Programme Assistant

1.  Type of Assignment:              National UN Volunteer  

2.  Type of Assignment Place:     Training Division, International Poverty Reduction Center in China

3.   Assignment Title:                  Program Assistant-2

4.  Link with UNV Strategic Framework :  Youth

5.  Duty Station, Country:            Beijing, China

6.  Duration (in months):             12

7.  Expected Starting Date:          1 March 2017

8  Host Agency/Host Institute:     International Poverty Reduction Center in China

9.  Organizational Context/Project:      

The International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC), based in Beijing, was jointly initiated and established by the Chinese government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international organizations in December 2004. The IPRCC is designed to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, information exchange and international collaboration in the areas of poverty reduction and development. The International Poverty Reduction Center in China aims at strengthening national and international capacities to design and implement policies and programs for poverty reduction, with a focus on both income and human dimensions of poverty, through (i) providing an effective platform for knowledge sharing and mutual learning on pro-poor policies and anti-poverty programs between China and other developing/transition economies (ii) supporting a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction through policy-relevant research work and training initiatives covering both macro-policies and targeted programs for poverty reduction (iii) promoting dialogue between policymakers, academics and practitioners around pro-poor policy options and strengthening the links between pro-poor policy research, formulation and implementation processes at different levels. The 5-year strategy for internationalization of the Center will rely upon improved governance and management, active networking and partnering for knowledge exchange, joint research and training initiatives with poverty reduction focused institutions in China and other countries.

Brief Portfolio Description:

The IPRCC UNDP project supports key areas which help IPRCC move from generic experiences sharing and exchange into problem-solving oriented and action-based learning, with other developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The project will enhance collaboration among China, developing countries and UNDP to tailor Chinese poverty reduction experiences through in-depth learning and participatory dialogue with all stakeholders to consolidate what are relevant to the country conditions, and further to pack those experiences into joint field project in selected countries in order to explore new type of partnership under the new global context.

To be more concrete the project aims to:

• form the partnership of developing countries/China/UNDP, and possibly involve other partners of bilateral and NGOs to set up the model to effective development cooperation partnership.
• provide IPRCC an opportunity to mainstream its knowledge gained previously into China’s foreign aid cooperation strategy and to utilize its skill built through second phase of capacity development, and to further extend its knowledge and skill into broader international development arena.
• enable wider participation from Chinese decision-making agencies to integrate poverty reduction goals into China’s international development policy and program.

further engage of international communities supporting South-South cooperation on poverty reduction could be explored. A critical part of the project design is the concentration of effort at a few participating countries. This will facilitate the creation of a critical mass in this action-based knowledge sharing impact.

10.  Description of tasks:

11.  Results/Expected Output:

The UN Volunteer will contribute towards the following programme outputs:

1) Strengthen institutional capacity for effective knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and dialogue on poverty reduction through the training programs;

2) Development of training materials and programs;

3) Completion of short- and long-term training courses;

12.  Qualifications/Requirements:

1) Bachelor or higher degree in economics, development economics, agricultural economics, rural development, social protection or other subjects related to poverty and poverty reduction;

2) At least 1 years experiences in research and training programs on related subjects and familiarity with domestic and international poverty and their policies are preferred;

3)  Minimum 22 years old and above

4)  Good working knowledge in both English and Chinese.

Education:

·         Bachelar (or Master) Degree in economics, development economics, agricultural economics, rural development, social protection or a related field.

Professional experience:

·         At least 1 year relevant work experience, preferably at the national or international level in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of development projects;

·         Previous experience in/with the UN, including solid knowledge of UN/UNICEF programme and operations, policies and procedures an asset.

Language Requirements:

·         Full professional proficiency in English and Chinese, written and oral.

13.  Living Conditions:

The duty station of the national UN Volunteer is located in Beijing city,  where modest public infrastructure and health services are available.    It is the foremost political and cultural metropolis in China.  The city has excellent health services available.

In general, rent for apartments in central locations is high relative to other regions in China, but quality is good. Beijing is well served by many shopping malls, large supermarket chains and international brands. Buses and subways are the most common form of mass transportation. Metered taxis are widely available and domestic and regional travel by train and airplane is popular.

14.  Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers

The National UN Volunteer receives a standard volunteer living allowance (VLA), which is intended to cover their accommodation and basic living expenses. In China, the VLA is 8,167 RMB per month. The NUNV is entitled to an excellent health, life and disability insurance package.  A modest Settling-in Grant and end of assignment allowances will also be provided along with travel to and from the duty station. The NUNV is entitled to 2.5 days personal leave per month and UN official holidays.

Description of Assignment Prepared By:

International Poverty Reduction Center in China

Ms. XU Jin

Program Officer, Division of International Exchanges/ UN Programmes, IPRCC

xujin <xujin@iprcc.org.cn>

Date: December 28, 2017

Description of Assignment Approved By:

Ms. Zheng Kun

Country Programme Assistant, UNV China

Date: Jan 2^nd , 2018

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from all qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, ethnicity, culture, religion, age and sexual orientation.