UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT
Preamble:
The United Nations Volunteers is the UN organization that supports sustainable human development
globally through the promotion of volunteerism, including the mobilization of volunteers. It serves the
causes of peace and development through enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. It is
universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer action in all its diversity.
This post is a UN Volunteer assignment based on the values of free will, commitment, engagement
and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. Volunteering brings benefit to the individual
volunteer as well as the society at large. It enhances social cohesion and enriches communities.
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 your understanding of local and social realities,
as well as create a bridge between yourself and the people in your host community. This will make the
time you spend as UN Volunteer even more rewarding and productive.
1. UNV Assignment Title: Child Protection Officer
2. UNV Programme Strategy Link: Result 4.1: Volunteer contributions towards crisis prevention
and recovery in UNV programme countries strengthened and
recognized – Inclusive local crisis (conflict and disaster)
prevention strategies and mechanisms developed and/or
strengthened
3. Type of assignment: International UN Volunteer
4. Project Title: UNV support to UNICEF programme in Pakistan
5. Duration: 12 months
6. Location, Country: Lahore, Pakistan
7. Expected starting date: As soon as possible
8. Brief Project Description:
Punjab has made some strides in creating a provincial protective legislative framework for children in
Pakistan’s most populous province of approximately 60 million people (half of which are children).
Over the past two decades, the Government of Punjab has passed several laws that, in theory, have
been created to protect the rights of children – notably the Destitute and Neglected Children Act (2004)
which was revised in 2012 but is not yet enacted. In 2012 in Punjab, a Child Protection Bill and a 5-
year Adolescent Strategy (the first of its kind in Pakistan) were also prepared and are expected to be
approved in 2013. In spite of the evolving legal and policy frameworks, implementation and institutional
capacity remain weak in eradicating violations of children’s rights such as violence against children,
hazardous child labour and early marriage. In 2010 and 2012, Punjab was amongst the areas
impacted by heavy monsoonal floods and related displacement of millions of families, further
weakening already stretched coping mechanisms and further exposing the most vulnerable children to
violence, abuse and exploitation.
In 2013, UNICEF will continue to work with relevant departments, in particular the Social Welfare
Department and Department of Youth Affairs, to secure legal and policy reform and strengthen
institutional capacity to enhance the protection and fulfillment of rights of vulnerable children and
adolescents. An innovative and holistic model for the empowerment of adolescents introduced in
Punjab in 2012 will be assessed for potential replication and scale up in Punjab and other provinces.
UNICEF will increase its support to the Gender and Child Cell within the Punjab Provincial Disaster

Management Authority (‘PDMA’) in order to integrate Child Protection in Emergency within disasterrelated
policies, planning, coordination and information management. In addition, a new provincial
directorate of the National Commission of the Rights of the Child will be established in Punjab in 2013,
and UNICEF will provide technical support to an associated mechanism for monitoring, identifying and
responding to violations of children’s rights.
9. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNICEF Pakistan, see http://www.unicef.org/pakistan/
10. Organizational Context: UNICEF Pakistan is working in the field of child protection in
Pakistan.
11. Type of Assignment Place: Non-family duty station
12. Description of Duties:
Within the terms of the organization’s delegated authority, and under the direct supervision of the Child
Protection Specialist Lahore, reporting as well as to the Chief of the Field Office, Punjab, the UN
Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
Contribute to advocacy aiming at establishing a strong Child Protection system, including Child
Protection in Emergency, in Punjab, as well as policy development/change and legislation to
protect children from abuse, neglect and violence. Undertake field visits to monitor programmes,
as well as conduct periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners.
Propose and/or undertake action on operational procedures affecting project management and
implementation;
Design, prepare, implement, monitor and evaluate children and adolescent-specific projects as
assigned by the supervisor. Analyse and evaluate data to ensure achievement of objectives and/or
take corrective action when necessary to meet project objectives. Contribute to the development
and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in project management and
evaluation;
Contribute towards preparation of the situation analysis by compiling data, analyzing and
evaluating information and writing chapters of the analysis related to Child Protection Programme;
Participate in inter-sectoral collaboration with other programmes in the development of the sectoral
workplans, joint or convergent projects, ensuring the achievement of specific assigned objectives.
Provide guidance and support to staff in meeting project objectives;
Meet with national and international agencies covering the management of projects. Participate in
meetings with ministries responsible for project review, and follow up on implementation of
recommendations and agreements;
Assist the government authorities in planning and organizing training programmes. Identify training
needs and objectives for the purpose of capacity building, programme sustainability, as well as
promotion and advocacy.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged 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 International Volunteer Day);
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
network and build relationships with loc al organizations, groups or individuals and support and/or
participate in local volunteering initiatives; 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.; initiate and/or participate in local volunteer groups, including
assisting them in submitting stories and experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;
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;

Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the local
community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary basis;
Discuss with supervisors how volunteerism for peace and development can be mainstreamed I the
assignment and integrate activities promoting volunteerism for peace and development into work
plans;
Assist with the UNV “buddy programme” for newly-arrived UN Volunteers.
13. Results/Expected Output:
Efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the Child
Protection team (2 national staff in Punjab);
Protection and empowerment of adolescents model is assessed and documented for potential
replication and scale-up;
Monitoring and reporting on patterns of child rights violations in Punjab province is enhanced;
Child Protection in Emergency is effectively integrated in the Punjab PDMA’s preparedness
planning and capacity building modules for 2013;
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.
14. Qualifications/Requirements:
a) Qualifications, skills, experience:
The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNICEF’s Child Protection
Unit with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required:
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in the social sciences, education, development studies, public
policy, international human rights, op similar field;
Demonstrated experience working with/for children;
Knowledge of latest developments and approaches in the field of Human Rights and Child Rights,
Monitoring and Evaluation, and programme management;
Good negotiation, presentation, and advocacy skills;
Demonstrate and share technical knowledge and expertise;
Demonstrated research experience;
Experience in developing programmes and project proposals according to standard Logical
Frameworks;
Excellent English and high level ability to draft clearly and concisely on technical issues;
Computer skills: Microsoft Office, with demonstrated skills in database management with Excel;
Sound security awareness;
Have affinity with or interest in development, humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations,
volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
b) Competencies and values:
Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good
judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to
accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a
politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to
manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules
and regulations;
Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast
of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment;
Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage
a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan,
coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and
to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries;
ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multicultural,
multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills,
including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate
options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to
communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers,
counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer
information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and
potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, and including possible extensive travel
within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations
as may be necessary;
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity,
compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.
15. Living Conditions:
Pakistan is situated in South Asia. Located along the Arabian Sea, it is surrounded by Afghanistan to
the west and northwest, Iran to the southwest, India to the east, and China to the northeast. Pakistan
has an extremely varied geographical outlook, including mountains, deserts, major rivers and the sea.
Pakistan experiences frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe, especially in north and west.
The climate is generally characterized by hot summers and cool or cold winters. From June to
September, most of the country is lashed by the South-West Monsoon, which leads to heavy rainfall
and high humidity. Islamabad has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers accompanied by a
monsoon season followed by fairly cold winters. The hottest months are May and June, where average
highs routinely exceed 38 °C (100.4 °F).
Pakistan is a non-family duty station. A NOC is required to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas which
should be applied at least 2 weeks in advance. A police escort is required to travel to all the floodaffected
areas. Petty crimes and muggings are fairly common though less in Islamabad. Use common
sense. Registration with home embassy is highly recommended.
Pakistan is a conservative country and it is advisable for women to wear long skirts or trousers in
public (Pakistani women wear the traditional shalwar kameez, but in the big cities, women wearing
jeans and khakis is not very uncommon sight, especially in casual settings, shopping malls and around
picnic spots). Dress codes for men are more lax, though shorts are uncommon. Men should never
shake hands with or touch a woman they don't know very well. As with most of South Asia, the right
hand is used for eating, shaking hands and giving or receiving everything (including money), while the
left hand is reserved for handling shoes and assisting in toilet duties. Discussion about religion and
Islam should remain respectful and positive.
State of the art health facilities are available throughout the country and especially Islamabad. Dental
care facilities are also available. There are no mandatory vaccines required to travel to Pakistan.
Currently dengue fever is on the rise in Pakistan, especially in Punjab. Mosquito repellents are
recommended.
Most staple foods can be found in the markets, including rice, meat, vegetables, cooking oil, salt and
sugar. There are many local markets around Islamabad as well as various supermarkets that are
stocked with imported goods. Islamabad has a large number of restaurants and cafes. There is a
variety of food ranging from Western to South Asian fare. You can also find several local dhabas with
less expensive meals. The price range for a meal can range from $3 to $20+. Tap water is not
advisable; bottled water is available almost everywhere. Using alcoholic drinks in public is illegal.
There is one major fixed line provider (PTCL) and 5 cellular companies (Mobilink, Ufone, Telenor,
Warid and Zong). Call rates vary but are extremely cheap for some Western countries. All cellular
operators in Pakistan use GSM platform. Cybercafés can be found on virtually every street corner and

the rates are as low as Rs.15-20 per hour. Most of the cafes have a decent speed internet connection,
but not always fast operating systems.
The UNV Country Office (based in UNDP) will help arrange your initial accommodation, at your
expense (Settling-in Grant is foreseen for this). Most of the guest houses in Islamabad are aimed at
internationals and offer a good level of comfort with air-conditioned rooms and en-suite bathrooms.
Average cost is US$ 50 to 80 per night.
International UN volunteers are required to reside in a MORSS compliant residence. Secure and
comfortable permanent accommodation can be found in Islamabad but cost will generally depend on
distance from the city centre and number of rooms. Sharing an accommodation with another
international colleague is also possible. Rent may start from US$ 800 onward. Power outages are
frequent and installation of electricity generator is required as per MORSS. Generally there is no water
shortage in Islamabad.
Current US dollar exchange rate is 1 USD = PKR 97. In order to receive payments locally, UNV unit
will help you open a bank account with Standard Chartered Bank. This will be a paired account where
you can use it both for US dollar as well as Pak Rupee. ATM machines can be found throughout the
country.
15. Conditions of Service
The assignment is funded for 12 months. An extension may be possible depending on availability of
(donor) funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy
of renewal of the assignment, in accordance with art. 5.4 UNV COS.
Settling-In-Grant is provided. Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) – intended to cover housing,
utilities, and normal cost-of-living expenses is USD 2,244. Life, health and permanent disability
insurances are included and resettlement allowance. UNV will provide a copy of the UNV Conditions of
Service to the successful candidate together with the offer of assignment.
UNV will provide a copy of the UNV Conditions of Service to the successful candidate together with
the offer of assignment.
16. Application
If you are not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by completing the UNV web
application at the following link: http://one.unv.org/main/?Lang=en Important: please select the
following code from the drop down menu on the first page of the application: “13FFGER_PAK” If you
are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at: http://MyProfile.unv.org , click on
the “Special Recruitment” option on the left menu, then click on the “Edit” button and select the
advertisement code “13FFGER_PAK” from the drop-down list.
This assignment is funded by the Government of Germany, therefore applications from German
nationals are expressly encouraged.
Closing Date: 12 March 2013. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.