Mission and objectives

UNFPA – the United Nations Population Fund – is the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency. Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Since its inception in 1969, UNFPA has led the effort to help women in developing countries overcome socio-economic and cultural barriers to their reproductive rights and choices. UNFPA is on the ground improving lives in about 150 countries that are home to 80 per cent of the world’s population. Guided by the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action (ICPD PoA) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNFPA partners with governments, civil society, media, academia, other UN agencies and the private sector to advance its mission.

Context

UNFPA has worked with the Government and people of China since 1979, focusing on advancing sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and population data. UNFPA is now implementing the tenth Country Programme for China (2026-2030), which is aimed at building population resilience and supporting universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights by reducing inequalities and reaching those left furthest behind, with a focus on women, young people, and people with disabilities. This UNV position will provide communications support to the South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC) component of the Country Programme. The tasks will include providing assistance and support for the management, coordination and communication for UNFPA projects supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF) and the Ministry of Commerce (MoFCOM). The UN Volunteer will also assist in communication and outreach with the private sector, foundations, philanthropic institutions, and academia.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the UNFPA China Specialist of Partnership & South-South Cooperation, the National UN Associate Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Media and Communications Support · Plan and implement UNFPA SSTC media and communication events and activities, with a strong focus on digital communications. · Create communication products for SSTC activities/achievements, such as posters, slides, media posts, etc. · Design SSTC visual communication products for both online and offline use, including posters, invitations, social media cards, and short videos. 2. Knowledge Development and Documentation Management Support for GDF Projects · Develop strategies for engagement with media. · Prepare and maintain bilingual materials (English and Chinese), including press releases, speeches, statements, policy briefs, and presentations, to support effective communication and advocacy. · In collaboration with the communications and programme teams, analyse and synthesise relevant information, contributing to the generation of knowledge products in UNFPA’s thematic areas. · Support the documentation of best practices and lessons learned from UNFPA’s programmes for internal and external learning and dissemination. · Support preparations of evidence-based fact sheets, issue briefs, policy notes and investment case briefs. · Provide language support, including for the translation and editing of GDF project reports and other communication materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with UNFPA’s standards, and monitor quarterly and annual communication activities in the progress reports. · Perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: · Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take an active part in UNV activities (for instance, in events that mark International Volunteer Day); · Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; · Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. · Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; · Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; · 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 whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

· Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNFPA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNFPA procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; · Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNFPA in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; · Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; · Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. · Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; · Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; · Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; · Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNFPA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

The duty station of the national UN Volunteer is located in Beijing city, where modest public infrastructure and health services are available. It is the foremost political and cultural metropolis in China. The city has excellent health services available. In general, rent for apartments in central locations is high relative to other regions in China, but quality is good. Beijing is well served by many shopping malls, large supermarket chains and international brands. Buses and subways are the most common form of mass transportation. Metered taxis are widely available and domestic and regional travel by train and airplane is popular. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.” As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.