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 improve the quality of life for current and future generations. 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 designed for individuals with a background in desk research and a solid understanding of green and circular economy principles, particularly in relation to industry and value chains. The primary function of this role is to assist in identifying, classifying, and analyzing potential new technical knowledge partners who possess expertise in green and circular economy practices. These partners will be operating at various levels—regional, national, and local—across Africa. The role emphasizes the importance of engaging diverse organizations, including scientific centers, industry associations, financing institutions, and local NGOs, to enhance the knowledge base and facilitate the sharing of best practices in sustainable development. The Online Volunteer will be tasked with mapping potential partners, synthesizing their profiles, and prioritizing entities based on their influence and relevance in promoting green practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Mapping: Conducting research to identify between 10 and 30 potential technical knowledge partners with credible experience in green and circular economy practices. This involves using established criteria and guidance from the GGKP team to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the landscape.
• Classification and synthesis: Organizing the identified partners by type of organization, sectoral focus, and type of knowledge resources. This will require synthesizing the profiles of each entity in Arabic, ensuring clarity and accessibility of information.
• Prioritization: Evaluating and identifying priority entities for engagement based on their influence and relevance in promoting green and circular economy practices. This will involve applying specific criteria established by the GGKP team to ensure strategic alignment with organizational goals.
• Deliverables: Producing a detailed list of potential partners in Excel format, including descriptions and organized according to established categories. Additionally, a short recommendation report will be required, highlighting priority entities for potential collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of green and circular economy concepts, particularly in the context of industry and value chains. Experience in desk research is essential, along with the ability to analyze and synthesize information effectively. Familiarity with the environmental landscape in Africa and the ability to communicate findings in Arabic are critical for this role. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are necessary to manage the mapping and classification tasks efficiently.

Educational Background:
A background in environmental science, sustainability, economics, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have relevant academic qualifications that demonstrate their understanding of environmental issues and sustainable practices. Advanced studies or certifications in green economy practices would be advantageous.

Experience:
While specific years of experience may not be mandated, candidates should demonstrate relevant experience in research, particularly in environmental or sustainability contexts. Previous involvement with international organizations or NGOs focused on environmental issues will be beneficial. Experience working in multicultural environments and with diverse stakeholders is also a plus.

Languages:
Proficiency in Arabic is mandatory, as the role involves mapping and synthesizing information in this language. Knowledge of English is also essential, as it may be necessary for communication with the GGKP team and accessing various resources. Additional languages relevant to the African context would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and as such, it may not offer financial compensation. The role is designed to provide valuable experience in international development and environmental policy. The position is flexible and can be performed remotely, allowing for a diverse range of applicants to participate. The duration of the assignment is not specified, but it is expected to align with the project timelines set by the GGKP team.