Project Support Officer, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

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:

• 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; • 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; • Stay abreast of relevant emerging issues related to climate change in the Caribbean, to inform project/programme development; • Assist in organizing and facilitating technical and consultative meetings with local and regional governments and community stakeholders to assist project development and de-sign; • 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; • Assist in analyzing work programme mandates and translate these into specific projects; • Support drafting of project documents, concept notes and any other project related documents, ensuring that gender is mainstreamed in the documents; • Assist in monitoring and reporting on the implementation of projects and programmes and provide recommendations for follow on activities.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Working in Teams

• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in (up to 2 years) 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 condi-tions;
• 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.

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 south eastern coast of the island facing a natural harbour. This is where UN agencies are based and where the international UN volunteer will be working from.

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, cold and stationary fronts occur at this time, and often bring heavy showers, especially in March. 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.

The vast majority of economic activity takes place within Kingston, and as most government ministries are located in the city, it is a key force in legislation in regard to Jamaica's finances. 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.

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 as well as private taxis are readily available and easily accessible at generally quite low fares.