Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Associate

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.

The UNDP Kosovo Programme 2021-2025 builds on the unique positioning of UNDP in the United Nations system and aims to bring its comparative advantages of (1) technical and local expertise to support the development and implementation of multi-sector strategic plans and frameworks; (2) a strong presence in central and municipal levels to establish multi-stakeholder partnerships; (3) impartiality, accountability and trust from local partners; and (4) as a thought-leader, providing integrated and cross-sectoral solutions, combining policy and regulatory advice with capacity development. Through UNDP’s corporate strategic positioning, #NextGenUNDP, UNDP strives to be an increasingly agile and fit-for-purpose organization that can deliver at speed and scale with quality results and high levels of transparency and accountability. For more information: http://www.ks.undp.org/

The UNDP Kosovo's Inclusive Growth and Climate Resilience Portfolio focus on green transition, climate resilience, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction. Relevant projects include Strengthening Local Climate Action, Healthier Kosovo 2, and the short-term early recovery project Rehabilitating flood-damaged infrastructure. These initiatives aim to enhance the green transition, recover from natural disasters, reduce air pollution, and provide technical support to central-level institutions.

The Western Balkans is a climate change hotspot, with limited resources to adapt to its impacts. Kosovo is especially vulnerable as a result of the economic fallout of COVID-19 and subsequent cost-of-living crisis as an impact of the war in Ukraine with marginalized groups being the most affected through high levels of unemployment and poverty. Extreme weather events like floods are expected to intensify, making adapting and mitigating risks urgent. Kosovo is already experiencing increasing temperatures, declining water resources, and rising health threats from diseases, disasters, and pollution.

Climate change has increased flooding in Kosovo (2008, 2010, 2013, 2016 – and most recently and severly), with devastating impacts on municipalities heavily reliant on agriculture and with high poverty rates. In January 2023, about one-third of all municipalities were affected by flooding, with approximately 20% of the people in Kosovo facing a lack of drinking water, electricity, and major infrastructure damage. An estimated 3,580 households and 21,500 people, mostly low-income and already vulnerable, were directly impacted by the floods, making the need for international humanitarian assistance urgent.

UNDP Kosovo has in the past supported the development of the Kosovo DRR strategy which has been recently reviewed, and the action plan covering 2021-2025 has been developed. The legal framework has been strengthened, nevertheless, the lacking capacities in disaster preparedness, response and recovery are evident, on which UNDP Kosovo now increasingly focuses its capacities.

References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)

Under the direct supervision of the Inclusive Growth & Climate Resilience Portfolio Manager the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support research and analysis of development trends in terms of Kosovo’s disaster risk re-duction and climate resilience. • Support UNDP’s interventions in technical assistance to the institutions in areas of Disaster and Risk Management, Nature Protection, Climate Resilience, etc. • Support in organizing capacity-building events for central and local institutions. • Support research and analysis on ongoing and emerging programme areas and identify op-portunities for future engagement in support of Kosovo’s DRR work. • Conduct research and analysis on emerging programme areas and identify concrete entry points addressing DRR and related sustainable development issues, especially in the con-text of the 2023 floods and climate resilience. • Assist the ongoing process of programme expansion towards DRR through the develop-ment of gender-sensitive concept notes and project documents based on research and analysis. • Assist the ongoing process of programme expansion through the development of concept notes and project documents based on research and analysis. • Assist in reviewing project proposals, ensuring that they are properly prepared in accord-ance with UNDP policies and procedures. • Supporting advocacy and public awareness activities on UNDP and UNV programmes and activities. • Conduct field visits (to meet diverse stakeholders and beneficiaries and get familiar with existing projects). • Support coordination with other UN Entities in the field of development of joint interven-tions/programmes. • Support the Portfolio Manager in preparing briefing notes for the senior management for strategic-level meetings. • Supports the project team(s) in preparing for Board and partner meetings. • Support the project team(s) to be coherent in joint communications and outreach. • Performing any other duties assigned by the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative within the scope of work.

Accountability Adaptability and Flexibility Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Ethics and Values Integrity Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Vision Working in Teams

(ideally) or demonstrated interest in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience, Climate Action, Environment protection (research, project support, international development, advocacy) and other related fields.

• Experience with working in the UN or other international development organization is considered an asset. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • 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. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight dead-lines. • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e., studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Kosovo is located in the Balkans Mountain range of Southeastern Europe. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. • Houses/Apartments are easily available and generally have electricity and running water. Costs are reasonable but vary according to location, i.e., city centre or outlying villages. Upon arrival, you will reside in a hotel or apartment until you get permanent housing. The UNV Field Unit can assist in identifying suitable housing. • There are no specific health problems associated with Kosovo, and no vaccines are required prior to arrival. • Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are available in many supermarkets. There are marketplaces that cater for fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and bread. Fresh fish and meat are also easily available.