Country Coordinator (Open to internal and external applicants)

## About the role We are recruiting a Country Coordinator to manage the UNV Multi - Country Field Unit (MCFU) accountable for mobilization and placement of UN Volunteers in the English/Dutch speaking Caribbean. The MCFU is hosted within UNDP offices and the Country Coordinator will ensure compliance with UNV and UNDP policies, rules, and regulations while positioning UNV within the UN country team. ### What this work involves The position leads volunteer mobilization and positions UNV as a system-wide service provider supporting UN partners to achieve their programmes and UNSDCF goals. You will develop and implement country-level volunteer mobilization strategies aligned with UNV’s Strategic Framework and partner demand, and participate in UN collective planning processes (CCA, UNSDCF, humanitarian response plans, thematic task forces) to integrate volunteerism in their implementation. Presenting UNV’s value proposition, guiding partners in developing volunteer assignment descriptions, supporting local talent outreach and acquisition, promoting Online Volunteering, and monitoring mobilization trends are central to the role. You will use corporate tools (CRM, BI reports, UVP) for informed decision-making and facilitate executive, operational, and partnership missions by UNV. You will also manage partnerships by building and sustaining effective relationships with UN partners to promote UNV’s mandate and services. This includes analyzing country strategies (UNSDCF, agency strategies) to identify opportunities for volunteer mobilization, maintaining business intelligence on UN programming, funding and workforce trends, and engaging regularly with heads of agencies, management teams and senior programme and operations staff. In coordination with the RO and ERCS, you will map and pursue SVF mobilization opportunities and engage government, civil society, private sector and development partners when required. A critical part of the role is ensuring Duty of Care. You will support host entities with guidance and best practices to ensure successful volunteer assignments, work closely with UNDSS, the UN Designated Official for security, and host agencies to ensure the safety, security and inclusion of UN Volunteers in each country, and provide timely support during security evacuations. Ensuring volunteers receive appropriate briefings, orientation and supervision, briefing them on expected code of conduct, conducting regular field visits to monitor volunteer well-being, and facilitating regular engagement among volunteers (e.g., town halls, networking, community activities) are expected activities. You will lead advocacy on volunteerism by aligning communications with volunteer mobilization and talent acquisition goals, developing impactful volunteer stories in collaboration with the RO and External Relations and Communications Section (ERCS), and promoting UNV at national, regional and global levels. Staying informed of national volunteer initiatives, policies and strategies, and sharing relevant updates with Volunteer Advisory Services Section and ERCS, is part of the advocacy function. Encouraging volunteers to act as advocates and ambassadors of volunteer action is also expected. Managing the MCFU requires you to lead and coordinate the unit to ensure effective and efficient service delivery and a collaborative work environment. You will supervise and empower MCFU team members, ensure performance and accountability, provide coaching and oversight, and develop, monitor and manage the MCFU’s annual work plan and budget in compliance with performance targets and UNDP regulations. Liaising with UNDP programme and operations teams to ensure administrative support and alignment with local protocol, facilitating cooperation on visas for international volunteers, ensuring that the MCFU undertakes assigned transactions in the Volunteer Management Cycle in accordance with corporate SOPs, and escalating operational and reputational risks to the RO are all part of the role. ### Institutional context and reporting Under the overall guidance of the regional manager and direct supervision of the portfolio manager in the Regional Office (RO), the Country Coordinator manages the MCFU and leads UNV’s engagement at the country level. The Country Coordinator works under the general guidance of the UN resident coordinator in each of the countries and liaises regularly with the UNDP resident representative for support. Collaboration with UNDP country offices on administrative matters and participation in UN country team activities are expected. Where competing priorities arise among country teams, the MCFU Country Coordinator shall establish parameters for prioritization in consultation with the Regional Manager. ### Education and experience We require an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent), or a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience in lieu of the advanced university degree. The role expects a Minimum of 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in humanitarian, development and/or peace-related field. Experience in partnership building and management is essential. Desired additional skills include experience in advocacy, public relations, or communication; experience in programme reporting, monitoring and evaluation; experience in volunteer management and/or promotion of volunteerism; knowledge of national development situations in one or several of the assigned countries (Pacific) which is highly desirable; experience in working in digital platforms and tools, including CRM and ERP systems; and work experience with the United Nations is an asset. ### Competencies and technical capabilities We value a mix of core and cross-functional competencies. Core behaviours include: Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, and Enable Diversity and Inclusion. Cross-functional and technical competencies include System Thinking; Integration within the UN System; Results-based Management; Partnerships Management; Knowledge Generation; Digital Awareness and Literacy; and event planning and execution. The role requires the ability to use tools such as CRM, BI reports, UVP, and familiarity with digital platforms and ERP systems where applicable. ### Languages and contract details Fluency in English and in the local language of the duty station is required. The successful candidate will hold a UNDP National Personnel Service Agreement contract. This post is for local recruitment only. It is open to citizens of Barbados. All travel, interview and relocation costs, if any, incurred to take up an appointment at the duty station in Bridgetown, Barbados are at the expense of the applicant. ### Notes on the process and values UNDP values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority; selected candidates undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for consideration for other similar positions at the same grade level.