Voluntario/a Asociado/a para la Participación y Empoderamiento para la Acción Climática de Naciones Unidas

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established for 79 years, operates in 190 countries and territories, advocating for the rights of every child. In Colombia, UNICEF focuses on addressing the vulnerabilities faced by children, particularly those who are rural, indigenous, and Afro-descendant, amidst ongoing conflicts and inequalities. The organization aims to implement the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the programming cycle 2021-2024, which aligns with the 2030 Agenda and emphasizes cooperation priorities identified by the government and the UN system.

Job Overview:
The position of Voluntario/a Asociado/a for Climate Action Participation and Empowerment involves providing technical assistance, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs aimed at developing skills, participation, education, and climate action among adolescents and youth. The role is crucial in promoting youth leadership and empowerment in climate action and environmental education, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes at both territorial and national levels. The volunteer will work closely with UNICEF teams, local authorities, and other stakeholders to facilitate learning spaces and strengthen socio-environmental skills among young people, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in Colombia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance to UNICEF teams, implementing partners, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to ensure youth participation, leadership, and empowerment in climate action and environmental education.
• Facilitate learning spaces for adolescents and youth to enhance their socio-environmental skills and leadership capabilities.
• Promote youth participation in decision-making processes related to education and climate action at territorial and national levels.
• Identify and map partnerships with government entities, grassroots organizations, and the private sector to strengthen youth engagement in climate action, ensuring scalability and sustainability of initiatives.
• Empower communities, adolescents, and youth regarding their right to participate, protect leadership, and engage in climate action.
• Support capacity-building activities in socio-environmental skills, climate action, participation, and empowerment by preparing materials and assisting in their implementation.
• Monitor and track indicators and goals of the project "Generation Green: Educating and Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Colombia."
• Verify compliance with indicators, objectives, and activities, and report timely on risks or deviations for management.
• Assist in developing programmatic cooperation agreements (PCA) by providing inputs and contributing to drafting relevant sections. 1
• Prepare follow-up inputs and performance indicator reports for the supervisor and team, promoting efficient management and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the principles of volunteerism, including solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and autonomy. They should possess strong communication skills, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to continuous learning. Additionally, candidates should have the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and exhibit planning and organizational skills.

Educational Background:
A background in social sciences, environmental studies, education, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have knowledge of climate action, youth empowerment, and community engagement strategies, as well as an understanding of the socio-political context in Colombia.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in youth engagement, community development, or environmental education. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or in volunteer roles related to climate action or social development is highly desirable. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in the role. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, requiring full availability and exclusivity with the United Nations system. The position is based in Pasto, Colombia, which is located at an altitude of approximately 2,527 meters above sea level, offering a subtropical mountain climate. Volunteers will receive a monthly living allowance of $4,866,000 COP to cover housing, services, and ordinary living expenses. The assignment includes life, health, and permanent disability insurance, as well as final repatriation if applicable. Volunteers are responsible for securing their own housing and essentials for living. The role also involves a briefing on security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security measures upon arrival, ensuring volunteers are informed about the safety environment in their duty station.