive roles. Volunteerism remains central to addressing global challenges and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Head of Communication Unit, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Country Coordinator, United Nations Volunteer Programme (UNV), and with technical guidance from UNV Regional Communications Analyst, the Communication and Outreach Specialist will: • Design and develop communication tools and materials to effectively promote volunteerism, the UNV program, and its impact and the work and mandate of UNDP • Support the work of the UNDP/UNV Sudan communications team, including the research and creation of stories and communications materials, media liaison, communications field trips, updating the website and other online platforms, video and photo editing, communications planning and event management, as well as procurement and other logistics for communications activities • Produce engaging communication materials, including visuals such as flyers, leaflets, newsletters, short videos, photos, impact stories, infographics, and testimonials that highlight the contributions and achievements of volunteers and the work and mandate of UNDP • Ensure updated documentation and communication on UNV Field Unit activities and volunteer contributions are available, accessible, and widely disseminated • Draft high-quality materials for presentations, press releases, speeches, talking points, and concept notes, with a focus on mobilizing volunteers and promoting the value of volunteerism and the work and mandate of UNDP; • Create and process various correspondence and communication materials to strengthen partnerships and inspire new volunteer engagements; • Support the organization of events and outreach activities, such as UNDP/UNV partner and media events conferences and volunteer recognition ceremonies, including logistical arrangements, background documents, and meeting minutes/reports; • Prepare statistical charts, tables, and reports to showcase volunteer contributions and impact, supporting advocacy for volunteerism and the work and mandate of UNDP • Manage and enhance the UNV social media presence, focusing on campaigns and content that promote volunteerism and inspire community engagement and provide inputs to the production of UNDP social media materials and posts • Develop and maintain an updated contact list of stakeholders, partners, and volunteer organizations to facilitate outreach and collaboration; • Expand and maintain a comprehensive database of volunteer organizations, groups, and potential candidates across Sudan to support recruitment and mobilization efforts; • Lead outreach initiatives in all regions of Sudan to enrich the national volunteer talent pool and promote the spirit of volunteerism in underserved areas; • Translate correspondences, articles, and posts between Arabic and English to ensure effective communication with diverse audiences; • Produce compelling articles and write-ups on and the work and mandate of UNDP as well as volunteer experiences, success stories, and partnerships for UNV publications, websites, newsletters, and media outlets; • Foster collaboration with local organizations and stakeholders to create more opportunities for volunteer engagement and recognition; • Contribute to the implementation of UNV Regional Office Communication Plan. • Perform any other task as requested, ensuring alignment with UNV’s mission to promote volunteerism and mobilize volunteers for sustainable development and the work and mandate of UNDP

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Communication • Creativity • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Knowledge Sharing • Managing Performance • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Sudan is a unique country facing a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions involving physical hardship and little comfort are essential. 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. Allowances The purpose of allowances for the National UN Volunteers Specialist is to enable the National UN Volunteers Specialist to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for volunteer work. Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): All National UN Volunteer Specialists are entitled to a monthly volunteer living allowance of USD 1,983.9 The purpose of this allowance is to cover the basic living costs of the National Specialists UN Volunteer. The allowance is to ensure that the volunteer can sustain a basic, adequate, and safe lifestyle. The monthly allowance rate is a fixed rate for the duty station as established by UNV headquarters.