UN Volunteer - Training Material Development Support for Solid and Plastic Waste Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority established to set the global environmental agenda and promote sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP has been operational for over five decades and works with 193 Member States, advocating for environmental governance and addressing critical environmental challenges. The organization relies heavily on voluntary contributions, with 95% of its funding coming from partners who support its mission. UNEP's mission is to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. It monitors the health of the planet and ensures that science remains central to decision-making processes.

Job Overview:
The position of UN Volunteer for Training Material Development Support focuses on solid and plastic waste management, which is a critical component of UNEP's work on pollution prevention and circularity. The UNEP India Country Office is seeking a volunteer with an environmental academic background to assist in the preparation of technical training materials. The role emphasizes the importance of effective capacity-building through the development of structured and audience-appropriate learning materials. The volunteer will work under the guidance of the Assistant Programme Officer and will be involved in reviewing technical documents, compiling information, and preparing draft content for training presentations. The assignment aims to create a comprehensive training material package that addresses both solid waste management and plastic waste management, ensuring that the materials are suitable for various stakeholders involved in waste management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the UN Volunteer include:

• Reviewing relevant technical documents, regulations, guidelines, and reports to prepare training content.
• Compiling and organizing technically relevant information on solid and plastic waste management.
• Drafting content for training presentations and learning materials based on UNEP's technical guidance.
• Simplifying technical information into clear learning points for different stakeholder groups.
• Preparing presentation slides, facilitator notes, background notes, exercises, checklists, FAQs, and other supporting training materials.
• Developing practical examples and case illustrations to explain waste management concepts during training.
• Adapting training materials for various audiences, including government officials and community organizations.
• Reviewing draft training materials for technical consistency and completeness.
• Verifying technical information against source documents. 1
• Incorporating feedback from UNEP into subsequent versions of training materials. 1
• Organizing training materials into a structured package for capacity-building activities. The volunteer will contribute to a consolidated training-material package comprising core training material, supporting learning products, a technical reference compilation, and adaptation support for specific stakeholder groups.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong academic background in environmental science or a related field. Candidates should possess excellent research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise training materials. Strong written communication skills are essential, as the volunteer will be responsible for drafting and reviewing training content. Familiarity with solid waste management and plastic waste management concepts is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and adapt materials for various audiences.

Educational Background:
A degree in environmental science, environmental management, or a related field is required for this position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in waste management or sustainability practices would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of environmental policies and regulations, particularly those related to waste management.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in developing training materials or educational content, particularly in the field of environmental management or waste management. Experience working with governmental or non-governmental organizations in a similar capacity is preferred. Familiarity with capacity-building initiatives and stakeholder engagement processes will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all training materials will be developed in English. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Hindi or other regional languages spoken in India, would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a three-month assignment, and the volunteer will work remotely. This role is suitable for individuals seeking to gain experience in international development and environmental management. The volunteer will not be expected to independently formulate UNEP policy positions or provide official legal interpretations. The training materials developed will be reviewed and cleared by UNEP before use, ensuring that all content is accurate and aligned with UNEP's objectives.