Sustainable Development Associate

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.

The Sustainable Development Associate will provide support to the Subregional Office for the Pacific across all three areas of work. Specifically:

• The Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development (PFSD): The PFSD has been con-vened since 2017 as a platform to voice and advocate for Pacific regional issues of concern and to build capacity for reviewing and implementing the SDGs. It provides governments, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector and other stakeholders with unique opportunities to develop Pacific regional perspectives and discuss the review and implementation of SDGs, explore closer Pacific multi-stake-holder and regional networking, partnerships and collaboration, strengthen capacities for improved SDG-aligned national planning, implementation and progress reviews, and exchange good practices to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop-ment. This focus has become more critical given that we are at the mid-point of the SDGs and none of the 21 targets of the SDGs, to be achieved by 2020, have been realized.

• Capacity-building: Pacific countries continue to struggle with post-COVID-19 recovery and the ongoing geo-political conflict, adding challenges of small island developing states in achieving the 2030 Agenda. Activities to support their capacity building in-clude: a) providing technical assistance and capacity-building activities in-country and within the subregion for the Voluntary National and Local Reviews (complementing the PFSD); and b) providing technical assistance to member States to build national plan-ning capacities for improved implementation of national sustainable development plans and address the multiple crises;

• Research and analysis: To support its normative and capacity-building work, the Office conducts analytical work on subregional and cross-cutting issues (such as trade, transport, connectivity, digital transformation, disaster preparedness, policy impact as-sessment) to identify options for subregional cooperation on sustainable development.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Head of the ESCAP Subregional Office for the Pacific, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

· Support the planning and organization of the Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development, capacity-building workshops, and other intergovernmental and inter-agency events, through the preparation of background materials, guidance notes, presentations, meeting summaries and reports;

· Support research and analytical work and the development and production and dissemi-nation of knowledge products, including policy briefs, working papers, and reports, through the compilation of background and reference materials, preparation of concept proposals and literature review, review and revision of working drafts.

· Provide other support to the team as required including in the regular updating of the Office’s webpage.

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility

☒ Client Orientation

☒ Commitment and Motivation

☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning

☒ Communication

☒ Integrity

☒ Planning and Organizing

☒ Respect for Diversity

☒ Working in Teams

· Demonstrated interest and/or experience (up to 2 years) in conducting research re-lated to sustainable development and/or supporting intergovernmental meetings and events

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

Fiji, one of the larger countries of the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economies in the region. After nearly a century as British colony, Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration.

Fiji comprises of approximately 330 islands, approximately third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometres of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva and is located on the South-Eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji's population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders, and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman and Rabi islanders making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the Island and it is the common language of communication although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many as is the Hindi language.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rain falls throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000, and it is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region but remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but availability of small apartments is limited; an open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local busses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is available also for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.

Fiji along with many other Pacific islands is known for being one of the friendliest nations in the world. It is a unique country and ESCAP provides a unique opportunity for working at both country and regional levels, with a mix of research and project implementation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable.