Organization Mission

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sierra Leone supports the United Nations system through its integrated offer, using a people-first approach centred on the ‘leave no one behind’ principle, and a human rights- and area-based development strategy.
In alignment with the 2030 Agenda, National Development Plan, United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the African Union Agenda 2063, the programme seeks to reduce multidimensional poverty and enhance justice, peace, social cohesion, and resilience with its focus on two pillars: (a) People-centred sustainable development and resilience, prioritising people’s well-being and planetary health and (b) Inclusive governance, peace, and prosperity, embodying harmonious development, effective resource management, and equitable governance.
Furthermore, the UNDP comparative advantage includes leveraging global and regional partnerships, working across economic, social, and environmental goals, strengthening good governance, and providing technical and policy-oriented support, all while ensuring national ownership for sustainable outcomes.

Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to enhance the capacity of implementing partners in results-based management, evaluation, and social and environmental standards to optimize development outcomes. However, to strengthen local ownership, enhance responsiveness to community needs, and promote the efficient delivery of project interventions, there is a need for UNDP to deploy dedicated community focal points, which will serve as UN Volunteers in each targeted district. These volunteers will serve as the vital link between district authorities and the project team. They will ensure smooth information flow, timely feedback, and alignment of activities with local priorities. In addition, they will facilitate community mobilization, awareness-raising, and stakeholder engagement in close collaboration with the UNDP Country Team and its implementing partners.
Against this backdrop, UNDP Country Office in Sierra Leone seeks to recruit six (6) national UN Community Volunteers, to be deployed across 6 districts across (Bo, Falaba, Kenema, Bonthe, Western Rural & Urban) in Sierra Leone

Key Responsibilities

The district Community Coordinator will maintain a strong interface with community structures, partners, and other project staff to ensure there is improved, expanded, and sustainable project activities in the targeted communities. The district Community Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day field monitoring, data collection, and reporting of UNDP project interventions.
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision Programme Management Support Unit (PMSU) lead, and working in close coordination with the United Nations Development Programme country office (UNDP CO) programme specialists, partners (Government, CSOs, Community leaders), consultants, youth networks, etc. the UN Community Volunteer”s key duties will include:Community Mobilization & Engagement
▪ Serve as the primary liaison between the UNDP project team/ consultants, community structures/committees, local community, and district authorities.
▪ Facilitate communication and collaboration among the project team/contractors to ensure coordinated project implementation.
▪ Actively participate in solving any social issues /problems or challenges that may arise during the project implementation.
▪ Engage with local communities and other district stakeholders to ensure their involvement and buy-in throughout the project lifecycle.
▪ Address local communities and district stakeholder concerns and their feedback, and report to district councils & UNDP CO

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
▪ Conduct onsite monitoring and verification of past and ongoing initiatives and document the progress, issues, challenges, risks, and lessons learned.
▪ Collect and support analysis of data to inform the Country Office (CO) on evidence-based decision-making.
▪ Support the needs assessments and baseline studies in target communities.
▪ Support in administering surveys, focus groups, and participatory assessments.
▪ Collecting quantitative and qualitative data to measure project relevance, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability.
▪ Collect feedback from the beneficiaries and report to UNDP.
▪ Draft reports, case studies, and success stories to showcase project relevance and impact.
▪ Provide support to evaluators to organize interviews, focus group discussions, and observation during the evaluation data collection.

Required Skills and Experience

At least 2 years of working experience is essential
▪ Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development
▪ Excellent communication, networking and writing skills
▪ Ability to mobilise communities to initiate, develop, and implement integrated development programmes responsive to their context.
▪ Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
▪ Basic computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
▪ Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
▪ Valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive a motorbike
▪ Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

Outside the capital city Freetown, Sierra Leone’s districts present a mix of urban, semi-urban, and rural settings. Towns and district headquarters generally offer access to basic services such as markets, schools, and health facilities, though the range and quality of amenities can vary. Rural and remote communities may have more limited infrastructure, with transportation, electricity, and internet connectivity less reliable than in urban areas. Livelihoods are often centered on agriculture, trade, and small-scale enterprises. Social life is community-oriented, with strong cultural traditions and welcoming local populations.