Environmental Education Associate Officer

Volunteering Teaching & Training Environment

Overview

Support integration of environmental education and green skills in Kosovo

You have:

• Demonstrated interest or experience in Environmental protection, Education, Youth engagement, volunteerism and engagement
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office software package (MS Word, Excel, Spreadsheet, Internet etc.)
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded

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.

Adolescents and youth in Kosovo face significant challenges in accessing quality education. While the education system plays a critical role, it struggles to provide competency-based learning, leaving students without essential 21st-century skills. Over 70% of 15-year-olds score below proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science (PISA 2022). Despite efforts to reform curricula, weak implementation, inadequate assessments, and insufficient teacher training contribute to a learning crisis—students complete nearly 13 years of schooling, but their effective learning equates to just 7.7 years.

High youth unemployment further highlights systemic gaps. In 2022, 33.7% of young people were not in employment, education, or training (NEET), far above the Western Balkan average. The lack of transferable, digital, and green skills limits their transition into the labor market. Marginalized groups, including children with disabilities, rural girls, non-majority communities, and low-income families, face additional barriers due to inadequate infrastructure, teacher capacity, and funding.

Kosovo is also experiencing a climate crisis, with rising temperatures, extreme air pollution, and water scarcity threatening children’s well-being. Since the 1950s, annual temperatures have risen by 2-3°C and could increase by another 4-8°C by 2100. Air pollution exceeds WHO safe limits by 25 times, contributing to respiratory diseases and lower academic performance. Water scarcity, soil pollution, and frequent wildfires further impact vulnerable communities, particularly children living in poverty.

To address these challenges, UNICEF is supporting Kosovo institutions in investing in environmental education and engaging young people in non-formal settings through advocacy and direct community involvement. UN Volunteers will assist the UNICEF Kosovo office in integrating climate topics into science curricula, developing modules on water conservation, pollution, and sustainability, and promoting hands-on learning experiences. Through this role, the volunteer by supporting the UNICEF team will help equip young people with green skills, empowering them to drive climate action, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to a resilient future. Kosovo’s children deserve an education that prepares them to thrive in the world they will inherit.

All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Under the direct supervision of Education Specialist at UNICEF Kosovo, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Provides effective models and facilitates exchange of best practices for implementing green skills in school settings.
• Supports the development and implementation of pre-service and in-service teacher training modules for green skills integration.
• Assists in integrating green skills into curriculum frameworks and school-based learn-ing activities.
• Facilitates partnerships with institutions, private sector actors, and civil society to pro-mote green skills development.
• Contributes to advocacy efforts, including developing messages and campaigns on environmental protection.
• Supports monitoring and evaluation of youth-led projects and green skills education programs in formal and non-formal settings.
• Identifies and documents innovative approaches to green skills education at local and international levels.
• Organizes and supports capacity-building workshops, study visits, exchange pro-grams, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Engages with youth networks and student organizations to promote environmental sustainability and climate action in education.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

Demonstrated interest or experience in: Environmental protection, Education, Youth engagement, volunteerism and engagement

Skills in: • Communication • Teamwork • Problem Solving • Adaptability and time-management
• Strong communication and organizational skills; • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office software package (MS Word, Excel, Spreadsheet, In-ternet etc.) • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. • Analytical and report writing skills;

Kosovo is located in the Balkans Mountain range of South Eastern 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, UNV will reside in a hotel or apartment until gets permanent housing. The UNV Field Unit can assist in identify suitable housing. There are no specific health problems associated with Kosovo, and no vaccines are re-quired prior to arrival.

Foods and dietary needs of all kinds are available in the many supermarkets. There are market places that cater in fruits and vegetables, and bakeries offer some exquisite pastries and breads. Fresh fish and meat are also easily available. Local currency is euro, card payments are accepted in all trade centers and restaurants/cafes.

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Potential interview questions

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