Organization Mission

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The UNEP Reginal Office for West Asia is located in Beirut, Lebanon.

Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This post is in UNEP Reginal Office for West Asia at the Beirut duty station.
This UN Volunteer assignment is designed to strengthen the UNEP Regional Office for West Asia’s capacity to support countries in revising and updating their environmental governance frameworks with a strong emphasis on outreach and communication. The role focuses on assisting Kuwait in formulating strategies and action plans related to the National Environment Strategy and Action Plan (NESAP), the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, the National Data Management Strategy, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Waste Management. In addition, the assignment entails analyzing data and information on environmental laws, strategies, and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs); developing governance concepts tailored to the regional context; and drafting project reports and other communication materials. The volunteer will also contribute to strengthening communication and visibility through outreach channels such as newsletters, websites, and social media platforms, while coordinating the preparation and delivery of meetings, webinars, awareness sessions, and related events. Other related duties may also be assigned as required.

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Management Officer, Environment Governance Sub-programme, or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Assistant Programme Coordinator will:
• Support the overall facilitation and coordination to support the countries in the West Asia region to revise/update the work on environment governance mainly supporting Kuwait in developing strategies and action plans related to National Environment Strategy and Action Plan (NESAP), National Strategy to Combat Desertification, National Data Management Strategy, KPIs for Waste Management. Among other national and regional projects within the subprogramme.
• Support in analysis data and information relating environmental law, strategies, and MEAs.
• Support in developing concepts on for environment governance for use in regional context.
• Support in the drafting of project reporting and other documentation.
• Support in organizing meetings, webinars, etc. This would also include the preparation of technical materials, info notes, and meeting reports.
• Perform other duties, as required, relating to project implementation, including communication activities and social media.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills and Experience

• 3 months of professional work experience, knowledge or affinity in environmental and natural resource economics, environmental-economic policy is required.
• Experience in project management, data analysis, and implementation is desirable.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills in English and Arabic is required.
• Accuracy and attention to details in data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, and authorities at different levels;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint etc.); familiarity with database management.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Sound security awareness.
• Have affinity with or interest in the environment, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Core Competencies

• Team Work : ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Planning and organising: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Professionalism: Knowledge of environmental economics, natural resource economics; common property resources, ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

Living Conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in UN house, Beirut, Lebanon. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Benefits Package:
• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 1,285.25
• Annual and learning leaves
• Medical and life Insurance
• Free access to different learning platforms.
For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service