Disability Inclusion Volunteer Associate

Host entity: UNODC

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Community development, Information technology and telecommunications

Application deadline: 07/09/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism, with widely recognized expertise and specialization on issues pertaining to international cooperation in criminal matters. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices.

The UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ROSEAP) has a team of over 300 staff providing advice and technical assistance related to the rule of law, non-traditional security threats, law enforcement, criminal justice and drug-related supply and health issues. The Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok is home to a multi-disciplinary team of close to 100 regional programme managers, advisors and administrators working with, and supporting, Member States and regional organizations, and aligned programme offices. To implement its work the closest to where it is needed, ROSEAP has satellite presence in 10 countries, including in Fiji.

Assignment context

• The Disability Inclusion & Anti-Corruption Associate will be based in Suva, Fiji and will work part-time (three days in a week from 9 AM – 3 PM) under the supervision of the Gender, Social Inclusion and Anti-Corruption expert based in Suva, Fiji, at the UNODC Pacific Office,
• The role of the Volunteer Associate will be to support the pilot research study on the impact of corruption on persons with disabilities that is being planned in three Pacific countries (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Palau and Solomon Islands) in partnership with the Pacific Disability Forum.
• This position will provide technical support to the project in collecting data, analysis, drafting of the report and dissemination of the findings of the research study in collaboration with the Pacific Disability Forum, government partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
• Working under the supervision of the GEDSI & Anti-Corruption the volunteer will contribute to research planning, stakeholder engagement, data collection, and knowledge management to ensure high-quality, ethical, and inclusive research processes.
• The volunteer will work closely with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organizations, government counterparts, and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate local coordination and support evidence generation on the intersection of disability rights, governance, and anti-corruption.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Gender, Social Inclusion and Anti-Corruption Expert, the Volunteer Associate will:

• Research Preparation
o Undertake desk review of relevant research related documents, literature, and development of research tools.
o Provide support in designing the survey questionnaire (Form Design and Authoring) and Form Deployment
o Assist in refining FGD and KII guides and other data collection instruments.
o Participate in research planning meetings.
o Support logistics and scheduling for fieldwork.

• Data Collection
o Provide technical support and coordinate with PDF in conducting online survey in three pilot countries using Kobo Toolbox open-source software.
o Assist in conducting Key Informant Interviews (KIIs).
o Provide support in conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).
o Collaborate with the PDF in launching online survey
o Ensure ethical standards and informed consent procedures are followed.
o Maintain accurate field notes and documentation.
o Coordinate with field teams and stakeholders during data collection.

• Data Management and Analysis
o Organize and manage qualitative data.
o Transcribe and clean online survey, KII interviews and FGD data.
o Prepare data summaries, tables, and visualizations where necessary.

• Report Writing
o Draft sections of inception, progress, and final reports.
o Prepare analytical summaries of research findings.
o Contribute to presentations and dissemination materials.
o Incorporate reviewer comments into revised reports.

• Other Responsibilities
o Participate in team meetings.
o Support quality assurance of research outputs.
o Perform other research-related duties assigned by GEDSI & Anti-Corruption Expert.

Skills and experience

The candidate should have at least two years of professional experience in gender equality, disability, and social inclusion, with experience working with governments, civil society organizations, and/or international organizations, preferably in the Pacific or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) context. Experience in qualitative and/or mixed-methods research, including the use of Kobo Toolbox for data collection, management, and visualization, as well as data analysis and report writing, is required. Previous experience working with NGOs, civil society organizations (CSOs), research institutions, or development agencies is considered an advantage. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work professionally and adapt effectively in a dynamic and challenging environment, collaborate as part of a multicultural team of international and national personnel, and possess strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel and Word), email, internet, and familiarity with database management and office technology. The successful candidate should also be self-motivated, capable of working independently with minimal supervision, able to meet tight deadlines, and demonstrate sound security awareness.

Competencies and values

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Commitment and Motivation
• Communication
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Working in Teams

Living conditions

Fiji is one of the largest island nations in the South Pacific and one of the region's most developed economies, with a relatively high level of human development. After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1970, Fiji has grown into a vibrant multicultural nation of approximately 900,000 people, comprising indigenous iTaukei, Indo-Fijians, and communities of European, Chinese, Rotuman, and Rabi descent. English is widely spoken and serves as the primary language of communication, alongside iTaukei and Hindi. The country's economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, particularly sugar production, and an expanding manufacturing sector. Covering approximately 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji consists of more than 300 islands, around one-third of which are inhabited. The capital, Suva, located on the island of Viti Levu, is the largest city in the Pacific region and offers modern amenities, including hospitals, supermarkets, restaurants, and sporting facilities. While accommodation is generally available, rental costs can be relatively high. Public transportation is accessible through buses and affordable taxis. Fiji enjoys a tropical climate with year-round temperatures averaging between 25°C and 29°C, high humidity, and a wet season from November to April, during which tropical cyclones may occur. Known for the warmth and hospitality of its people, Fiji is generally a safe destination; however, volunteers are advised to exercise normal security precautions, particularly in urban areas, to minimize the risk of petty crime.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.