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 lead and encourage partnerships in environmental stewardship, aiming to inspire and enable nations and peoples to enhance their quality of life while ensuring that future generations can do the same. UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and operates through various divisions, regional offices, and a network of collaborating centers across the globe. The organization plays a crucial role in coordinating environmental policy development and addressing pressing environmental issues at both global and regional levels.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position is focused on identifying and analyzing sustainable business initiatives and coalitions that promote sustainable practices and facilitate value chain transformation across various sectors. The role involves conducting extensive research to map out voluntary business initiatives and coalitions that support sustainability and circular economy practices. The volunteer will be responsible for classifying these initiatives based on various criteria, evaluating their potential as collaboration partners, and conducting a gap analysis to identify underrepresented areas in sustainable business initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage with strategic private sector initiatives within the United Nations framework and gain practical experience in the application of circular economy principles through international development support.

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

• Mapping: Conducting thorough research to gather information on voluntary business initiatives and coalitions that advocate for sustainability and circular economy practices.
• Classification: Organizing the collected initiatives and coalitions by various categories such as type (business-led, government-supported, etc.), sector (agriculture, manufacturing, retail, etc.), business member type, focus areas, and geographical priorities.
• Evaluation: Identifying key initiatives and coalitions that could serve as collaboration partners for engaging with large companies in specific value chains, particularly in relation to their sustainable supply chain efforts and support for SMEs.
• Gap Analysis: Analyzing the mapping and evaluation results to highlight regions, sectors, and business types that lack representation in relevant sustainable business initiatives or coalitions.
• Deliverables: Producing a comprehensive Excel mapping report of sustainable business initiatives and coalitions, along with a short recommendation report that outlines priority initiatives and coalitions for potential collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer position should possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights. Familiarity with sustainability concepts, circular economy principles, and business practices is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in using Excel for data organization and reporting. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are also required to effectively convey findings and recommendations.

Educational Background:
A background in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of sustainable development principles and practices, as well as experience in research methodologies and data analysis.

Experience:
While prior experience in sustainability or environmental initiatives is advantageous, it is not strictly required. However, candidates should demonstrate a keen interest in sustainable business practices and a willingness to learn and engage with various stakeholders in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all research and reporting will be conducted in English. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the geographical focus of the initiatives being researched, would be considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and the duration of the assignment is not specified. The role is expected to be part-time, with flexibility in working hours to accommodate the volunteer's schedule. The position is open to individuals from various backgrounds and locations, promoting international collaboration and engagement in sustainable development efforts.