Cabo Verde offers a unique setup. In 2006, UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF joined forces and created a Joint Office to harmonize and streamline the activities of the UN agencies, funds and programs in the country. The Joint Office builds on the mandates of the three agencies and combines their strengths. It implements one Common Country Program with one budget under the direction of a Joint Resident Representative who is accredited on behalf of the three agencies. Thus, the Joint Office offers fully integrated support to the Government of Cabo Verde. In the Joint Office, a future UNV will thus get hands-on experience with three important UN agencies and actively support programmatic UN integration which goes beyond the ambition of the current reform of the UN development system. The JO has one organizational structure and a single programme/common country programme encompassing the activities and mandates of all participating agencies, and uses one set of business processes, rules and regulations under a “support agency” arrangement. In Cabo Verde, UNDP systems are used.  The Joint Office is the leading entity in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 which is fully aligned with the National Sustainable Development Plan and with Agenda 2030. A joint UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF Common Country Programme Document (CCPD) for 2023-2027, is based on four results areas aligned with SDGs (People, Planet, Prosperity, and Peace), with a strong focus on building systems and partnerships for SDG implementation in the country, leading to the need for innovative, creative and integrated solutions both on programme and operations.

Under the direct supervision of the National Secretary for Climate Action the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1) Support Climate Governance & Transparency • Assist in the preparation for submission of climate governance and transparency reports (e.g., UNFCCC-related documents such as BTR, NDC updates) by organizing inputs and co-ordinating with focal points. • Help ensure timely collection and consolidation of information from ministries and stake-holders for reporting purposes.

2) Contribute to NDC and NAP Implementation • Support the Secretariat in tracking and documenting progress on national climate commit-ments and sectoral actions. • Assist in preparing summaries and communication materials on implementation status for internal meetings and public awareness.

3) Climate Finance & Resource Mobilization • Help compile and organize information on climate finance opportunities, funding windows, and partner requirements. • Support the team in preparing background notes and meeting documentation for dialogues on financing plans and partnerships.

4) Stakeholder Coordination • Assist in organizing consultations and coordination meetings with government entities, civil society, private sector, and development partners. • Maintain updated stakeholder lists and help synthesize feedback from consultations for in-ternal use.

5) Knowledge Management & Communication • Keep documents, reports, and materials well-structured and accessible for the Secretariat team. • Assist in preparing and sharing approved summaries, briefs, and materials through existing channel. 6) Support Adaptation & Mitigation Activities • Assist in documenting activities and outputs related to the National Adaptation Plan and NDC. • Help organize evidence (reports, photos, attendance lists) for monitoring and reporting purposes.

7) Administrative Support • Prepare meeting agendas, invitations, and minutes for Secretariat and stakeholder ses-sions. • Maintain organized filing systems (digital and physical) for official documents and corre-spondence. • Support logistics for events and workshops, including participant registration and materials preparation. • Assist with basic procurement and travel arrangements following UNV and Secretariat guidelines.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

Practical experience in environmental monitoring, or climate related research

The assignment will take place in the capital, Praia (Santiago Island). The living conditions in Praia are good, as well as the access to health services. The level of tropical diseases is very low. There are currently no required vaccines at the entrance to Cabo Verde, unless one comes from West Africa. However, immunization against yellow fever, tetanus and polio, as well as hepatitis A, is recommended. Cabo Verde has social and political stability since independence, and there are no major security issues. Cabo Verde is located on GMT -1. Due to its geographical location, in front of the Sahel Belt, Cabo Verde has an arid and semi-arid, hot and dry climate with scarce rainfall and an average annual temperature of 25ºC (77ºF). The rainy season usually starts in mid-July and ends in late October. The total population of Cabo Verde is about 491 875 (Census 2010). Roughly one quarter of the population lives in the capital, Praia. Portuguese is the official language of the country, but informal conversations are held in Kriolu. The currency used in Cabo Verde is called: Escudo Cabo-verdiano (1 EUR = 110,265 CVE). The Cabo Verdean escudo is not changed in several countries. Cabo Verde holds high prices for housing, food and fuel, for the country imports approximately 80% of food needs and consumer goods. International credit cards (VISA) are accepted in some shops. It is also possible to withdraw money with an international card in some banks/ ATM. Housing conditions in Praia may vary greatly. It is possible to rent fully furnished apartments / houses in safe areas from 400€ to 1000€, and unfurnished apartments from 250€ and 500€. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private accommodation, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Meals at restaurants near the UN Office cost between 2,5€ and 15€. The country faces serious difficulties in meeting the growing demand for water and electricity, and water and electricity shortages may occur. Cabo Verde benefits from an effective telephone system, cellular service and regular Internet access. Portuguese public TV and radio for Africa and Radio France International are relayed across Cabo Verde, there is an active press and local newspapers are also available online. A valid passport and visa are required to enter Cabo Verde. The visa (valid for 6 months maximum) can be obtained in your country of origin at the Embassy or Consulate of Cabo Verde or directly at the airport in Praia (valid for 3 months) upon arrival. The UNV Field Unit will book temporary accommodation for the first nights at UN Volunteer expenses, which can be extended or not at UN Volunteer discretion until getting a permanent accommodation.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with climate governance and transparency reporting?	We want to evaluate your practical experience in climate-related reporting.	Discuss specific experiences where you've gathered and organized data for climate reports.
How have you contributed to tracking progress on national climate commitments in previous roles?	This assesses your understanding of climate commitments and your ability to document progress.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies would you implement to coordinate consultations with various stakeholders?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you've organized knowledge management systems in past roles?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time when you had to adapt quickly to changes in climate policy or environmental regulations.	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you ensure effective communication about climate finance opportunities?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What tools or methods do you use for organizing meetings and maintaining documentation?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
In your opinion, what are the key elements for successful climate adaptation and mitigation activities?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.