Key issues in UN volunteers programme development and recruitment in the Philippines: operational guide for UN volunteer management

The paper deals with operational issues of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme in the Philippines where I worked as a UNV Programme Officer from 1997 to early 2000. Major responsibilities were developing the programme through different approaches and activities, network building, providing necessary coordination and services for UNVs, recruitment and promotion of the programme in the country. Based on my three years experience, I chose simple and practical research question which is to examine feasibility of increase the number of volunteers and to give some ideas on how to increase the UNV deployment opportunities. Due to the nature of this research, most of the data were drawn from the materials of UNV Programme operation including interviews with the UNV Programme management and counterpart agency staff. Other operational guide published by the UNV Head Quarters and the UNV Philippines Country Unit, and project evaluation reports were also useful. My strong belief in the power of volunteer movement is the foundation to form my ideas. Feasibility of having more UNVs in the Philippines was examined through interviews with key players of the volunteer programme and project managers who have direct involvement in volunteer programmes. It was determined that the UNVs provide quality of services as professional development workers and increased UNV deployment will be a changing force to the pattern of the use of development project personnel. Having gained significant learning during three-year assignment, I feel really fortunate to be placed in the UNV Philippines Country Unit. Therefore, my hope is that this research result will provide some ideas and hints to any practitioners of the volunteer management