Biodiversity Program & Outreach Officer

Contract

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

Established in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (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.

This UNV position is in UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, under the direct supervision of the Head of the Branch at the Nairobi duty station. The 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.

The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignment is part of UNEP’s program to deliver biodiversity outcomes under the Nature pillar in its Mid-term Strategy, which includes a portfolio of diverse activities across hundreds of countries. This includes supporting work with other UN agencies to mainstream biodiversity.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Branch, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

· Research, analyze, and present information gathered from diverse sources to support the implementation of team activities. · Support the review of project deliverables, organize and participate in technical webinars, and other duties related to programme/project delivery. · Assist with the organization of meetings and outreach events, developing necessary background materials, sourcing appropriate speakers, and report writing. · Develop technical materials for biodiversity mainstreaming relevant to other UN agencies. · Support other communication activities (e.g., technical communications and outreach materials, draft stories for social media, etc.) · Depending on the incumbent’s skills and background (e.g., Specific language skills), country- or region-specific research, and review tasks may be assigned. · Support other activities as requested.

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 International Volunteer Day); · 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 Outputs

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

• Improved administration of programme and projects; and
• Knowledge management and ease of access to approved documents. · The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring, and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs). · Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. · 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.

· Accountability · Adaptability and flexibility · Creativity · Judgement and decision-making · Planning and organising · Professionalism · Self-management

implementation of environmental-related programmes, projects, and activities is required.

· Excellent computer skills, proficiency in MS Word, excel, and PowerPoint various Microsoft office packages are required. · Excellent oral and written skills · Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing · Prior experience with UN online systems is an asset · Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. · Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. · Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. · Sound security awareness. · Have affinity with or interest in environmental matters volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighbouring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s population of more than 39 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at a rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services are available locally at cost. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that is serves as the headquarters for both the UN-HABITAT and UNEP.