AIS Officer for Atlantic Ocean

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) around the globe face common development challenges that inhibit their ability to live prosperously and grow sustainably. Many are facing existential threats that include climate change, natural disasters, marine pollution, marine plastic debris, unsustainable fisheries, and ocean (un)sustainability. Failing to protect our oceans and address climate change will have catastrophic social and economic effects for people around the world.

Irrespective of their size and development, AIS have geographic circumstances that create unique development challenges and opportunities. The oceans and seas around AIS, constitute a much larger area than their inland territory, especially when Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), continental shelves, and extended continental shelves are considered. However, AIS have differing levels of dependence on the marine environment.

After a sideline discussion on the 5th of June 2017 at the Ocean Conference in New York City, a follow-up Conference on the Archipelagic and Island States Forum was held in Jakarta on the 21st – 22nd of November 2017. This resulted in a common understanding among participating countries that a forum could be an innovative vehicle for effectively addressing climate change and marine issues. In addition, the forum would be a concerted response to SDG 14: the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. It is the agreed position of participating countries that the AIS Forum (“the Forum”) can be influential in mitigating climate change and the pursuit of social and economic sustainability. The Forum will create a space for financing innovative solutions and technologies, as well as engendering collaboration between stakeholders.

The AIS Forum is designed to include island states and archipelagic countries regardless of their location, size, and level of development. There are regional initiatives that allow island states to connect with and aid one another. However, a global initiative that brings together all AIS is yet to exist. The AIS Forum will create a unique grouping of nations to address the challenges of sustainable ocean resource use, climate change resilience, ocean pollution, emergency management, and sustainable fisheries.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Project Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Specialist will:

1. Lead youth engagement and representation in the Atlantic Ocean and compile relevant contacts, creating a database of AIS’ stakeholders (startups, universities, academic institutions, NGOs) and liaising with relevant partners.
2. Support AIS Secretariat team members and lead the implementation of the AIS program, including the preparation of events, development of the program activities, and writing AIS program documents for Atlantic Ocean.
3. Support AIS Secretariat team members and lead the desk research and analysis of the regional blue economy responses, including identifying data gaps, opportunities and priorities for action in Atlantic Ocean.
4. Develop the activities of the AIS Forum in the region to accelerate concrete action among youth and local communities.
5. As the point of contact for the organization to conduct the Regional Dialogue, Senior Official Meeting, Ministerial Meeting, or capacity building.
6. As the point of contact of the AIS Forum secretariat to leverage the network in the region.
7. Create a strategy development concept in terms of the program of AIS Forum to support the objective of the organization.
8. Support AIS team members in providing the social media content especially for Atlantic contents (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn).

Results/expected outputs:

As an active UNDP Indonesia team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP Indonesia and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

1. A database of relevant contacts of AIS’ stakeholders in Atlantic Ocean.
2. Report on events, development of program activities implementation in Atlantic Ocean.
3. Report on desk research and analysis of the regional blue economy responses, including identifying data gaps, opportunities and priorities for action.
4. Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
5. A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP Indonesia; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP Indonesia 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 UNDP Indonesia 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.

Analytical thinking, research and program/project management; Good communication skills; speaking, writing, and editing skills in English; Have knowledge and network of AIS countries in Atlantic Region; Have experiences working with people from different cultural background.

The assignment is in Bridgetown . The current security level for this capital is Low .UN Personnel are advised to take common-sense safety and security precautions and to be alert at all times.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.