Project Associate – Plastic Pollution, Caribbean and Latin America

Volunteering Communications & PR Environment

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of UNEP’s Cartagena Convention Secretariat (CCS) programmatic activities to address land-based sources of pollution. The Cartagena Convention was adopted in 1983 and has a mandate to protect the Caribbean Sea. The CCS is currently implementing two regional plastics projects:

1. The Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project, “Reduce marine plastics and plastic pollution in Latin American and Caribbean cities through a circular economy approach (2023-2026)”
2. Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea (PROMAR) project funded by the Government of Germany (2024-2026), in collaboration with adelphi, to prevent plastic pollution and marine debris in the transition to a circular economy.

The two projects are executed by the Cartagena Convention Secretariat in eight implementation countries: (1) Colombia, Jamaica, Panama and (2) the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, Suriname, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Trinidad & Tobago. The projects aim to reduce waste streams (mainly plastic packaging and single-use plastics) from entering the Caribbean Sea and to promote circular economy solutions at national and municipal levels. The primary stakeholders of the projects are government officials across the eight project countries in addition to implementing partners (non-profit organizations, universities, research organizations, etc.) in the same geographies.

Under the supervision of the Regional Project Manager, the UNV will support the project execution of the two regional projects on plastic pollution. Specifically, s/he will:

• Provide direct support to, and foster productive relationships with, country stakeholders (government and implementing partners) in the execution of their project activities and in accordance with agreed upon budgets and implementation plans. • Review and provide input into project deliverables including, but not limited to, technical reports and policy recommendations on plastic pollution, waste management and the circular economy transition. • Support financial and narrative reporting to the donor(s) on a quarterly basis, including close follow-up with, and support to, country stakeholders and donors to comply with donor requirements. • Undertake outreach activities to support knowledge management and internal and external communications, including by capturing lessons learned and success stories. • Provide technical expertise across the projects to ensure gender and social dimensions of plastic pollution are mainstreamed into all project deliverables. • Support monitoring and evaluation of activities and ensure adherence to project timelines. • Support technical, administrative, and logistical preparations for annual Project Steering Committee meetings. • Lead regular outreach with additional UNEP project managers to identify synergies with related projects in the region, to ensure cohesive and coordinated country delivery.

• Client-orientation • Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organization • Professionalism • Self-management • Respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning

Environmental sustainability or other relevant programmes; expertise in gender mainstreaming is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Experience in implementing international development projects; • Affinity with or interest in circular economy and plastic pollution, as it affects small countries and small island developing states, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, 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 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 Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

The incumbent will be based at UNEP’s Cartagena Convention Secretariat office, in Kingston, Jamaica. Kingston is designated a Hardship Category “A” duty station. No special precautions or conditions apply to staff members locating to this duty station.

Jamaica is a Caribbean country with good living conditions. There is no problem of water and electricity supply. Housing conditions are of varying quality depending on the area. Travelers to Jamaica are advised to take normal security precautions required in larger cities in developing/emerging economies and will receive a security briefing upon arrival to note areas to avoid.

Jamaica has a rich and diverse culture blended from around the world. The official language of Jamaica is English; however, one is most likely to hear the local dialect, Patois. There are a number of international franchises and established local companies that will find the right accommodation for expatriates. Colleagues in the international community are also a good reference point for housing and other related services. Jamaica has over 16 public and six private hospitals located around the island. Jamaica offers excellent food and dining options from casual dining experiences to fine restaurants. Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island facing a natural harbour. This is where UN agencies are based and where the international UN volunteer will be working.

Kingston has a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet-and-dry climate, that borders on a hot-semi arid climate, characterised by a wet season from May to November, which coincides with the hurricane season, and a dry season from December to April. During the dry season, there is not much rainfall, however, cool and stationary fronts occur at this time, and often bring heavy showers. Kingston is on a coastal location, hence it comes under the influence of the sea, though dense urban development can negate this effect. In the 21st century, Kingston has experienced temperatures as high as 38.8 °C (102 °F) and as low as 13.4 °C (56 °F). Kingston plays a central role in Jamaica's economy. Most of the economic activity takes place within Kingston, and as most government ministries are located in the city. The high population density (662,426) of the capital city means that the majority of monetary transactions occur in Kingston - stimulating much of Jamaica's local economy. Jamaica has a well-established banking system, and all major credit cards are accepted as a means of payment for commercial transactions. Cash is needed at markets, in taxis and at some establishments. The city is also home to the highest number of schools, hospitals and universities anywhere in Jamaica. There are several good schools in Jamaica at all levels. In addition, there are over 50 tertiary institutions presently operating in Jamaica, which are either publicly or privately owned. Kingston is also the island's main transportation hub and its largest seaport. Public transportation is available but generally not advisable. Private taxis are readily available and easily accessible, though fares can be high depending on the distance and time of day.

Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) and Deployment / Repatriation lump sums, among others, are available at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos

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Added 8 days ago - Updated 7 hours ago - Source: unv.org