UN Youth Volunteer on Gender and Climate Resilience

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the sexual and reproductive health and rights agency of the United Nations. Established to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, UNFPA operates globally with a mission to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• The organization collaborates with governments, civil society, regional partners, and other UN agencies to address critical issues related to health, gender equality, and population dynamics. UNFPA's programs are particularly focused on the Caribbean region, where it works to enhance sexual and reproductive health and rights, combat gender-based violence, and empower youth. The agency employs a culturally sensitive approach, supported by evidence-based advocacy and policy dialogue, to create an enabling environment for SRHR and to strengthen national capacities for gender-informed policies and programs. UNFPA's initiatives are aligned with the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNMSDCF) 2022-2026, emphasizing partnerships and collaborative efforts across the region.

Job Overview:
The UN Youth Volunteer on Gender and Climate Resilience will play a pivotal role in supporting the integration of gender-responsive and rights-based climate resilience strategies into UNFPA's programming across Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This position involves program support and contributions to initiatives that address the intersection of climate change, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), youth empowerment, and gender equality. The volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Sub-Regional Gender and GBV Focal Point and will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including government officials and regional partners. The role requires a commitment to operationalizing the gender-climate nexus in line with UNFPA's Climate Change Strategy and the Caribbean Sub-Regional Programme (2022–2026). The volunteer will also support the preparatory work for the 2026 Trinidad and Tobago Census, ensuring that gender and 'Leaving No One Behind' (LNOB) considerations are integrated into technical assistance provided to the National Statistical Office.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the enhancement of Gender and Climate Programming as part of the planning of the 8th Sub-regional programme for UNFPA in the Caribbean. This includes assisting the programme team in evidence gathering for the design, coordination, and implementation of initiatives addressing gender, GBV, SRHR, and climate resilience, particularly for women, girls, and marginalized groups.
• Contribute to the mainstreaming of climate considerations into UNFPA's gender equality, youth engagement, and humanitarian preparedness work, including reviewing and adapting global tools and guidance.
• Support the integration of gender-responsive climate resilience components into inter-agency planning and frameworks such as National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies.
• Provide coordination support to the gender dimensions of population and development initiatives, particularly those connected to the 2026 Trinidad and Tobago Census and the India-funded regional data project.
• Participate in meetings and technical exchanges with statistical offices, civil society partners, and regional institutions, contributing to the production of knowledge products linking population dynamics to gendered climate risk.
• Facilitate youth involvement in gender and climate justice initiatives across the Caribbean, supporting the design of community-based engagement models and intergenerational dialogue processes.
• Support the preparation of briefs, case studies, policy notes, and digital content amplifying women's and youth voices on climate resilience and gender equality.
• Assist with the documentation and dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned on integrating gender and climate across UNFPA programming in the region.
• Support the development of progress reports, technical inputs to donor updates, and contributions to corporate reporting processes. 1
• Participate in coordination meetings with UN partners and regional bodies on resilience, climate, and gender agendas.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a strong understanding of gender issues, climate resilience, and the intersectionality of these fields. They should demonstrate a commitment to UNFPA's mission and values, including a focus on human rights and gender equality. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Candidates should also exhibit adaptability and flexibility in their approach to challenges and opportunities.

Educational Background:
A degree in social sciences, public health, gender studies, environmental science, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in gender and climate issues would be an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to the Caribbean context.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in program support, particularly in areas related to gender, climate resilience, and youth engagement. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or civil society organizations in the Caribbean region is highly desirable. Familiarity with data collection and analysis, particularly in relation to gender and climate indicators, is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Dutch or Spanish would be considered an asset. Candidates should possess strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment, which may allow for remote work prior to relocation to Trinidad and Tobago. The assignment will require adaptability and cultural sensitivity, as well as a proactive approach to navigating both professional and personal life in a dynamic setting. The visa process for entry into Trinidad and Tobago requires submission through the eVisa portal, and the UNV can begin employment remotely while the work permit application is processed. The position is expected to be full-time, and the duration of the contract will be specified upon selection.