Youth Officer

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.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Youth and Education Unit oversees the education outreach and a series of youth projects for UN Environment at its headquarters in Nairobi. UN Environment is seeking to scale-up the outreach and engagement work in this space, with new partners brought on board in video gaming, youth movements such as Scouts and Girl Guides as well as a deepening of the engagement with universities. A broader vision of creating “young environment leaders” will be at heart of the programme. This UNV is part of the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge programme. Through the “Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge” UNEP, together with youth organizations is working to educate young people on the topic on marine plastic pollution and how they can help to address it in their communities. Since February 2019, the programme has already been rolled out in twenty-eight countries and engaged over 588,000 young people.

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Youth, Education and Advocacy Unit, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

i. Project Design: With the UNEP team in Nairobi and the region, to oversee the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge in the Pacific Region to secure youth to participate in the programme in the selected target countries. ii. Stakeholder management: Working closely and communicating with the identified implementing partners in the region. iii. Project Management: Supporting the implementing partners to deliver on the objectives of the programme and report back as per the requirements of the funding agreement. iv. Advocacy and communications: Implementing the communications plan and ensuring that the delivery of the Tide Turners Programme is amplified through advocacy and communications across the region. v. Donor reporting and evaluation: Supporting donor reporting and monitoring partner performance.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

i. 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 instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). ii. Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. iii. Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. iv. Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. v. Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers; vi. Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organisations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:

i. Programme delivery plans have been agreed and finalized with partners.
ii. Work with PNG Olympic Committee to plan Tide Turners integration in PNG and other National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in Pacific region including Solomon Islands, Palau, and others. iii. Work with Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Division (MEHRD) to implement Tide Turners/SUP curriculum in formal education sector. iv. Continue to support International Olympic Committee (IOC) efforts to bolster TT presence in Oceania National Olympic Committees, as part of the Sports and SDGs plans for the region in lead up to Brisbane 2032. v. Liaise with ISLANDS National Focal Points and Country Technical Assistants to monitor progress and provide support and oversight for countries delivering TT. vi. Represent and present progress on behalf of Tide Turners at ISLANDS Project Steering Committee meetings and other various events throughout the year. vii. Work closely with ISLANDS Admin & Finance Officer to ensure timely and proper submission of all SPREP Legal and Finance protocols for contracts, funding, and reporting. viii. Provide timely quarterly narrative reports to YEA and ISLANDS Project Coordinator ix. The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs) x. Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and activities throughout the assignment. xi. A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Working in Teams

designing youth-led projects and outreach material is required.

• Experience with muti-stakeholder project coordination or youth organisations. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and 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, religious and youth organizations, 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 MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Working with the UN or other international development organization is desirable.

The post is located in the Apia duty station of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Independent State of Samoa is an island nation in the South Pacific comprising of two main islands (Upolu and Savii) and four smaller islands. The capital of Samoa is Apia situated in Upolu. Samoa is situated east of Australia and Fiji and north of New Zealand. The population of Samoa was estimated at 222,382as per 2022 census. The majority of people (92%) are of Samoan ethnicity. The population is also made up of Euronesians (7%), Europeans (0.4%) and Asians (0.1%). English and Samoan are the two most spoken languages The unit currency is Tala. Living conditions are those of a developing country. The dress code is business casual to formal, depending on the level of formality of meetings, events, etc. The UN Multi-Country Office in Samoa is in an area where there are adequate accommodation options, availability of food/water/electricity, medical facilities, banking facilities, communications infrastructure, and proximity to the international airport. The environment also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.