Online Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 and has since become the global authority on environmental matters. Its mission is to provide leadership and foster partnerships in environmental stewardship, aiming to inspire and enable nations and peoples to enhance their quality of life while ensuring that future generations can also thrive. UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and operates through various divisions, regional offices, and a network of collaborating centers worldwide. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating the development of environmental policies and promoting sustainable development within the United Nations system.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position is focused on identifying and analyzing key circular economy initiatives that are being implemented by development agencies, governments, and NGOs. The role involves extensive research and mapping of these initiatives, particularly those that support value chain actors, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The volunteer will be responsible for classifying these initiatives based on various criteria such as organization type, sector, geographical focus, and types of support offered. Additionally, the volunteer will evaluate these initiatives to identify potential champions within the Circular Economy Leaders Community, which aims to enhance knowledge sharing and application of circular economy practices. This role provides an opportunity to engage with strategic partners within the UN system and gain practical experience in the field of circular economy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties and responsibilities of the Online Volunteer include:

• Mapping: Conducting thorough research to gather information on circular economy initiatives led by development agencies, governments, and NGOs. This includes identifying initiatives that provide support to value chain actors through technical assistance, capacity building, financial solutions, and engagement strategies.
• Classification: Organizing the collected initiatives into categories based on organization type, sector, geographical priorities, target audience, types of support, and available knowledge.
• Evaluation: Assessing the initiatives to identify priority projects that could serve as champions within the Circular Economy Leaders Community, focusing on key engagement topics related to circular economy practices.
• Gap Analysis: Analyzing the mapping and evaluation results to highlight areas where circular economy initiatives are lacking, including specific value chains, regions, sectors, and target audiences that require more support.
• Deliverables: Producing a comprehensive Excel mapping report detailing the identified circular economy initiatives and a short recommendation report that highlights potential champion initiatives for the Circular Economy Leaders Community.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Online Volunteer position should possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and organized formats. Familiarity with circular economy concepts and practices is highly desirable, as well as experience in working with development agencies, NGOs, or similar organizations. The candidate should also demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and be comfortable working independently in a remote setting. Proficiency in using online research tools and databases is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates should ideally have a background in environmental science, sustainability, economics, or a related field. A degree or ongoing studies in these areas will be beneficial for understanding the complexities of circular economy initiatives and their impact on value chains.

Experience:
While prior experience in a similar role is not mandatory, any relevant experience in research, project management, or working with international organizations will be considered an asset. The candidate should be able to demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability and an understanding of the challenges faced by value chain actors in implementing circular economy practices.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all research and reporting will be conducted in English. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions being researched, would be considered a valuable asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and as such, it may not offer financial compensation. However, it provides an excellent opportunity for professional development and networking within the United Nations system. The role is expected to be remote, allowing for flexibility in working hours. The estimated workload will involve desk research and data analysis, with deliverables expected to be submitted in a timely manner.