Cabo Verde is implementing a long-term strategy (2025–2034) to strengthen its leadership among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and enhance resilience to climate change through proactive diplomacy, resource mobilization, and institutional capacity building. The country will assume the presidency of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in January 2027, requiring robust technical and diplomatic preparation. This assignment supports the operationalization of the SIDS Strategy by assisting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Regional Integration (MNECIR) and partners in key areas: advancing the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), preparing funding proposals for SIDS adaptation and resilience, strengthening knowledge management systems, and coordinating stakeholder engagement for international events and advocacy. The UN Volunteer will contribute to positioning Cabo Verde as a regional and global leader in sustainable development and climate diplomacy.

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

Support Joint Office’s Governance Portfolio initiatives, ensuring alignment with Cabo Verde’s SIDS Strategy (2025–2034), national priorities, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to sustainable finance and governance.
Assist Joint Office’s Governance Portfolio in the design and implementation of public policies that foster administrative modernization, integrating SIDS-specific priorities such as governance and sustainable development and financing
Support Joint Office’s Governance Portfolio strengthen institutional and stakeholder capacities (central administration, local authorities, civil society) for inclusive, transparent, and effective governance, embedding SIDS principles of vulnerability reduction, resource mobilization, and multilateral engagement into governance reforms.
Assist Joint Office’s Governance Portfolio to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue and South-South cooperation, leveraging SIDS platforms (AOSIS, COI, CARICOM, AIS) to exchange best practices in governance, rule of law, climate diplomacy, and digital innovation, and to prepare Cabo Verde for its leadership role in AOSIS (2027) and the SIDS5 Conference (2034)

Competencies and Values

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Leadership ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

Experience in Governance, SIDS, Sustainable Development, Economy and Finance.

Cabo Verde is a small island African state of at least 10 islands and several islets, around 450 km off the coast of West Africa, has marvellous mountainous landscapes. However, the islands are poor in natural resources, prone to drought and have little arable land. Cabo Verde is one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, more than 60 per cent of the population living in urban areas. Roughly a quarter of the urban population alone lives in Praia, the capital of the island state. The main languages spoken are Portuguese and Cape Verdean creole. One of the key challenges is a lack of affordable housing for the low-income population. One quarter of the country’s population is considered poor. Typically, people settle and build houses of varying quality, which are very often left unfinished.

Praia, the capital, offers good and safer housing options, mainly in neighbourhoods to the South, Southwest, and Southeast parts, to name few: Prainha, Achada Santo Antônio, Chã d´Areia, Palmarejo, Palmarejo Baixo, Palmarejo Grande, Plateau,etc. Most banks change travelers’ cheques and cash (except the West African CFA) and have ATMs. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

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Potential interview questions

Can you provide an example of a public policy you developed that enhances governance in SIDS?	This assesses your practical experience and understanding of policy-making in the context of SIDS.	Discuss a specific initiative you led, detailing its objectives, implementation, and outcomes.
Describe a time when you facilitated multi-stakeholder engagement in a project. What challenges did you face?	This evaluates your stakeholder management and conflict resolution skills.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure inclusivity in governance initiatives?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for successful resource mobilization in development projects?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you used data to inform a governance decision?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What role does collaboration play in your work in governance and sustainable development?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
How have you handled obstacles when working on climate diplomacy initiatives?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.
What motivates you to work in governance and sustainable development?	Pro members can see the explanation.	Pro members can see the explanation.