Organizational Context/Project
UN Environment (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UN Environment’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This post is located in the Freshwater Unit of the Ecosystems Division at the Nairobi duty station.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides an excellent global policy framework to address freshwater issues over the next 14 years. SDG 6 on water and sanitation includes specific targets which fall within UN Environment’s field of expertise, related to improving water quality, reducing pollution, addressing wastewater treatment, ensuring sustainable supply of freshwater, implementing IWRM and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems. UN Environment’s global mandate and comparative advantage make it well placed and prepared to support Member States to implement the water-related SDG targets.
The national UN Volunteer will primarily be working with projects and programmes related to the realization of UN Environment’s Freshwater Strategy for 2017-2021 and its alignment and support to the monitoring and implementation of freshwater projects and topics of the Agenda 2030.
Living Conditions
Nairobi is a family duty station, currently classified by the UN as “B” in terms of hardship. Living conditions are generally favourable with a variety of housing and otherfacilities (e.g. banking, hospitals, telecommunications and entertainment facilities etc.),however, caution should be exercised with respect to perso nal safety and security.The UNV must be prepared to undertake missions to other developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers
A 6-month contract; with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.
Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of Ksh 76779 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.
Duties And Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of Joakim Harlin, head of the Freshwater Ecosystems Unit, the national UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of projects to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems
Support the realization and promotion of UN Environment Freshwater Strategy 2017-2021
Make input to various technical processes including the: review of documents, research and compilation on subjects of relevance to Freshwater Ecsystems Unit’s work
Support UN Environment’s contributions to the Integrated monitoring of water and sanitation related SDG targets (GEMI) across the three target areas (6.3, 6.5 and 6.6).
Contribute to UN Environment’s participation in global water-related fora and events e.g. World Water Day, World Water Week and regional Water Weeks.
Draft project proposals, summary notes and knowledge products on advancing freshwater-related topics of the Agenda 2030. Work with Freshwater team members, collaborative centers, consultants and external partners in the delivery of project outputs.
Undertake any other activities that may be assigned by the Head of Freshwater Unit.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to
Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
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.
Results/Expected Output
Well-researched and sound analysis delivered of issues and developments affecting programme/project development, administration and implementation, etc.
Thorough, well-reasoned written contributions delivered.
Positive rapport built effectively, and in a timely manner with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally
A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Competencies
Job Knowledge and Technical expertise
Commuication
Report writing,review and analysis
Team work
Required Skills And Experience
Bachelors degree in Environment or Relevant field.
Professional training in project management is an advantage
Exeperience in monitoring and evaluation
International experience an advantage
Disclaimer
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.
United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.
