Organization Mission

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

Context

This assignment is part of UNDP’s Climate Promise initiative, which supports countries in enhancing and implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. In South Africa, the UN Volunteer will be embedded within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), working closely with the NDC focal point and national stakeholders to advance the country’s engagement in carbon markets. The Carbon Markets Support Officer will contribute to the development of frameworks and strategies that enable South Africa to participate effectively in the compliance carbon markets, including those under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The role supports the country’s climate ambitions by facilitating access to carbon finance, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening institutional capacity.

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the NDC focal point and the Carbon Markets Specialist or his designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

• Support the development and implementation of national strategies for carbon markets,
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and capacity-building workshops,
• Assist in drafting policy documents, guidelines, and technical reports,
• Monitor and evaluate carbon market activities and provide recommendations,
• Coordinate with international partners and donors on carbon finance initiatives,
• Promote knowledge sharing and contribute to UNDP’s climate portfolio,
• Support the National NDC focal point.

Results/expected outputs:
• As an active UNDP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP, DFFE as the National partner and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
• Strengthened national capacity to engage in carbon markets,
• Drafted and validated policy and technical documents,
• Increased stakeholder awareness and participation,
• Documented lessons learned and best practices,
• AGD perspective integrated into all activities,
• Final report on volunteerism contributions and impact

Required Skills and Experience

A minimum of 3 years of experience in climate finance, carbon markets, or climate policy is required.
• Candidates with a master’s degree or 5 years” relevant experience in climate finance, carbon markets, or climate policy, are encouraged to apply.
• Good communication skills.

Core Competencies

Professionalism; Integrity, Teamwork and respect for diversity; Commitment to continuous learning; Planning and organizing; Communication; Flexibility; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement.

Living Conditions

Bigger cities in South Africa can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South Africa are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.

UN Volunteers receives the below entitlements:
• A Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): R22,926.08 per month;
• A once off entry lumpsum of $400 at the start of the assignment;
• Medical insurance; Life cover, and annual leave;
• Access to all learning platforms;
• A once off exit lumpsum at the end of the assignment.