Associate Sustainable Development Officer

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UNESCAP - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Sunday 3 Apr 2022 at 00:00 UTC

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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.

ESCAP serves its member States through three core functions: research, intergovernmental, and capacity-building. The Associate Sustainable Development Officer will provide support to the Subregional Office for the Pacific across all the three areas of work. Specifically: - The Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development (PFSD) - Capacity-building: Pacific countries have faced major constraints as a large part of their resources have been directed toward COVID-19 responses and recovery measures. With the prolonged socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, there is acute need for capacity building for recovering from the crisis and keeping the 2030 Agenda in focus. - Research and analysis: To support its normative and capacity-building work, the Office conducts analytical work on subregional and cross-cutting issues (such as trade, transport, connectivity, digital transformation, disaster preparedness, policy impact assessment) to identify options for subregional cooperation on sustainable development. The analytical work will also provide the basis for ESCAP’s support for the UN Common Country Analysis in the Pacific in 2022, which will inform the design of UN policies and programmes in the region and the 20222 Pacific Perspective Publication, which will catalyse the evidence produced by ESCAP on the region’s sustainable development pathway.

Under the direct supervision of the Economic Affairs Officer, the UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the planning and organization of the Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development, capacity-building workshops, and other intergovernmental and inter-agency events, through the preparation of background materials, guidance notes, presentations, meeting summaries and reports; • Support research and analytical work and the development and production and dissemination of knowledge products, including policy briefs, working papers, and reports, through the compilation of background and reference materials, preparation of concept proposals and literature review, review and revision of working drafts. • Provide other support to the team as required including in the regular updating of the EPO webpage.

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Working in Teams

and / or demonstrated interest (up to two years) in conducting research related to sustainable development and/or supporting intergovernmental meetings and events.

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 economies 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 kilometres 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 ESCAP provides a unique opportunity for working at both country and regional levels, with a mix of research and project implementation. It provides for an 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.

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org