Mission and objectives

UNDP is the UN's global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in some 170 countries and territories, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. UNDP has been supporting the Kyrgyz people in their struggle against poverty since it opened an in-country office in 1993. https://www.kg.undp.org/content/kyrgyzstan/en/home.html UNDP's Strategic Plan (2018-2021) has been designed to be responsive to the wide diversity of the countries we serve. The diversity is reflected in three broad development contexts: eradicating poverty; structural transformations; and building resilience.

Context

Within the Public Effectiveness and Responsive Institutions cluster (Peace, Accountability, and Justice Programme Area), UNDP implements initiatives designed to empower young people as active drivers of youth and women entrepreneurship, economic development and civic engagement. These efforts aim to strengthen youth’s entrepreneurship skills, youth’s civic engagement in local economic development, nurture their leadership, and promote inclusive youth entrepreneurial, investment and economic development ecosystem. A particular focus will be placed on supporting and expanding Youth Centres as key hubs for personal growth, employment and self-employment opportunities, youth entrepreneurship, economic development initiatives, peer-to-peer business mentorship and B2B networking as well as enhancing young people’s competitiveness in domestic and international labour markets. To advance these objectives, UNDP seeks to engage an International UN Volunteer (UNV) who will play a key role in supporting youth-led economic growth and entrepreneurship initiatives by enhancing youth’s civic engagement and participation in entrepreneurship and economic development. The UNV will support UNDP in building close partnership with municipalities, youth centers, local businesses, civil society organizations and private sector partners to promote youth entrepreneurship and economic development, enhance access to finance and business acceleration training tools, national and international funding instruments, digital and e-commerce and support the sustainability of youth centers as engines of business and economic development. Building upon the existing Youth Centers, this assignment will place a strong emphasis on youth entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, focusing on: • Supporting the design and implementation of youth entrepreneurship programmes • Facilitating access to business development services, start-up support, and finance • Strengthening partnerships between youth centers, private sector actors, vocational institutions, business incubators and associations and regional business development and investment councils • Promoting youth-led social enterprises and community-based innovation projects. By fostering youth entrepreneurship and economic development, job creation, and youth-responsive institutions, the UN Volunteer will contribute to building resilient, economically empowered, and peaceful communities across Kyrgyzstan.

Task Description

Under the supervision of the UNDP Senior Advisor on Social Cohesion, the International UN Volunteer will support youth-related and youth engagement initiatives that contribute to more youth-responsive entrepreneurial ecosystem and youth-inclusive economic development. Key responsibilities include:  Support in strengthening the leadership capacities of youth-led CSOs, youth centres, and community leaders for meaningful civic engagement and participation in local economic development, business, entrepreneurship and investment development.  Support in facilitating collaboration among local businesses, investors, private sector, including youth-led CSOs, youth centres, and young entrepreneurs, young creators (Jashtar Jaratman) to promote increased employment and self-employment opportunities, B2B cooperation and partnerships.  Support in enhancing youth’s civic participation and engagement in local decision-making for local economic development and improving entrepreneurial ecosystem.  Support the design and implementation of inclusive local social and economic entrepreneurship initiatives that unite diverse community members and promote tolerance, solidarity and youth’s civic responsibility.  Support in promoting digital and e-commerce for increased youth’s business, entrepreneurship and trade opportunities.  Contribute to implementing youth entrepreneurship in targeted areas.  Support in community dialogues on youth inclusion, access to finance and improved public service delivery positively impacting youth entrepreneurship, B2B business networking and economic development. In addition, UN Volunteers are encouraged to promote the spirit of volunteerism through:  Participation in UNV learning and advocacy activities (e.g., International Volunteer Day).  Support UNDP within UN Youth Thematic Group.  Promotion of community-based volunteer practices.  Documentation and sharing of field experiences through UNV publications.  Mentoring new volunteers.  Encouraging local actors to engage with the UNV Online Volunteering platform. Expected results  Timely submission of monthly and quarterly plans and progress reports in line with the project Annual Work Plan (AWP).  Supported activities aimed at strengthening partnerships among CSOs, youth organizations, and local authorities.  Supported activities aimed at increased youth’s civic participation and engagement in local economic development, business and entrepreneurship development.  Supported activities in improving responsiveness of local governance structures to youth focused businesses, entrepreneurship and economic development.  Facilitated community dialogues and coordination platforms promoting B2B partner-ship s and networking among young entrepreneurs, youth-businesses and local finance institutions and youth civic engagement on the affairs of local economic development, youth responsive investments, innovation, creativity, regional development, digital and e-commerce.  Facilitated volunteerism practices as a driver of youth entrepreneurship, economic development, youth-responsive and inclusive governance and development.

Competencies and values

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Leadership ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Bishkek is the largest city in and the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The living conditions in Bishkek are generally comfortable and safe. The city offers a relatively high quality of life with good access to affordable housing, public transportation, healthcare, and essential services. Bishkek experiences a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters (temperatures can drop to –15°C) and hot, dry summers (up to 35°C), so appropriate seasonal clothing is necessary. The security situation is stable, and the city is considered safe for international staff, though basic precautions are advised, especially at night. Bishkek has a growing number of cafes, restaurants, gyms, and cultural venues, as well as reliable internet connectivity and access to regional and international flights, making it a convenient and pleasant duty station.