Organization Mission

The mandate of the Resident Coordinator”s Office (RCO) is to support the coordination of the various agencies of the System. Its objective is to achieve coherence and effectiveness in the operational activities of the entire UN system, ensuring synergy and joint planning, and fostering leadership. The RCO supports both the Resident Coordinator and the Country Team in the fulfilment of their functions and in the implementation of the Cooperation Framework. In this way, it contributes to coordination with non-resident agencies in the country, preparation and implementation of joint programs, coordination of inter-agency work and identification of common initiatives. Likewise, the RCO is a link with external agents when it is necessary to represent the entire system.

This UNV assignment will be based in the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Honduras. The Resident Coordinator System is part of the United Nations Reform promoted by the Secretary General.

The UNV assignment will focus on supporting inter-agency activities delegated by the Head of Office.

Context

The UN Volunteer will support the RCO’s efforts in sustainable development, particularly everything related to the Cooperation Framework through assistance in activities related to the CF Roadmap. This may include assistance in meeting organizations, note taking, preparation of presentation, research, among others.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, the UN Volunteer will support, with a focus on the development-humanitarian-peace nexus and in support of sustainable development and the Cooperation Framework, the following tasks:

– Support the coordination and organization of interagency initiatives, events, and meetings within the United Nations system, including administrative management, with particular emphasis on activities related to peace, development, advocacy on human rights, gender equality, and the 2030 Agenda.
– Assist in mapping and updating databases of strategic partners, including government, civil society, the private sector, international cooperation, and others.
– Support in the creation of minutes and agreements from interagency initiatives managed in support of the Office and the Resident Coordinator, as well as follow-up on these actions.
– Collaborate in drafting presentations, reports, summaries, and/or infographics on matters related to interagency development, humanitarian and peace initiatives as requested.
– Assist in scheduling, confirmations, and logistical arrangements for coordination activities as assigned.
– Conduct research and gather specialized information as required.
– Support in media monitoring, preparing summaries, and other inputs related to the national context on political, electoral, development, and human rights issues, as well as mentions of the United Nations and the Resident Coordinator.
– Carry out any other task required by the supervisor.

Required Skills and Experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in:
– Strong affinity or interest in initiatives related to the promotion and protection of human rights, volunteerism as a mechanism for sustainable development, and the United Nations system.
– Good understanding and/or direct work experience with development agencies such as international organisations and/or national or international NGOs.
– Capacity to work and adapt professionally and effectively in challenging environments; able to thrive in multicultural teams with both national and international staff.
– Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:
– Proficient computer literacy, including in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and virtual meeting platforms (Teams, Meet, Zoom).
– Strong ability to develop presentations, reports, and informational materials tailored to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
– Good writing and drafting skills in both English and intermediate Spanish.
– Time management and organizational skills, including effective agenda handling and scheduling.

Core Competencies

– Adaptability and Flexibility
– Building Trust
– Commitment and Motivation
– Commitment to Continuous Learning
– Ethics and Values
– Integrity
– Planning and Organizing
– Professionalism
– Self-Management
– Working in Teams

Living Conditions

Honduras is a tropical country in the center of Central America, bordered to the north by the Caribbean Sea, to the south by El Salvador, to the west by Guatemala and to the east by Nicaragua. The climate varies significantly depending on altitude. Mid-altitude temperatures are quite moderate with regular sunshine, causing temperatures to rise from 15-20ºC (59-68ºF) to around 28ºC (low 82ºF) during the middle of the day. Precipitation is fairly low to moderate with an irregular wet season from May to October. Coastal and lowland regions experience less of a temperature range with warmer nights and slightly less rain.

The population of Honduras is approximately 9 million inhabitants, and it is registering at a growing rate. Hondurans dedicate most of their work to agricultural activities, along with commerce, manufacturing, finance, and public services.

Tegucigalpa is the capital and largest city of Honduras. Located in the middle region of the country, Tegucigalpa is the political center of the country, and with a population of more than one million inhabitants it is the most populated city in Honduras.

The security level in Honduras – according to the United Nations Scale (SLS) – is level 3 moderate.

The threat to United Nations system staff from political activity is considered low. The threat from common criminal elements is considered very critical in certain areas of the country. Violent crime is a serious and growing problem, especially in certain areas of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and to a lesser extent throughout the country. Pickpockets and bag thieves are prevalent in major cities at tourist sites, especially in parts of Comayagüela and around the central market of Tegucigalpa. Visits to these areas should be avoided, especially after dark. Highway and street robberies, car theft and pedestrian robberies by armed robbers remain high. Roadblocks and demonstrations on main roads and customs offices in bordering countries have decreased. In the past, demonstrations have ended in street violence, requiring the intervention of the national police for which caution is requested. In San Pedro Sula, threats against the public transportation system by gangs, supposedly related to Organized Crime, have been reported, so caution must be maintained at all times on the street.

Visitors are especially advised to protect themselves against mosquito bites in areas affected by insect-borne diseases such as malaria, Zika and dengue.

Honduras provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more resilience and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially dangerous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Visa process:
Citizens of South Korea do not require a tourist visa to enter Honduras. The work visa or special stay permit will be processed with the support of the RCO.

Important considerations:
– To submit an application you must present it to the Honduran National Institute of Migration.
– Visa and entry requirements may change, so it is always advisable to verify the latest information with the Honduran consular representation.
– For certain visa or residence categories, it may be necessary to present documents such as an employment contract or articles of incorporation of a company.

Information in the National Institute of Migration web page: inm.gob.hn