General
Description of assignment title: Programme Support Officer – Climate Change/Environment
Assignment country: Guyana
Expected start date: 01/08/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 13. Climate action
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: UNDP
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Georgetown (GUY)
Details
Mission and objectives
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 programme helps countries to develop policies, leadership and partnership skills, institutional capacities, and to build 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 technical cooperation through its Global Policy Network.
UNDP in Guyana is guided by a Country Programme Document (currently Country Programme 2022-2026, as approved by the Executive Board in February 2022), which is in line with the strategic priorities of the Government of Guyana, enshrined in key strategies and plans, including the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030). UNDP continues to support Guyana in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and an agenda that focuses on i) building a diversified and resilient productive sector, with emphasis on job creation and support to small-medium businesses; (ii) supporting effective governance, safety, security and the rule of law; (iii) environmental management and resilience; (iv) enhancing and expanding social services, particularly in education and health and including support for the national COVID-19 recovery programmes.
More specifically, in this new Country Programme, support to Amerindian Communities, which are aimed at leaving no one behind and reaching the furthest behind first, are undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA), National Toshaos’ Council, Amerindian Village Councils and Communities and other key stakeholders. Planned/ongoing activities cover livelihood opportunities, land tenure, energy services and extending internet connectivity.
Context
Approximately 80% of the initiatives in the current programme cycle are either directly or indirectly linked to climate action, environmental management and resilience. Some of these include reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation by supporting Guyana’s forest peoples, the Indigenous Peoples, in access to sustainable livelihood opportunities and land rights; framework for mainstreaming biodiversity in gold-mining; mainstreaming low emissions technology towards Guyana’s energy transition to renewable sources; institutional strengthening for natural resources management; and support for gender-responsive approaches to climate and environmental resilience. These initiatives are in direct response to national priorities as captured in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the development needs of Guyana, a low-lying coastal state that is 1.5 metres below sea level.
In line with UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 within which environment and resilience are strategic and cross-cutting Signature Solutions, UNDP has leveraged its expertise in this area across its programmes in Guyana whether it be to support reduced impact mining, to expand the use of climate-smart technology, to update national biodiversity policies or to improve access to virtual opportunities in remote hinterland (reducing carbon footprint of transportation). As the country is on the path to continued rapid development and expansion, and given its geography, climate resilience and environmental management will continue to play a pivotal role in UNDP’s existing programming in country and its envisaged expansion. It is envisioned that the International UN Volunteer will provide direct support to UNDP in Guyana in the continued implementation of its existing programming, and most importantly, focus their efforts on seeking out opportunities to leverage UNDP’s expertise and global innovation in the area of climate change (including climate resilience and wider environmental initiatives) to support the country’s development agenda. They will help to develop proposals, provide advice and support expanding UNDP’s footprint in the climate/environment arena.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Resident Representative, and/or his delegated authority, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks in the areas of climate change and environment:
· Conduct analysis of local context and develop public policy options and advice for consideration by the Head of Office for engagement with National Partners;
· Provide technical guidance to the CO Programme Team in and directly support the design and implementation of Development Projects;
· Support developing concept notes, project proposals and project documents for pro-grammatic initiatives including cross-cutting organizational and national priorities, with a specific focus on climate change/environment but also including though not limited to gender, digitalisation and energy etc.;
· Actively seek to streamline gender mainstreaming and environment/climate change response, among other priorities, utilising technology across development programming.
· Support the CO in strengthening the mainstreaming of climate change/environmental considerations for improved programme and operational management;
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by the Government of Spain and therefore candidates must be Spanish nationals.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment. Interviews will be conducted by the UN Host Entity in June.
Application deadline: 2 June 2024
+++ UN Volunteer entitlement calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator +++
Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Donor priorities: .
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in
· Climate change/environmental policy/programming and/or
· Climate change/environmental research and/or Programme/project management with a focus on climate change/environment.
Area(s) of expertise: Development programmes, Energy and environment , Natural and life sciences
Driving license: .
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Biodiversity, Climate Change Studies, Natural Resource Management or related field
Competencies and values
Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Building Trust
Client Orientation
Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Communication
Creativity
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Judgement and Decision-making
Knowledge Sharing
Managing Performance
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Vision
Working in Teams
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Located in the Northern part of South America, Guyana the “land of many waters” is a unique blend of Caribbean and South American culture and history. With 965 miles of navigable rivers, 83% of Guyana is covered by pristine rainforest. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Coastline on the northeast, Venezuela on the west, Suriname on the east and Brazil on the West and South. The national language in Guyana is English. In 2016, Guyana was reclassified as an upper middle-income country following the discovery of large oil and gas reserves, which is expected to increase economic growth significantly in the short to medium term. Primarily due to oil and gas revenues, Guyana recorded a high growth rate of 43.4 per cent in 2020 (International Monetary Fund, April 2021). In addition, the country’s short- to medium-term prospects seem to be very favourable as economic growth is projected at rates of 20.4, 48.7 and 32.0 per cent for 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
With an area of approximately 214,969 square kilometres, close to 90% of the population of approximately 736,000 people (2012 Census) live along the Atlantic coast. Guyana is known as the land of six peoples. Around 39% of the population are the descendants of indentured Indian agricultural workers brought in by the British after slavery was abolished. Another 29% are descended from African slaves, brought in by the Dutch to work on sugar plantations. Nine indigenous Amerindian tribes, descendants of Europeans, Portuguese and Chinese make up a diverse population mix. This ethnic mix reflects the country’s unique history and can be witnessed in its rich culture, diverse food offerings and the local Creole language. Guyana is vulnerable to flooding, especially as the coast is below sea level and although protected by a sea defence wall, it is not uncommon for water to rise above the wall. UNDSS’ rating of Guyana security is level 2 for coastland and level 1 for hinterland. This is mainly due to robberies on the coastland, which sometimes are violent. Incidents such as car theft have also taken place. It is thus important to take sensible precautions to protect oneself and one’s belongings.
The UN Volunteer, while being primarily based in Georgetown, will be expected to undertake field missions from time to time.
UNV Contract Conditions:
Travel to duty station and Entry Lum Sum will be provided. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health, and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.
International UN Expert Volunteers receive a monthly Expertise Differential which is equal to 40% of the National UN Specialist Volunteer monthly living allowance.
Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), Expertise Differential and Deployment / Repatriation lump sums, among others, are available at https://app.unv.org/calculator.
Note: International Volunteers in Guyana are entitled to an additional Well-being Differential monthly allowance.
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
