UNV: Programme Specialist to Support Aral Sea Trust Fund – Tashkent

Organization Mission

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator – the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level – support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Uzbekistan and reports to the team of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RC).

Context

This UN Volunteer assignment supports the Aral Sea UN Multi Partner Human Security Trust Fund (MPHSTF), established in 2018 to address the complex socio economic, environmental, and human security challenges resulting from the Aral Sea ecological crisis. The Fund applies a multi sectoral, people centred, and human security based approach to strengthen resilience and improve livelihoods in affected regions, particularly the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The Trust Fund operates as a pooled financing mechanism under UNDP and the Multi Partner Trust Fund Office, bringing together UN agencies, national counterparts, donors, and development partners. The UN Volunteer will provide expert level programmatic coordination and administrative support (where applicable), contributing to effective planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of Fund supported initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of designated UN RCO Partnership and Development Finance Officer, and in close coordination with participating UN organizations, the UN Volunteer will undertake support the Trust Fund Secretariat through the following tasks:

Programme support
Assist in coordination of programme activities supported by the Aral Sea Trust Fund, including tracking implementation progress and follow‑up on planned outputs.
Support preparation, consolidation, and quality assurance of programme documents, concept notes, and reports in line with Trust Fund requirements.
Contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes by compiling programme data, results frameworks, and supporting evidence.
Facilitate coordination among UN agencies, national counterparts, and partners involved in Trust Fund‑funded initiatives.

Administrative and operational support
Provide administrative support to Trust Fund governance processes, meetings, and consultations, including agenda preparation, documentation, and minutes.
Support budgetary and financial tracking at the programme level, in coordination with UNDP and the MPTF Office, ensuring alignment with approved allocations.
Assist in maintaining organized programme files, databases, and knowledge products in accordance with UNDP and Trust Fund standards.
Support donor visibility and communications efforts by contributing to briefings, background notes, and information materials.

Reporting and knowledge management
Contribute to the preparation of narrative and annual Trust Fund reports, including inputs to consolidated programme and results reporting.
Support documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and innovative approaches emerging from Trust Fund‑supported interventions.
Assist in strengthening coordination, information flow, and institutional memory within the Trust Fund Secretariat.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Experience in:
Development programmes, public administration, economics, environment and climate, project management. Experience in designing programmes/projects addressing Human Security is desirable.
professional experience in programme coordination, development project management, or administrative support functions, preferably within the UN system or similar international organizations.

Skills in:
Experience in supporting programme or trust fund management, including coordination, reporting, and administrative processes;
Experience working with development partners, government counterparts, and multi stakeholder initiatives;
Strong analytical, drafting, and reporting skills;
Excellent organizational and coordination abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy;
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team and adapt to a complex operating environment;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard information management tools;
Self motivated, ability to work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines;
Demonstrated interest in climate resilience, sustainable development, and the UN system.

Core Competencies

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Commitment and Motivation
Communication
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Technological Awareness
Working in Teams

Living Conditions

The UNV will be based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which is classified as an “A” duty station in accordance with the ICSC Hardship Classification Circular (effective 01 January 2022) with occasional travel to Karakalpakstan. Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan, with a population of over 3 million people. It is a dynamic, multicultural city, where ethnic Uzbeks form the majority alongside other ethnic communities.

The UN RCO is centrally located in Tashkent, close to government offices, international organizations, and public services. The city has a well-developed transportation system, including buses, taxis, and a metro network, making daily commuting convenient and affordable.

Tashkent offers adequate housing options at reasonable rental costs, as well as reliable utilities, electricity, water supply, and high-speed internet services. The city is equipped with modern healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and private medical centers. International and local schools, kindergartens, supermarkets, shopping centers, and recreational facilities are widely available.

There are no serious security concerns in the city, and Tashkent is generally considered safe for international and national staff. The cost of living is relatively moderate compared to other regional capitals, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.

Tashkent experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and dry, hot summers. The city offers a rich cultural life, including theaters, museums, parks, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a growing expatriate community.

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.