UNEP Programme Support Associate - Environmental Sustainability

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and works with various stakeholders, including governments, UN entities, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The organization addresses critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, sustainable consumption and production, and environmental governance. In South Africa, UNEP contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) by supporting national environmental priorities and promoting integrated approaches to sustainable development that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The UNEP South Africa office implements a diverse portfolio of environmental and climate-related programmes that require effective programme coordination, administrative support, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management to ensure successful delivery. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in programme support, environmental governance, sustainable development, and United Nations coordination mechanisms. The UN Volunteer will work under the supervision of the designated UNEP supervisor, providing administrative, coordination, and programme support to UNEP's environmental portfolio while contributing to the planning, coordination, and documentation of Results Group 3 activities. The assignment will provide structured workplace learning through mentoring, coaching, and participation in programme implementation, stakeholder coordination, reporting processes, and inter-agency collaboration, thereby strengthening competencies in programme administration, coordination, communication, knowledge management, and sustainable development while supporting UNEP's core mandate and the broader work of the UN Country Team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support programme coordination and implementation by assisting with planning, coordination, and implementation of UNEP programme activities related to climate action, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention, and natural resource management. This includes organizing programme meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, and training sessions, ensuring effective logistical and administrative coordination, and contributing to the implementation of approved work plans.
• Support UNCT internal coordination mechanisms by assisting UNEP in its coordination with the UN Country Team (UNCT) and specifically in its role as Chair of Results Group 3 under the UNSDCF. This involves contributing to coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of joint UN initiatives.
• Conduct research, data collection, and basic analysis to support programme planning and implementation, including compiling and analyzing information related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental governance.
• Support monitoring, reporting, and results tracking by maintaining activity trackers and supporting the collection and verification of programme performance data.
• Support knowledge management and documentation by organizing and maintaining programme documentation and documenting lessons learned and good practices.
• Support stakeholder engagement and operational coordination by assisting in coordinating engagement with various stakeholders and maintaining stakeholder databases.
• Support communication and visibility by preparing presentations and awareness materials that support UNEP's initiatives.
• Provide general administrative support for programme operations, including meeting logistics, travel arrangements, and document management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong organizational and communication skills, with a commitment to continuous learning and the ability to work effectively in teams. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility, as well as a client-oriented approach. A strong sense of ethics and integrity is essential, along with the ability to share knowledge and promote collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in environmental science, sustainability, international relations, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in relevant areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in programme support, project management, or administrative roles, preferably within an international organization or in the field of environmental sustainability.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the region, is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position is a volunteer assignment with a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of R7,500.00 (tax-free) to support basic living expenses. The assignment provides access to UNV learning and development platforms to support professional and personal development throughout the duration of the assignment. Candidates should be aware of the living conditions in South Africa, including the need for vigilance due to crime rates, and will receive periodic security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security updates.