UNV Lesotho is one of 140 United Nations Volunteers (UNV) country offices worldwide, through which the UN and its partners advocate for volunteerism, integrate it into their planning and mobilize volunteers so that local, national and international development goals are met. To assist us in reaching these goals in Lesotho, we are pleased to invite applications from candidates who wish to volunteer with UNV for the following position:

National Volunteer Corps National UNV volunteer specialist in training and databases

The National Volunteer Corps project provides a mechanism for young graduates from the university and those graduating at third-level technical training to access volunteer opportunities in various workspaces in the public and private sectors as well as NGOs and bi- and multi-lateral organizations. The volunteers will be young unemployed professionals who are interested in gaining hands-on-practical working experience by volunteering their services at various levels, including community development work. Specifically the project will accomplish the following:

1. Support the Lesotho Government to set up a National Volunteer Corps Programme for young graduates
2. Mobilize unemployed young professionals to support Lesotho’s development efforts and to improve their job prospects by obtaining work experience and training
3. Complement ongoing efforts by the Government, UNDP and other national institutions that are working towards implementing various development programmes including the MDGs in the country
4. Promote coordination among Volunteer Involving Organizations in the management of volunteers and their contribution to defined development priorities.

Location                      Maseru

Contract duration      12 months at a time, renewable to a total of 36 months

Functions and responsibilities:                        Under the supervision of the National Volunteer Corps coordinator, the National UNV Volunteer will participate in the design and implementation of training programs, setting up a database of candidates, host organisations and volunteer posts. In coordination with his/her supervisor the National UNV Volunteer will take the appropriate actions to ensure a balance between candidates and posts by organising focused information campaigns when required. This National UNV Volunteer will also be responsible for ICT related issues. Please see the full Terms of Reference within the National Volunteer Corps project document at http://www.undp.org.ls for more information.

Required Skills and Experience:         First degree, preferably in communication or information sciences; at least four years’ work experience; training, database and volunteer experience required. Fluency in English and South Sotho is essential. Applicants must be nationals of Lesotho.

Remuneration:             At National UNV Volunteer specialist rate and benefits for Lesotho.

Start date:                     Immediately

Applications from serving civil servants cannot be considered; only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Typed applications including certified copies of certificates, transcripts for degrees, detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and letters from two referees, should be mailed or delivered to UNV-UNDP Lesotho, UN House, Box 301, Maseru 100, for consideration.

Closing date:                11 September 2009