UNV Environment Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization has been operational in Chad since 1979, collaborating closely with the Government of Chad, UN agencies, development partners, international financial institutions, NGOs, and the private sector. Chad is currently one of the countries most affected by forced displacement in Africa, hosting over 2 million refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Sudan, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and Cameroon. UNHCR Chad's interventions are guided by the Global Compact on Refugees and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework, promoting a Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus approach. The organization focuses on resilience-building, sustainable service delivery systems, environmental protection, climate action, and the inclusion of refugees in national systems while preserving social cohesion with host communities. UNHCR Chad is scaling up development-oriented interventions that include transitioning to solar-powered systems, promoting access to clean cooking solutions, supporting environmental restoration, and strengthening environmental governance and climate resilience in refugee-hosting areas.

Job Overview:
The UNV Environment Assistant will work under the supervision of the Associate Field Officer or designated representative, supporting the environmental and social screening of development and energy-related projects in refugee-hosting areas. The role involves monitoring the implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and mitigation measures by partners and contractors, contributing to reforestation activities, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social standards. The assistant will conduct field visits to project sites, prepare environmental assessments, and document safeguard-related reports. The position requires collaboration with local authorities, NGOs, and community members to integrate environmental and social considerations into project design and implementation. The assistant will also support the rollout of sustainable energy initiatives and contribute to the development of dashboards or tracking tools for environmental monitoring data. The expected outputs include effective integration of environmental and social safeguards into projects, improved compliance with UNHCR policies, and increased awareness of environmentally sustainable practices among partners and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV Environment Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting environmental and social screening of projects, monitoring ESMP implementation, contributing to reforestation and sustainable resource management, conducting field visits for compliance verification, preparing environmental assessments, ensuring proper documentation of safeguard reports, monitoring energy and environmental activities, enforcing technical and environmental standards, consolidating awareness-raising plans, coordinating with local authorities on environmental restoration, participating in desk reviews of past initiatives, liaising with government entities on compliance matters, organizing coordination meetings, facilitating community consultations, preparing donor reports, consolidating environmental monitoring data, documenting good practices, supporting integration of sustainability into projects, identifying green livelihood opportunities, and providing technical input to emergency responses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, teamwork, commitment to continuous learning, effective planning and organizing skills, strong communication abilities, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement. The role requires the ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries, establish partnerships, and work in a multi-cultural environment. Candidates should possess discretion, political sensitivity, and the ability to manage information confidentially. They must also be adaptable to changes in the work environment and capable of managing a large volume of work efficiently.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a degree in environmental science, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of environmental policies, regulations, and sustainable development practices, particularly in the context of humanitarian and development work.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in environmental management, project monitoring, or related fields, preferably within the context of humanitarian or development organizations. Experience working with refugees or in displacement settings is highly desirable. The role may require familiarity with environmental and social safeguard frameworks and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government entities and local communities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Chad would be an asset, as it would facilitate communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The living conditions in Goz Beida are basic, with limited infrastructure and recreational facilities. The area is classified as non-family, and staff must comply with UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. The role requires adaptability to a hardship environment, and the volunteer should be prepared for the challenges associated with living in a remote and semi-arid region.