UNEP: Climate change and Environment Programme Support Associate – Abidjan

Organization Mission

The Convention for Cooperation in the Protection, Management and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Atlantic Coast of the West, Central and Southern Africa Region (Abidjan Convention) is a regional agreement whose Secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It covers 22 countries along the Atlantic coast of Africa, from Mauritania to South Africa, and serves as the main platform for cooperation on the protection and sustainable management of marine and coastal environments.

The Convention supports its Contracting Parties in addressing key challenges affecting coastal and marine ecosystems, including climate change, coastal erosion, pollution (including marine litter and oil spills), and biodiversity loss. These ecosystems, such as mangroves, lagoons, estuaries, coral reefs and seagrass beds, are essential for fisheries, economic development, and the livelihoods of millions of people.

Through its protocols on pollution control, emergency response, mangrove conservation and integrated coastal zone management, the Convention with governments, regional organizations and international partners to strengthen policies, coordinate action, and implement practical solutions at national and regional levels.

Context

• This assignment is based in Abidjan within the Secretariat of the Abidjan Convention.
• The UN Volunteer will be embedded in a multidisciplinary and dynamic team, working at the interface of science, policy, and regional cooperation. The role offers direct exposure to regional environmental governance processes, engagement with high-level stakeholders at national and regional level, and experience in programme coordination and implementa-tion.
• The assignment will focus on supporting coastal resilience and marine spatial planning (MSP) initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire, including collaboration with national institutions and partners. A key feature of the work is its transboundary dimension, with ongoing joint efforts between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to promote coordinated approaches to ecosystem management, climate adaptation, and spatial planning across shared coastal systems.
• The UN Volunteer will also contribute to advancing the regional agenda on marine pollution, particularly through support to plastic pollution action planning and coordination among Contracting Parties. In parallel, the role will support analytical work on priority eco-systems such as the Lagune Ebrié, contributing to assessments and the development of investment-ready solutions for restoration and sustainable management of coastal la-goons.
• Key partners include national ministries, regional organizations, other Regional Seas Conventions, UN agencies, and development partners.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary of the Convention, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
1. Support implementation of the Abidjan Convention work programme
2. As necessary, support delivery and monitoring of ongoing projects, including coastal resilience and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana; hazardous waste management in collaboration with the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conven-tions; and activities on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Area Based Management Tools (ABMT), and the BBNJ Agreement (Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction), including tracking progress and supporting donor reporting;
3. Support data collection, desk reviews, and basic analysis on coastal ecosystems, pollution sources, and climate risks to inform programme activities and new project design;
4. Assist in drafting technical outputs, including reports, concept notes, briefing notes, presentations, and background documents;
5. Assist in organizing regional workshops, consultations, and meetings, including preparing agendas, materials, and summary reports;
6. Support development of communication and knowledge products, including short briefs and web content highlighting results and good practices;
7. Support coordination with Contracting Parties, regional organizations, UN agencies, and partners, including follow-up on agreed actions.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with the supervisor to develop a detailed workplan with clear objectives, deliverables, and regular check-ins to monitor progress and ensure continuous learning.

Required Skills and Experience

Demonstrated interest or experience (up to three years) in:

• Climate change, environmental management, or sustainable development
• Coastal or marine ecosystems, biodiversity
• Pollution
• Project design and development

Skills in:

• Research, data compilation and analysis, and report drafting
• Communication and teamwork

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Planning and Organizing
• Communication
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Working in Teams

Living Conditions

Abidjan is a major economic hub in West Africa with good access to housing, healthcare, and international schools. Living conditions are generally comfortable, with a wide range of accommodation options and services. The city offers a dynamic environment but also presents challenges such as traffic congestion and seasonal flooding in some areas. Security conditions are stable, and UN personnel benefit from established support systems. The duty station is classified as family duty station (B).

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.