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Under the direct supervision of the Interim Head of the Southern Africa Subregional Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Programme Coordination and Implementation

  • Support the planning, coordination and implementation of UNEP programmes related to climate action, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention and natural resource management.
  • Coordinate with government counterparts, implementing partners, development partners and UN agencies to support programme delivery.
  • Organize programme meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, training sessions and other activities, including related logistical and administrative arrangements.
  • Support the implementation of approved work plans and the timely delivery of programme outputs.

2. UNCT and Results Group 3 Coordination

  • Support UNEP’s engagement with the UN Country Team (UNCT), including its role as Chair of Results Group 3 under the UNSDCF.
  • Contribute to coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of joint UN initiatives on climate action, environmental sustainability, biodiversity and resilience.
  • Coordinate Results Group 3 meetings by preparing agendas and documentation, recording minutes, tracking action points and facilitating follow-up with participating agencies.
  • Strengthen inter-agency collaboration, information sharing and coordination across the UNCT.

3. Research, Data Collection and Analysis

  • Conduct desk research, literature reviews and data collection to inform programme planning and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Compile and analyse information on climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, pollution prevention, sustainable consumption and production, and environmental governance.
  • Prepare background papers, briefing notes, concept notes, presentations and other programme documentation.

4. Monitoring, Reporting and Results Tracking

  • Monitor programme implementation through activity trackers and support the collection and verification of programme performance data.
  • Compile technical and administrative inputs for programme reports, donor reports, Results Group 3 updates and other reporting requirements.
  • Track progress against programme objectives, indicators and approved work plans.

5. Knowledge Management and Documentation

  • Organize and maintain programme documentation, electronic filing systems and information repositories.
  • Capture lessons learned, good practices and success stories from programme implementation.
  • Develop and maintain knowledge products that support organizational learning and information sharing across UNEP programmes, Results Group 3 and wider UN environmental initiatives.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Operational Coordination

  • Support engagement with government departments, environmental authorities, research and academic institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, private sector organizations and other stakeholders.
  • Maintain stakeholder databases and coordinate communication, follow-up and information sharing with partners.
  • Provide logistical and operational support for meetings, consultations, workshops and joint activities.

7. Communication and Visibility

  • Prepare presentations, briefing materials, event summaries and awareness materials related to UNEP’s environmental sustainability and climate action initiatives.
  • Document programme activities, workshops and stakeholder engagements through meeting summaries, photographs and success stories, in line with UNEP communication guidelines.
  • Support the dissemination of approved programme information and visibility materials in coordination with programme and communications colleagues.

8. Administrative and Operational Support

  • Provide administrative support for programme operations, including meeting logistics, travel arrangements, procurement, correspondence, scheduling and document management.
  • Maintain accurate records and ensure proper filing in accordance with UNEP administrative procedures.
  • Undertake other programme, operational and administrative duties as assigned by the supervisor.



Contract Duration

1 year

Required Language

  • English — Fluent

Required Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Nature Conservation or another closely related field.
  • Candidates with a Diploma in a relevant field will also be considered.

Competencies and Values

Candidates should demonstrate:

  • Accountability and professionalism
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Planning and organizing skills
  • Strong communication and teamwork
  • Commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing
  • Ability to build trust and maintain effective working relationships
  • Respect for diversity, ethics and integrity
  • Client orientation and self-management
  • Technological awareness

Skills and Experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in:

  • Environmental sustainability, climate change, sustainable development or natural resource management
  • Programme support, project coordination or development programmes
  • Stakeholder engagement, reporting, knowledge management or inter-agency coordination
  • Administrative support, meeting coordination and documentation

Technical and professional skills:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Microsoft Teams
  • Programme administration, report writing and document management
  • Meeting coordination, minute-taking and records management
  • Professional communication and stakeholder engagement
  • Planning, organization, information management and attention to detail

Eligibility and Additional Information

  • Mastercard Foundation Alumni and youth with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.