Project Support Officer, Climate Change Mitigation

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.

UNEP has prioritized support to the region to adopt decarbonization, dematerialization and resilience pathways. UNEP supports policy and institutional processes and strengthens national capacity for environmental data and statistics, to enable the shift towards the low carbon, green economy, and facilitate science-based decision-making, monitoring and reporting on the SDGs. UNEP also provides technical assistance on Technology Needs Assessment projects in the Caribbean region, where countries are assisted to identify technology priorities for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to climate change. The Volunteer will give support to the above and the overall work of the Caribbean Sub-regional Office in Kingston, Jamaica, as part of the UN’s response to the implementation of the CoP26 outcomes.

Under the overall supervision of the Head and direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer, Caribbean Sub-Regional Office, UNEP, and in coordination with the Regional Programme Coordinator for the Climate Change sub-programme, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Assist in programme/project development based on the UN Environment Programme of Work and Medium-Term Strategy and in line with member states’ needs and priorities, particularly climate change;

2. Conduct research on topics and issues particularly those related to the main UNEP thematic areas including climate change, biodiversity, and pollution and private sector partnership development;

3. Stay abreast of relevant emerging issues related to climate change in the Caribbean, to inform project/programme development;

4. Assist in organizing and facilitating technical and consultative meetings with local and regional governments and community stakeholders to assist project development and design;

5. Participate in consultations and meetings with governments, regional and sub-regional partners and other stakeholders on environment for formulating sub-regional and national projects/programmes;

6. Assist in analyzing work programme mandates and translate these into specific projects;

7. Support drafting of project documents, concept notes and any other project related documents, ensuring that gender is mainstreamed in the documents;

8. Assist in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of projects and programmes and provide recommendations for follow on activities.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNEP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

and/or demonstrated interest in project development and management of environmental related issues; Motivated to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others; Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills; Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team; Flexible and open to learning and new experiences; Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions;
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded; Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Social Media and others)

The incumbent will be based at the Caribbean Sub-Regional 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 livening conditions. There is no problem of water and electricity supply. Housing conditions are of varying quality depending on the area. Travelers to Jamaica is advised to take normal security precautions required in larger cities 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.