Organization Mission

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and exclusion. The program helps countries to developing policies, leadership skills, partnership skills, institutional capacities, and to building resilience to sustainable development results.

UNDP implements several projects in different areas, offering its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, specialized knowledge, specialized advice and a wide international network of technical cooperation.

To contribute to human development, poverty reduction and the country”s growth in priority areas, UNDP Brazil has a constant mission to align its services with the needs of a dynamic, multifaceted and diverse country. The projects are carried out in partnership with the Brazilian government, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society.

Context

The Sustainable Environmental Development unit works in an integrated manner with other teams of the United Nations Development Programme – UNDP Brazil, in order to strengthen the project portfolio through technical and political support for the preparation, implementation and supervision of projects related to biodiversity, climate change, sustainable production, management of hazardous chemicals and protection of the ozone layer, etc.

With the aim of strengthening Brazil”s capacity to preside over COP30, the “COP30 in Brazil: Structured Presidency and Reinforced Delegation” was developed. The project will mobilize partnerships and social participation to generate technical, logistical and substantive subsidies and inputs not only for the presidency of COP30 from 2024 to 2026, but also for the Brazilian negotiating delegation at COPs 29, 30 and 31, intersessional meetings and pre-COPs.

UNDP will work together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) to define and implement priority activities, aiming to expand the country”s capabilities to participate in the negotiations and presidency of COP30. The UN Volunteer will support the work of project’s IT team and the MRE, in graphics, 3D, and helpdesk for virtual environment MALOCA.

Key Responsibilities

Under the general coordination of the Project Manager and the Presidency Support Coordination of the UNDP within MRE, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Support the development and maintenance of core systems for virtual world functionality, including environment rendering and user interaction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to seamlessly integrate features, animations, and networking capabilities.
• Optimize code for performance and scalability to support large-scale virtual environments.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and efficiently resolve software issues.
• Collect metrics and user data from virtual worlds.
• Support other activities aligned with the objectives established in this DOA, as oriented by the Project management.

Required Skills and Experience

• Final-year undergraduate or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or related fields.
• Demonstrated practical knowledge in: Web development; Programming; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); Emerging technologies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence, 3D technologies)
• Academic or project-based experience in at least one of the following (including coursework or lab-based projects): Website creation, Metaverse prototype development, API integration
• Proven coding skills with the ability to develop agile digital tools in time-constrained environments.
• Experience with game engines or 3D frameworks (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) is a strong asset.
• Passion for virtual environments and interest in exploring new and emerging technologies.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Core Competencies

• Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans aligned with UNDP’s objectives, based on a systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking vision to reality on the ground and creating tangible solutions.
• Ability to leverage learning from multiple sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; demonstrate forward-thinking to model future developments and possible paths forward for UNDP.
• Ability to research and transform information into useful knowledge that is relevant to the context or responds to a stated need.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and unambiguously through both written and verbal communication; tailor messages and choose communication methods according to the audience.

Living Conditions

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is located in the Federal District, in the central-western region of the country. Inaugurated in 1960, the city is celebrated for its groundbreaking modernist architecture, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, and its visionary urban planning by Lúcio Costa. The city is distinguished by its innovative urban layout, organized into sectors dedicated to specific functions, such as residential, commercial, and governmental activities. Known for its extensive green spaces, wide avenues, and architectural landmarks, Brasília is home to iconic structures like the National Congress, the Planalto Palace, and the Cathedral of Brasília. With a well-developed public transportation system, including an extensive bus network and the Brasília Metro, the city offers efficient connectivity and accessibility. Its blend of modernist design, functional organization, and urban greenery makes Brasília a unique and vibrant metropolis.

Brasilia is a family duty station and classified A (hardship). The living conditions in Brasilia are good as well as the access to health services. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.
Brazil is security level 3 (moderate). United Nations Department of Safety and Security UNDSS Brazil advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities. Violent crime as muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings, and sexual assault, is very high. Avoid shanty towns (favelas) in the big cities and if you are attacked or robbed, do not resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and may turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment in Brazil. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reservations, special procedures may apply; UN personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance.

Information on entitlements at the duty station is available at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos