UNV Livelihood Assistant

The protracted political instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has led to a continuous stream of refugees into Zambia over the years. However, delays to hold Presidential elections in the DRC have resulted in intensified instability, especially in the eastern part of the country. Since 30 August 2017, Zambia has been receiving an increased number of new arrivals from the DRC, mainly from Pweto in Haute Katanga and Moba, in Tanganyika Province. The Congolese refugees and asylum seekers fled conflict and violation of human rights as Government soldiers fight militias who have sprung up in the Eastern part of the country. While most of the new arrivals enter through the Chiengi border area, some are also crossing into Zambia through other entry points, such as Nsumbu, Kaputa and Mpulungu, in Northern Province as well as Kipushi and Kakoma, in North Western Province and Kasumbalesa and Sakania, on the Copperbelt Province. Some asylum seekers travel directly to Lusaka. Asylum seekers who are arrive through other entry points (other than Chiengi) are relocated to Meheba and Mayukwayukwa Refugee Settlements.

UNHCR is coordinating the Congolese emergency response efforts in support of the Government of Zambia. The UN Agency is responsible for undertaking direct and primary advocacy with the Government for all refugee matters, while facilitating inter-agency planning, resource mobilization, implementation, and coordination of the refugee response in Zambia. As of today, over 21,000 Congolese have crossed into Zambia since January 2017 with 2,400 living in Meheba refugee settlement, Kalumbila District, NW province. Inter-agency contingency planning figure shows 50,000 as the number of persons that may cross into Zambia via entry points located in North Western and Copperbelt Provinces.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office,or the Asistant Programme Officer the UNV Livelihood Assistant will support the Field Office in overseeing UNHCR livelihood and livelihood related activities within the Province in consultation with the Livelihoods Officer. The UNV will be relied upon to contribute to the implementation of a durable solutions strategy. Contributing to fostering an environment to enhance partnerships will be a critical element of the work, as are activities designed to strength the involvement of refugee communities and their hosts in the design and implementation of solutions strategies.

The UNV Livelihood Assistant will therefore undertake the following tasks:  

• Contribute to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the livelihoods strategy and related programmes.
• Advise management on problems related to the implementation of livelihoods programs (particularly focused on the agricultural sector). Provide technical input related to livelihoods and contribute to the planning processes.
• Engage in the overall management of livelihood programmes; including designing and applying specific programme methodologies, implementation approaches and ensuring the attainment of livelihood programme objectives; in accordance with the overall livelihoods strategy. Coordinate the implementation of programme components/activities among NGOs/partners.
• Identify initiatives or programmes related to livelihoods at the field level for funding and potential partnerships.
• Identify gaps in livelihood programming and advice on mitigation measures.
• Maintain close contacts with partners both in public, private and NGO sector in order to harmonize activities relating to livelihood in Meheba and the surrounding areas.
• Guide and monitor on-going livelihood activities/programmes for refugees in line with UNHCR policies,
• Mainstreaming gender, age and diversity in all livelihood initiatives.
• Establish and maintain linkages with all stakeholders to ensure coordination and joint planning and information sharing as part of the livelihoods strategy.
• Develop cooperation ties with selected service providers i.e. business training teams and bodies, business development services, and micro-finance institutions at both country level and field level.
• Explore ways to employ community-based approaches to livelihoods such as establishing refugee livelihood committees, review project proposals submitted by refugees, and provide advice and feedback on feasibility of projects. Select potential projects and follow up implementation of approved projects.
• Organize and manage workshops, group discussions, and other participatory assessments to ensure refugee ownership and decision making in planning and implementing specific livelihood programmes activities, with a view to empower refugees and local host communities.
• Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)
• Interview and advise on the appropriate durable solutions to be provided to persons of concern.
• Prepare documents relating to Livelihood.
• Enter information into available databases, in line with SOPs.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

.  Results/Expected Output:

• Conducted regular field visits and provide a comprehensive livelihood assessment report on beneficiary needs;
• Verified beneficiaries’ accessibility of services provided by the implementing partners for livelihood activities;
• Provided detailed analysis of progress of beneficiaries towards complete self-reliant;
• Provided inputs to all livelihood activities in the Country Operational Plan (COP), Mid-Year Report, Year-End Report and to donor reports;
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Respect for Diversity;
• Integrity;
• Professionalism.
• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues;
• Accountability;
• Creative Problem Solving;
• Effective Communication;
• Inclusive Collaboration;
• Stakeholder Engagement;
• Leading by Example.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Alternative Livelihoods or advanced training/certification in a related field;
• Job experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience;
• Fluency in English and working knowledge of local languages of North Western Province of Zambia;
• Proven experience in working with the private sector in agribusiness;
• Proven familiarity with the functioning of markets and linking smallholder farmers to both input and output markets;
• Experience with issues related to financial inclusion;
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing in English;
• Excellent knowledge in MS word, Excel and database management;
• Diverse field experience;
• Ability to engage with and mobilize target communities, partners and stakeholders;
• Proactive and able to work in a team.

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

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.