Mission and objectives

As the development arm of the United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading organization working to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and cli-mate change, as well as the technical lead in the UN System’s socio-economic response to COVID-19. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. Since 1967, UNDP has worked in close partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) for over five decades, providing strategic support in crisis prevention and recovery, governance, poverty reduction, environment, and sustainable development. UNDP together with the GoSL work towards a sustainable Sri Lanka, building up institutional, legal and individual capacities to respond to the effects of climate change and natural and man-made disasters.

Context

UNDP has an energetic and innovative team that converge around the planning, design, implementation and quality assurance of an integrated programme in a fast-paced environment. Fostering strategic partnership and alliances with different stakeholders requires a team which consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and has a strong client orientation. Strong UN partnerships are valued for delivering together in a true spirit of collaboration and teamwork. Post Context: Under the guidance and supervision of the Human Resources Analyst, the UNV HR Assistant provides Human Resources (HR) services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The UNV HR Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach which is consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The incumbent is entrusted with the backstopping of HR services performed by the Human Resources Analyst and Associate including those related to the management of recruitment processes and other operational tasks in the country office. The UNV HR Assistant works in close collaboration with the HR Associate, operations, programme and projects’ staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery. S/he will assess the client’s HR requirements to drive operational excellence.

Task Description

– Recruitment and Onboarding support: Assisting with job postings, candidate screenings, interviews and onboarding processes. – Employee records management: Maintaining accurate employee records and ensuring data is updated in a timely manner. – Performance Management support: Support performance management processes by tracking employee progress and assisting with performance-related documentation. – Assist with Training and Development: Tracking staff learning and coordinating training sessions as required. – Support with surveys and well-being initiatives: Assist in surveys for analysis and reporting and conduct well-being sessions/workshops as required. – General administrative support: Providing administrative support, such as scheduling meetings, maintaining HR files, drafting HR letters and handling departmental correspondence.

Competencies and values

Accountability Adaptability and flexibility Team working Planning and organising Professionalism Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Sri Lanka is an island nation located off the south coast of India. An estimated population of around 21 million people is sheltered in this multi-ethnic, multi- cultural and multi- religious country. Colombo is situated in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. The city is located on the west coast of the island, adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. Bandaranaike International Airport is located 35km from Colombo and is served by the main international airlines. Sri Lanka is a tropical country with moderate temperature and high humidity all throughout the year. Average temperature in Colombo ranges between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. The island experiences two main monsoon seasons, where heavy rainfalls occur, from May to August and October to January. Rice and curry comprise the main dishes. Sri Lankan cuisine tends to be quite spicy. There are hotels and other types of accommodation options available in Colombo. Supermarkets, banking and medical facilities are present within the city. Telephone and Internet service is widely available. Phone plans and data are inexpensive; however, it should not be expected that the internet services work consistently or at a high speed. At present Sri Lanka is undergoing high inflation and an economic crisis. The public unrest and protests are common. The prices of common commodities fluctuate on a daily basis and shortages can also be experienced. Main health advisories are related COVID 19 and Dengue, which is also highly prevalent in Sri Lanka, especially after the rainy seasons. Mosquito repellent is available in all local drug stores. Sri Lanka is a unique country and UN is providing unique humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more resilience and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in challenging 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 acts insurance plan As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.