Programme Assistant

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into development programming and promote the value and global recognition of volunteerism. UNV is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and reports to the UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS Executive Board. Read more about the added value of UNV, UN Volunteers and volunteerism.

UNV has six Regional Offices in Amman (covering the Arab States), Bangkok (covering Asia and the Pacific), Dakar (covering West and Central Africa), Istanbul (covering Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States), Nairobi (covering East and Southern Africa) and Panama City (covering Latin America and the Caribbean). The regional offices are the first entry point for partners wishing to engage with UNV. They offer UNV services and solutions to government partners, UN entities, civil society and the private sector, and takes the lead in scoping and delivering UNV advisory services on volunteer infrastructure. They also provide oversight and strategic guidance to UNV's field units in the regions.

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme in the Pacific operates across 14 countries through three multi-country offices based in Micronesia, Samoa, and Fiji.

The UNV Multi-Country Field Unit (MCFU) in Fiji promotes and advocates for the recognition of volunteerism and manages UN Volunteer assignments in the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, and Tuvalu. Since 1973, UN Volunteers have supported the development efforts of UN agencies, governments, and civil society across the Pacific.

UNV Field Units are primarily responsible for mobilizing and placing UN Volunteers with UN agencies, funds, and programmes focused on peace, development, and humanitarian needs. They represent and position UNV in their respective countries, bringing UNV’s services and solutions closer to partners in government, the UN system, civil society, and the private sector.

The Fiji MCFU builds and maintains strategic partnerships, coordinates with the UNV Regional Office and HQ, and leads volunteer mobilization, programme implementation, and the facilitation of corporate initiatives.

The Programme Assistant supports the Multi-Country Coordinator in increasing the volume of UN Volunteers in the Pacific, ensuring efficient and timely programme operations (partnerships, volunteer mobilization, volunteer management, procurement, etc.), assisting with duty of care, and enhancing the overall satisfaction of UN Volunteers.

Under the general guidance of the Regional Portfolio Specialist, with day-to-day reporting to the Country Coordinator, the UNV Programme Assistant will provide the below responsibilities as follows:

• Assist in managing key accounts for assigned partnerships, ensuring effective collaboration and follow-up. Stay informed on UNV’s evolving offers, policies, and procedures by participating in volunteer management briefings, reviewing corporate Business Intelligence reports, and engaging with proforma narratives.
• Support in maintaining and strengthening relationships with assigned UN partner/s in the assigned area, ensuring they understand UNV’s mandate, key offers, and the added value of UN Volunteer assignments in achieving their mandates.
• Attend, on behalf of the Country Coordinator, relevant UNCT coordination meetings and report back on potential partnership opportunities.
• Provide support to complete all relevant UVP functions for volunteer on-boarding, extension, repatriation actions and monitor and keep records of the contractual status at the UVP of all serving UN volunteers and flag to his/her supervisor follow-up actions on assignment extensions, renewals and replacements.
• Support the office on orientation sessions, check-in sessions, and monthly meetings for UN Volunteers.
• Provide support to UN Volunteers throughout the volunteer management cycle, ensuring timely assistance and guidance during key life events to foster a smooth, inclusive, and positive volunteer experience.
• Support the Country Coordinator in liaising with the respective entities’ security focal points or heads of office as applicable and provide support to ensure a detailed understanding among UN Volunteers on all security-related issues, including assistance with headcounts in emergencies.
• Provide timely and accurate support to UN Volunteers undergoing medical evacuation, ensuring coordination with medical providers, host entities, and relevant offices at UNV, while maintaining compliance with established procedures.
• Maintain and update inventories of UNV-procured non-expendable equipment, supporting procurement and ensuring records are accurately shared with the regional office.
• Assist the Multi-Country Coordinator in responding to UN Volunteer and partner queries, creating mobilization opportunities, and ensuring high partner satisfaction. Prepare presentations, mapping, and other materials to engage potential partners and promote volunteerism.
• Provide effective support for advocacy and outreach campaigns (e.g., International Volunteer Day), including presentations to host entities and local volunteer organizations.
• Coordinate closely with the Volunteer Solutions Sections (VSS) and Volunteer Service Center (VSC) on talent sourcing, onboarding, contractual monitoring, medical and security evacuations, and end-of-assignment formalities.
• Support outreach initiatives to expand the national talent pool and advocate for Online Volunteering (OV) opportunities.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived volunteers to ensure smooth integration.
• Collaborate closely with the other two Programme Assistants in the Pacific Multi-Country Field Unit (based in Solomon Islands and Micronesia) to harmonize administrative processes, share knowledge, coordinate cross-country support, and ensure consistent data management, reporting, and partner engagement.
• Perform other programme, administrative, or operational duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Special Note: This DoA, including the position title, may be revised effective 1 January 2026 to emphasize increased engagement in partnerships and volunteer mobilization in line with evolving corporate priorities.