Associate Programme Officer - Environment and Natural Resource Management

Contract

This is a UNV International Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Youth contracts.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader of the Resilience and Climate Change Team, the UNV Youth Associate Programme Officer – Environment and Natural Resource Management, is responsible to support management of UNDP programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned in close partnership with the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Programme teams. The Associate Programme officer analyzes political, social, and economic trends and leads formulation, management, and monitoring of programme activities within his/her portfolio, provides policy advice services. In addition, the Associate Programme officer will also act as UNDP focal point on communication and partnership building and will work closely with Communication Analyst within the Pacific Office in Fiji.

The Associate Programme Officer coordinates activities of the projects’ staff. The Associate Programme Officer works in close collaboration with the operations team, programme staff in other UN Agencies, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Bangkok Regional Hub and HQ staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP programme implementation.

Under the direct supervision and mentoring of the Resilience and Climate Change Team Leader and in support to Resilience and Climate Change Programme Analysts the UN Volunteer (associate programme officer) will undertake the following tasks:

· Contribute to implementation of environmental and climate change programme strate-gies.

· Support effective management and implementation of the MCO Resilience and Cli-mate Change programme.

· Assist in the creation of strategic partnerships and implementation of the resource mobilization strategy in cooperation with the Management Support and Business De-velopment Team;

· Support the provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management;

· Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Creativity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Working in Teams

and/or demonstrated experience in resilience, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Environmental Protection.

Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Fiji, one of the larger countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economics in the region. After nearly a century as British colony, Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism, but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is Fiji Dollar. Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the South Eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji's population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the Island and it is the common language of communication although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year round tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small apartments is limited; an open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is available also for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.

Fiji along with many other Pacific islands is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. It is a unique country and UNDP is a unique human rights operation. It provides foran interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina 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 hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.