UNFPA WomenX Collective Research Volunteer

Title: UNFPA Research Volunteer, WomenX Collective
Location: UNFPA Berlin Hub Office, Berlin, Germany
Full/Part-time: Full-time
Remote/In person: In person
Duration: 24 weeks

Candidates who are not nationals of the country where they will volunteer must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment. In the case of a volunteer assignment outside the volunteer’s country of residence, the volunteer will be responsible for making their own visa and travel arrangements.

The Position:
Under the direct supervision of the Global Coordinator; SRH Innovation Specialist, WomenX, the UNFPA Volunteer will support the branch/team in the work of the WomenX Collective (WomenX). WomenX is an innovative UNFPA programme designed to address critical health gaps for women and girls by identifying investment cases that leverage context-tailored and evidence-based advanced solutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). By overcoming barriers such as limited adoption, restricted access, and low investment in women's health, WomenX promotes the implementation of adaptable, locally relevant, and sustainable interventions. WomenX Berlin Hub was established to leverage the German innovation, research, and health ecosystem.

The Volunteer will support the efficient functioning of the WomenX Collective by conducting research to support forecasting and solution selection, assisting with external relations, and contributing to resource mobilization efforts. The incumbent will work closely with the WomenX team and wider Innovation and Transformation Branch team, partners, and stakeholders especially in Berlin.

A work-plan with achievements for the duration of the volunteer assignment will be agreed upon. Periodic progress meetings will lead to a beneficial environment for the UNFPA Volunteer, enhancing her/his skills and capacity in areas related to UNFPA’s mandate.

You would be responsible for:

Qualifying for a Volunteer Assignment

All UNFPA Volunteers must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Applicants from all over the world may express an interest in volunteering. Applicants must be over the age of 18. There is no upper age restriction as long as the person is fit for the required work.
2. Candidates who are not nationals of the country where they will volunteer must have appropriate residence or immigration status in the country of assignment.
3. Volunteers may include professionals, technicians, and retirees.
4. Spouses and family members of current UNFPA personnel may volunteer as long as there is no conflict of interest.
5. A Bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, law, social studies or a related area is required.
6. Fluency in English is required, while fluency in German is desirable. Knowledge of an additional United Nations language is an asset.
7. Demonstrate interest in the field of development.
8. Demonstrate ability to adapt to new environments and to establish and maintain good working relations with individuals of different cultural backgrounds.

Learning Elements:

Upon completion of the assignment, and depending on its duration, the UNFPA Volunteer will gain the following knowledge assets:

• Increased understanding of the UNFPA and the Programme Division within UNFPA
• Understand the UNFPA mandate and policies, including regional set-up
• Understand and familiarize with UNFPA Governance and Executive Board
• Understand UNFPA programme design and delivery mechanisms
• Understand the dynamics of operational and programme support and communications to the field, and at the level of HQ
• Learn UN technical language, working procedures, and coordination mechanisms
• Write and formulate substantive documents
• Network with UN colleagues
• Work experience as a team member in a multicultural setting

Financial Aspects:

UNFPA Volunteers do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with a UNFPA Volunteer's participation in the programme must be assumed by the UNFPA Volunteer themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel, and other requirements.

In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the volunteer assignment. Proof of adequate medical insurance, a medical certificate of good health, proof of any required vaccinations for the duty station will need to be submitted before the volunteer assignment begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for UNFPA volunteers.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

How to Apply
Please email your applications to unfpa-volunteer-applications@unfpa.org.

Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.