Environmental Management Associate (Circular Economy)

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.

Cambodia’s economy and population have grown rapidly in tandem. From 2011 to 2021, GDP per capita increased from US$882 to early US$1,625 in 2021 (WB 2022). Meanwhile, the population grew from 13.8 million in 2008 to 16.6 million in 2021 (WB 2023). The growing economy and population have vastly increased the use of energy and materials and the amount of waste generated. This has added significant pressure on Cambodia’s resources, and environment, along with alarming levels of pollution, which threatens public health in the major cities.

To tackle the environmental challenges, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) developed the national Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2035). This plan includes a foundational vision and mission for the Circular Economy in Cambodia.

Thus far, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Cambodia has assisted the RGC in advancing priority circular economy initiatives, primarily focusing on plastic management. These initiatives include: 1) combatting marine plastic litter project, 2) developing and implementing a National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), and 3) Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge (EPPIC). Building on these initiatives, UNDP is also developing a circular economy portfolio aiming to address the issue holistically.

Under the direct supervision of the Environmental Policy Specialist (Circular Economy), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support effective and timely project implementation for circular economy related projects when and if required: • Support the project team in developing strategies and implementation plan and roadmaps for the project and ensure that project activities are fully aligned with the project objectives and the targets especially for the works on natural resources management; • Support the Environmental Policy Specialist, and National Project Manager in preparation of quarterly and annual technical work plans for project activities and preparation of PEB according to their respective reporting guidelines; • Contribute to the preparation of Concept Notes, and Terms of References (TORs), to identify and evaluate experts, and to review reports produced, following UNDP rules and regulations; • Support preparation of project related meetings including project board meetings; • Contribute to and support the project management team in annual work planning process to ensure that the annual work-plan meets required standard of quality, is result-based and within the specific constraints of time and cost.

2. Contribute to UNDP’s policy engagement in terms of policy dialogue, research, partnership, and communication and advocacy:

• Support development of internal briefing notes on environment for UNDP senior management;
• Support production of high-quality research papers for UNDP presentation at work-shops and conferences; • Work with the Communication team in translating research findings and policy en-gagement works into communications products, in the print and social media; • Utilize UNDP Cambodia’s social media presence as a means to build and to main-tain communities of practice and constituencies around the relevant policy and programming areas; • Participate in and contribute towards Communication and Advocacy events and activities.

3. Contribute to building up of a programme pipeline, mobilizing resources, and the formulation and design of new programmes and projects in line with the Country Programme, global standards, UNSDCF, UNDP Strategic Plan and corporate direc-tion:

• Contribute to the design of new programmes and projects including proposals for Global Environmental Facility (GEF), Green Climate Fund (GCF), and other do-nors; • Contribute to promoting a public and private partnership by engaging the govern-ment, and the private sector in the development and implementation of new envi-ronmental initiatives;
• Support research and analysis of information on development partners and the preparation of substantive briefs on areas of cooperation.

Adaptability and Flexibility Client Orientation 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 Working in Teams

supporting logistics and event planning and organization, conducting background research, and preparing policy briefs and communication materials is desirable (candidates with 0 to 3 years of experience can be considered).

Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Prior experience with social media, and communication design work is an asset.

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, between Thailand to the west and Vietnam to the east. The climate of Cambodia is tropical, monsoonal and is characterized by heat and humidity. The rainy season lasts from May to October and the hot, dry season from November until April. Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and is the most populated city in the country. Khmer is the official language and the main religion in Cambodia is Buddhism. The Riel is the official currency, however, both US Dollars and Riel are widely used and in cities there is good access to banking and ATMs.

House hunting is not difficult in Phnom Penh. Housing is widely available in various sizes and at various price points and Wi-Fi coverage is some of the best in Southeast Asia. Houses and apartments are available to suit most budgets and preferences. The usual means of locating suitable accommodation is through estate agents/realtors. International UN Volunteers are required to follow the UN residential security requirements as per the local MORSS when choosing their accommodation. Food and shopping centers are readily accessible.

There are few taxi operators in Phnom Penh, so for daily transportation the cheapest, fastest and most frequent mode of travel is by a tuk-tuk (a motor-powered rickshaw). Some UN volunteers chose to purchase their own mode of transportation, be it a car, a motorbike or a pushbike. They are strictly recommended by UN security to wear seatbelts in cars and helmets when traveling on motorbikes, tuk-tuk or bicycling.

In terms of health, common diseases in Cambodia are those which exist in other tropical countries like diarrhoea, malaria, dengue. Most of the serious cases have been reported contracted in hilly, rural and densely forested areas. City dwellers like in Phnom Penh can also be at risk due to poor disposal of waste. Generally, in cities, people use purified water for drinking and cooking. The recommended vaccinations are those against typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis and Japanese Encephalitis.

While medical facilities in Cambodia are sufficient for the treatment of most routine ailments and minor accidents, illnesses and accidents of more serious nature require medical evacuation, usually to Bangkok or Singapore. While access to health care can be limited, in Phnom Penh hospitals and medical clinics are available with contact information available through the UN system in Cambodia.