UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT
Preamble:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace
and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development, and it benefits both
society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism
globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
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 their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between
themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more
rewarding and productive.
1. UNV Assignment Title:
UNV Project Associate for Culture Sector
2. Type of assignment:
National UN Volunteer (open to Chinese nationals, Hong Kong SAR
citizens and Hong Kong permanent residents)
3. Project Title:
Culture and Development in China
4. Duration:
12 months
5. Location, Country:
Beijing, China
6. Expected starting date:
May 2013
7. Brief Project Description:
Under the supervision of the Programme Specialist in the UNESCO Beijing Office Culture Sector, the
UNV will be responsible for contributing to the implementation of projects related to the development
of cultural industries in China.
8. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNESCO Beijing Office
9. Organizational Context:
The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) works to create the
conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared
values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development
encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at
the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities.
UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable
development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and
information. The Organization focuses, in particular, on two global priorities: Africa and gender equality, and
on a number of overarching objectives:
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Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace
Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning
Mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development
Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges
Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication
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The UNESCO Beijing Office was established in 1984. The Beijing Office covers five East Asian
countries including DPR Korea, Japan, Mongolia, People’s Republic of China and Republic of Korea.
The Beijing Office works in all UNESCO major programmes: education, culture-focus of this UNV
assignment, natural science, social sciences, information and communication. The Beijing Office is
located at the Jianguomenwai Diplomatic Compound in Beijing with over 40 staff. Not only are the five
programme sections working to address projects within their own themes, they are partners in an
increasing number of cross-sectoral projects as well. As an important member of the UN System in
China, the UNESCO Beijing Office also leads and participates in a number of joint UN projects.
10. Description of Duties:
The UN volunteer will take the following responsibilities under the direct supervision of Programme
Specialist of Culture Sector:
1) Facilitate project implementation
• Support implementation of projects focused on culture and development currently carried out
by the Culture Sector under the supervision of the programme specialist, and in collaboration
with colleagues sector and office wide
• Support Culture Sector and national counterparts in preparation of project-based international
capacity building training / workshops in China
• Support Programme Specialist in periodic and annual reporting
• Assist Programme Specialist in the development of new programmes/projects focused on
Culture Sector strategic themes
• Explore and build partnerships with Government counterparts and relevant civil society
organizations
• Take on additional responsibilities as required
2) Facilitate knowledge management
• Build awareness of trends in culture and development in East Asian countries with a particular
emphasis on China and contribute to Culture Sector knowledge development through
collection and analysis of international and domestic media
• Participate in public outreach activities, and develop promotional materials including project
brochures, press briefings and other documents as necessary
• Participate in conferences and meetings representing UNESCO Culture Sector and
presenting when required
In addition, UN Volunteers are expected to promote volunteerism and engage in volunteering activities.
As such UN Volunteers are encouraged to:
 Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant
UNV and other publications and taking active part in UNV activities;
 Get acquainted with traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host community.
 Reflect on and integrate into their work plan activities that will be undertaken as part of their
assignment in order to promote volunteerism for development (V4D)
Specific ways to promote volunteerism during the assignment and within working hours include:
 Networking and building relationships with organizations, groups or individuals and supporting
and/or participating in local volunteering initiatives;
 Encouraging, mobilizing and supporting co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the local
community to play an active part in the development of their community;
 Contributing articles/write-ups on experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites,
newsletters, press releases, etc.;
 Initiating and/or participating in local volunteer groups. Assisting them in submitting stories,
experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;
 Reflecting on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including
participation in ongoing reflection activities.
 Promoting or advising local groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), or encouraging relevant
local individuals and groups to use OV whenever technically possible.
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A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development within your host
community
11. Results/Expected Output:
1. Formulated tangible deliverables of projects such as reports, publications, meetings, workshop
volumes and training materials that would be distributed and implemented in subsequent times
2. Strengthened communication and collaboration with project stakeholders on relevant culture and
development fields to support human development and poverty reduction, such as cultural
mainstreaming, culture-based livelihoods, cultural tourism and crafts;
3. Developed and maintained effective communications and publicity effects of the project
12. Qualifications/Requirements:
Education:
• Advanced University Degree in cultural domains, public administration, development and
relevant fields
Experience:
• Project managerial and administrative experience;
• 2-3 years of working experience for international donor-funded projects, UN agencies is an
asset;
• Knowledge of the UN system;
• Minimum 22 years old and above;
Language:
• Proficiency in English and Chinese
IT skills:
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Strong computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Internet research
13. Competencies:
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Sound organizational skills and multitasking. Ability to self- prioritize;
Good writing skills;
Team spirit and self-motivation;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Demonstrated excellent organizational and synthetizing skills;
14. Living Conditions:
Beijing is a modern city with relatively high-quality public infrastructure and services. It is the foremost
political and cultural metropolis in China. The city has excellent health services available.
15. Conditions of Service
National UN Volunteers receive a standard volunteer living allowance (VLA), which is intended to cover
their accommodation and basic living expenses. In Beijing the VLA is 3,900 RMB per month. National UN
Volunteers are entitled to an excellent health, life and disability insurance package. A modest Settling-inGrant (if applicable) and end of assignment allowances will also be provided along with travel to and from
the duty station. UN Volunteers are entitled to 2.5 days personal leave per month and government official
holidays.
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16. Application procedures
Interested Chinese candidates should include detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter (both in English
and Chinese) marked in the subject: “Application for the NUNV Project Associate for Culture Sector
Assignment” to unv.china@undp.org
Deadline: 19 April 2013
Acknowledgement will be sent to short-listed applicants only.
Reviewed by Sonia Song, UNV China Programme Officer
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