UN YOUTH VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT
Preamble:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programmeis 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 Youth 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 Youth 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:
UN Youth Volunteer in communication and health promotion
2. Type of Assignment:
International UN Youth Volunteer
3. Project Title:
Communication/Health Promotion
4. Duration:
12 months
5. Location, Country:
Praia, Cabo Verde
6. Expected Starting Date:
March/April 2015
7. Brief Project Description:
This project aims to support World Health Organization (WHO) and the
Ministry of Health in the development and implementation of health promotion programmes and activities
for addressing the social and economic determinants of health.
8. Host Agency/Host Institute: WHO office in Cabo Verde
9. Organizational Context:
WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the
United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the
health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options,
providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends. In the 21st century,
health is a shared responsibility, involving equitable access to essential care and collective defence
against transnational threats.
In Cabo Verde, WHO Office is located in Praia, the Capital city. It is logged in the UN House with the other
UN agencies.
Under the direction of the WHO Representative there are two clusters:
• Disease prevention and Control Cluster
• Health Policies and System Cluster
The professional staff is composed by two medical doctors/epidemiologists, one health economist and
planner, one communication officer.
The UN Youth Volunteer will assist both clusters and he/she will work under the supervision of the WHO
Representative.
The mission of WHO remains “the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible of health”. The
Organization aims strengthening its technical, and policy leadership in health matters, as well as its
management capacity to address the needs of Member States
In her/his assignment, The UN Youth Volunteer will also liaise with Ministry of Health officials
• at the central level: National Health Directoratewhich coordinate the implementation
of the National Health Policy and National Health Development Plan
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at the local level: Health Regions/Districts and Hospitals
10. Type of Assignment Place: assignment without family
11. Description of tasks:
Under the guidance and supervision of WHO Representative, the UN Youth Volunteer will assist the
professional staff in matters related to communication in health promotion, and support the Ministry
of Health and partners in the development and implementation of health promotion programs and
activities, namely:
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Support the activities and contribute to public awareness of social and economic determinants of
health;
Assist in the mobilization of the public, communities, institutions and agencies to promote health
through evidence based strategies;
Liaise with and assist counterparts involved in the project to ensure efficient planning at different
levels of project activities
Support the work within networks of key partners (UN agencies, government bodies, NGO’s,
grassroots associations) collaborating with WHO and MOH on strengthening national capacity for
health promotion.
Establish/ facilitate health promotion networks or community of practice on health promotion,
circulating information notes and materials to the group.
Promote knowledge sharing and knowledge management within the country team and with partners,
and ensure continuous feedback to WHO team on programme, technical and operational policy,
regulations, procedures pertaining to health promotion etc. as well as document lessons learned and
best practices.
Assist in the identification of capacity gaps among implementing partners and development of
strategies to fill the gaps observed. As needed, design and deliver, or facilitate training interventions.
Support the preparation and delivering of programme /project management reports and other
deliverables.
Perform other related activities as assigned by the supervisor.
12. Results/Expected Output:
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Report of evidences on succeeded experiences in health promotion at national, local and
community levels
Proposal for health promotion networks set up at national, local and community levels
Contributions for the updated of the National Health Promotion Strategy
13. Qualifications/Requirements:
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Academic: Bachelor’s degree in Social Communication or Journalism
Demonstrated interest and/or specific training in Health Promotion
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Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others;
Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills;
Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team;
Flexible and open to learning and new experiences;
Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions;
Fluency in spoken and written Spanish OR French OR English. Knowledge of Portuguese is an
asset;
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer
work, internship) would be highly regarded;
Computer skills: use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media..
14. Learning expectations
Learning and development are a central part of the UN Youth Volunteer’s assignment and take place
before, during and after his or her assignment in the field. Ideally, offering diverse opportunities for learning
and development aim to strengthen the volunteer’s skills and competences, improve the quality of the
assignment and keep the volunteer’s motivation high.
Learning elements for the UN Youth Volunteer include the development of:
• Professional skills: including specific competencies and reflection on assignment-related abilities;
and on-the-job skills such as time management, problem solving, team building; and career
preparedness such as interview skills, CV preparation, job searching.
• Inter-personal skills: including communication and listening skills; multi-cultural awareness and
cultural competency; and conflict and stress management.
• Volunteering-related skills: including leadership; civic responsibility; and engagement and active
participation.
Beyond the learning opportunities provided by UNV, host agencies are expected to support knowledge and
capacity development in the technical areas that are relevant to the UN Youth Volunteer’s assignment.
Host agencies are also expected to provide, at their expense, UN Youth Volunteers with equal opportunity
to participate in training courses and workshops offered to the host agency’s personnel.
Furthermore, the UN Youth Volunteer is encouraged to:
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Strengthen the knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant
UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV events.
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Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the country;
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Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in
ongoing reflection activities;
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Contribute articles/write-ups on volunteering experiences and submit them to the team at UNVHQs
for consideration (beyond other communications responsibilities), and input to the UNV
publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
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Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Youth Volunteers;
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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.
15. Living Conditions:
The assignment will take place in the capital, Praia (Santiago Island). The living conditions in Praia are
good, as well as the access to health services. The level of tropical diseases is very low. There are
currently no required vaccines at the entrance to Cabo Verde, unless one comes from West Africa.
However, immunization against yellow fever, tetanus and polio, as well as hepatitis A, is recommended.
Cabo Verde has social and political stability since independence, and there are no major security issues..
Cabo Verde is located on GMT -1. Due to its geographical location, in front of the Sahel Belt, Cabo Verde
has an arid and semi-arid, hot and dry climate with scarce rainfall and an average annual temperature of
25ºC (77ºF).The rainy season usually starts in mid-July and ends in late October.
The total population of Cabo Verde is about 491.875 (Census 2010). Roughly one quarter of the
population lives in the capital, Praia.
Portuguese is the official language of the country, but informal conversations are held in Kriolu.
The currency used in Cabo Verde is called: Escudo Caboverdiano (1 EUR = 110,265 CVE). The Cabo
Verdean escudo is not changed in several countries. Cabo Verde holds high prices for housing, food and
fuel, for the country imports approximately 80% of food needs and consumer goods. International credit
cards (VISA) are accepted in some shops. It is also possible to withdraw money with an international card
in some banks/ ATM.
Housing conditions in Praia may vary greatly. It is possible to rent fully furnished apartments / houses in
safe areas from 400€ to 1000€, and unfurnished apartments from 250€ and 500€. UN Volunteers can also
co-rent and share private accommodations, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential
Security Standards (MORSS).
Meals at restaurants near the UN Office cost between 2,5€ and 15€.
The country faces serious difficulties in meeting the growing demand for water and electricity, and water
and electricity shortages may occur. Cabo Verde benefits from an effective telephone system, cellular
service and regular Internet access.
Portuguese public TV and radio for Africa and Radio France Internationale are relayed across Cabo Verde,
There is an active press and local newspapers are also available online.
A valid passport and visa are required to enter Cabo Verde. The visa (valid for 6 months maximum) can be
obtained in your country of origin at the Embassy or Consulate of Cabo Verde or directly at the airport in
Praia (valid for 3 months) upon arrival.
The UNV Field Unit will book temporary accommodation for the first nights at UN Volunteer expenses,
which can be extended or not at UN Volunteer discretion until getting a permanent accommodation.
16. Conditions of Service
A 12 - month contract; monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs
and utilities, settling-in-grant; life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return airfares; resettlement
allowance for satisfactory service.
Description of Assignment prepared by the UN Agency:
Yolanda Estrela, Management National Health Policies and Systems (MPN), WHO
Description of Assignment approved by UNV Field Unit
Renata Farias, UNV Programme Officer
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.