National UN Volunteer Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been a key partner in the Kingdom of Bahrain since 1971, supporting the country's independence and subsequent development initiatives. Established in 1978, UNDP has worked closely with the Bahraini government to implement sustainable human development strategies that align with national priorities, including the Economic Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (2015-2018). The organization operates with a strong commitment to human development, having established partnerships with various state institutions to address development needs and meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's presence in Bahrain is funded by the government, which recognizes its primary responsibility for the national development agenda. The current Country Programme Document (2017-2020) reflects a collaborative approach to identifying and addressing key priority areas through comprehensive consultations with government institutions and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The National UN Volunteer Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting UNDP's initiatives aimed at advancing environmental sustainability, climate action, and resilient development in Bahrain. This position involves providing technical, coordination, and programmatic support to ensure effective delivery of projects aligned with national priorities. The Specialist will contribute to the design and implementation of environmental assessments, engage with national partners, and facilitate communication between UNDP and various stakeholders. The role is integral to the ongoing efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development planning in collaboration with entities such as the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) and other governmental and private sector partners. The Specialist will also be involved in monitoring and reporting on progress related to environmental initiatives, ensuring that all activities are documented and aligned with the overarching goals of Bahrain Vision 2030 and the SDGs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National UN Volunteer Specialist will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the UNDP Programme Analyst, including:

• Providing technical support for the implementation of environment and climate-related initiatives, assisting in the design and execution of environmental assessments, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Preparing technical inputs, background papers, and policy briefs to support environmental analysis and evidence generation for program design.
• Coordinating with national counterparts, including the SCE and other stakeholders, to organize consultations, workshops, and technical meetings focused on environmental priorities.
• Facilitating communication between UNDP, partners, and consultants, ensuring effective follow-up on implementation and agreed actions.
• Supporting the preparation and tracking of Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and coordinating consultants and technical inputs for environmental assessment work.
• Documenting internal UNDP processes, including Project Boards and reporting, to maintain transparency and accountability.
• Preparing briefs, presentations, and communication materials, documenting lessons learned and good practices, and disseminating findings from environmental assessments.
• Monitoring and reporting on progress, indicators, and risks associated with environmental initiatives, assisting in the preparation of reports and maintaining proper documentation and filing systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the National UN Volunteer Specialist position should possess strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret data and draw evidence-based conclusions. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic are essential, as the role requires collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society. Organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines are crucial for success in this position. Additionally, candidates should have a solid understanding of climate change, environmental sustainability, and environmental assessment approaches, which will be vital in supporting the implementation of UNDP's initiatives in Bahrain.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the National UN Volunteer Specialist position. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in environmental science, sustainable development, public policy, or a related field. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the environmental initiatives and programs supported by UNDP in Bahrain.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a certain level of experience in the field of environmental sustainability, climate action, or related areas. While specific years of experience may not be mandated, prior involvement in similar projects, internships, or volunteer roles that demonstrate a commitment to environmental issues and sustainable development will be advantageous. Experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations, particularly in a collaborative environment, will also be beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is essential. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but it is not a requirement for this role.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and as such, the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. The position is based in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, and national UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. It is important for volunteers to be culturally sensitive and to adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions of Bahrain. The role offers a volunteer living allowance of BHD 946, along with annual and learning leaves, free medical and life insurance, and access to various learning platforms.