Post Title: International UN Volunteer Specialist, General Project Coordinator for GIPA
Duty Station:Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 12 Months with a possibility of extension (2.5 year project)
Host Agency: .Viet Nam Women's Union
Advertised on: 23 March 2006
Closing Date: 2 April 2006
Expected starting date: .May-June 2006
Application to: unv.china@undp.org

Preamble

This post is a United Nations Volunteers Programme Assignment and based on the values of voluntary commitment, and engagement, which are the foundations of volunteerism.

The United Nations Volunteers is the UN Organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism and through the mobilization of volunteers. It serves the causes of peace and development by enhancing opportunities for people's participation. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer actions in all its diversity.

Volunteerism is diverse and is embedded in all cultures. Voluntary action in its various forms brings benefits to others as well as to the individual volunteer. It makes important economic and social contributions, and it contributes to creating social capital and cohesion by helping to build trust and reciprocity among people.

In this context, as a United Nations Volunteer you are encouraged and expected to try to identify and stimulate local expressions of volunteerism. You are expected to regard your national colleagues as peers and together uphold the trust placed in you as volunteers by the communities and the organization you are assigned to. .

Background

Greater Involvement of People Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS (GIPA) is a concept, which involves theoretical and practical principles to involve People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) in various development activities.

UNV has implemented GIPA projects in a number of different countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and in South-East Asia (Cambodia & Indonesia). The projects typically involve one or two International UN Volunteers as Project Coordinators and a team of 9 to 13 National UN Volunteers. Recently, a new UNV-executed GIPA project has been approved in Laos. Drawing on this international experience and in order to promote a regional exchange of information and experiences, the UNV GIPA initiative in Viet Nam was developed.

The Objective of the UNV/UNAIDS GIPA project is

To promote the voluntary participation of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the planning and implementation of HIV/AIDS activities and other efforts to improve their lives, families and communities

The following five immediate objectives have been strategically identified to promote GIPA in Viet Nam:

1.The capacity of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS to meaningfully participate in HIV/AIDS activities has increased
2.PLHA and their family have increased access to treatment and other services
3.Less stigma and discrimination from the general public towards PLHA
4.Increased understanding and support of GIPA
5.Increased opportunities for the voluntary participation of PLHA in HIV/AIDS activities

Objective of the position is to be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the project in 5 provinces

Specific Duties

For the practical implementation of this project, based on the project document, and under the guidance Project Steering Committee and UNAIDS Country Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for the successful implementation of the project through the following tasks:

1. Overall project coordination:

Project planning, implementation, coordination, problem solving, and monitoring to ensure the objectives are met in 5 project provinces
Coordinate with project partners to ensure coherence, transparency and accountability in overall implementation.
Submit through UNV Hanoi office quarterly progress and financial reports to the project steering committee, UNDP Hanoi and UNV Headquarters

2. Human resource management:

Recruit a team of 3 National UN Volunteer Specialists and 3 National UN Volunteers under the Community Exchange Programme to be based in three project sites (Hanoi, Quang Ninh, and Hai Phong) in coordination with UNV and UNAIDS offices
Supervise and manage the work performance of one International UNV Specialist and three National UN Volunteer Specialists
Involve and manage UNV Associates, online volunteers, university volunteers, and corporate volunteers as appropriate

3. Project administration and project management:

Ensure timely delivery of project activities within the approved budget
Produce quarterly financial and progress reports, and when requested
Report administrative and personnel matters to UNV HQ via its office in Hanoi
Manage the project activities in Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong

4. Training and professional support:

Provide training and guidance in areas such as project management, HIV related issues, etc.
Any professional assistance on GIPA required by PLHA and national partners may be undertaken by the UNV

5. Advocacy and communications:

Represent the project in HIV-related fora and workshops, and use these opportunities to advocate for GIPA
Promote mainstreaming of GIPA in HIV/AIDS programmes " Lead a participatory process to formulate a communications strategy to reduce stigma and discrimination from the general public towards PLHA
Contribute stories and pictures to UNV for volunteer promotion through publications and media exposure

6. Networking and partnerships:

Participate in HIV/AIDS and GIPA groups and networks, such as the Community of Concerned Partners, the HIV Technical Working Group, the GIPA sub-working group, and other relevant groups
Identify linkages with national and international organizations and promote partnerships and collaboration

7. Other duties as required to successfully implement the project.

Qualifications Required

Essential:

Highly skilled and experienced in project management and administration
Capable of leading a project team with thorough supervision and training
Knowledgeable in HIV-related issues " At least five years of experience in projects related to HIV/AIDS
At least one year of experience in GIPA or working closely with PLHA
Strong background in training " Strong background in advocacy and communications
Strong analytical and report writing skills
Demonstrated ability to work in partnerships and to promote networking
Excellent command of spoken and written English
Personal sensitivity and commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism
Proven ability to meet deadlines
Cultural sensitivity, and ability to work in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams

Desired:

Awareness or experience of HIV/AIDS impact at personal level
Previous experience in volunteer work is an asset
Previous experience in Viet Nam is an asset
Knowledge of Vietnamese is a strong advantage

Conditions of Service:

International UN Volunteers in Viet Nam receive a volunteer living allowance (VLA), which is intended to cover their accommodation and basic living expenses. In Viet Nam the VLA is $US 1,722 per month (single), $US 2,084 (1 dependant), $US 2,259 (2 or more dependants). They also receive a settling-in grant on commencing their assignment and a resettlement allowance on successful completion. Travel to and from duty station are covered. Full medical and life insurance is provided, and they are entitled to 30 days annual leave.

Application Procedures:

Interested international candidates should include a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and an application letter (both in English) in a sealed envelope marked: "Application for the post of IUNV Specialist for GIPA" to the address below or via email to unv@undp.org.vn

UNV Office
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
25-29 Phan Boi Chau Street
Hanoi

Deadline: 2 April, 2006

People living with or affected by HIV/AIDS (especially women), who are willing to act as GIPA role-models, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Acknowledgement will be sent to short-listed applicants only.