Environment Specialist (UN Environment)

General

Description of assignment title: Environment Specialist

Assignment country: Mexico

Expected start date: 01/11/2024

Sustainable Development Goal: 13. Climate action

Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: United Nations Environment Programme-MExico

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Mexico City

Details

Mission and objectives
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 and is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. UNEP`s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

To accomplish this, UNEP – through its Headquarters (Nairobi, Kenya), Regional, Subregional and Country offices – work with a wide range of partners, including other United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.

The UNEP Mexico Country Office, funded in 2011 and located in Mexico City, is collaborating with the Mexican government and other stakeholders in areas ranging from climate change mitigation and adaptation, net zero economy, environmental assessments, to topics related to ecosystem-based adaptation, promotion of renewable energies and electric mobility and sustainable use of chemicals, with a view of supporting Mexico on its transition to a net zero carbon economy and the accomplishment of its commitments included in multilateral environmental agreements such as the Paris Agreement.

Context
The International UN Specialist Volunteer will support the UNEP Country Office by assisting the implementation of UNEP´s Programme of Work and monitor the effective implementation of its project portfolio by participating in government and executing agencies meetings, work-shops, site visits and being in contact with other allies and counterparts. UNEP Mexico´s Of-fice implements around 20 projects and initiatives, addressing various areas including mercury phase-out in artisanal mining and the industrial sector; mainstreaming biodiversity conserva-tion and value chains in key cops such as maize, coffee and agave-mezcal; marine and coastal conservation in the Gulf of Mexico; promoting a net zero economy and electric mobili-ty; nature base solutions and adaptation in cities; and encouraging sustainable finance among financial authorities, among others.

Additionally, she/he will collaborate in the designing process of new projects which ask financial support from international funds such as the Global Environment Facility, the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund and other international cooperation mechanisms. It is important to mention that as of today, we work in the completion of a GEF project related to Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Accelerator and Electric Mobility and a GCF project related to Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change Adaptation in 10 cities. In this extent, the UN Specialist Volunteer will support the development of research and analysis, concept notes, project documents and other required processes and documents.

In relation to the UN Cooperation Framework in Mexico, UNEP leads the “Climate Change and Green Economy Group” which is composed by 12 UN agencies and seeks to promote inter-agency cooperation through projects, initiatives, and activities. In this context, she/he, according to his/her interests, might also get involved in projects to preserve biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystems, sustainable use of chemicals such as mercury as well as other climate change initiatives.

Task description
Under the direct supervision of UNEP Mexico Representative Officer , the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

•Providing support to the UN Environment´s Representative Office in Mexico by assisting the implementation of the UNEP portfolio.

•Participate in UN Mexico´s interagencies initiatives, projects and activities related to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).

•Taking part in other UN Environment Projects and Activities as required and according to interest of the UN Specialist Volunteer.

•The International UN Specialist Volunteer will be closely involved in the political and strategic agendas of the office, accompanying staff in high level meetings and conferences.

•She/he will gain valuable work experience in a UN Environment country office, with exposure to the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects being carried out in Mexico.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 27 – 80

Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by the Government of Korea and therefore specific criteria apply:

• Candidates must be Korean nationals.
• Candidates who have already served as UN Volunteer Specialist funded by the Government of Korea are not eligible to apply (former UN University and UN Youth Volunteers are eligible).
• Serving UN Volunteers will not be considered for other UN Volunteer assignments until they reach three (3) months before the End of Contract date of their current UN Volunteer assignment. This provision applies equally to first and subsequent contracts.
• Candidates may apply to a maximum of three assignments and indicate the order of preference in the ‘Additional remarks’ field when filling in the application form.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30 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 Development and/or Climate change.

• Strong understanding of local governance in Mexico, the Latin America region and/or similar global contexts is desirable.
• Both knowledge on environmental matters and the skills of research and analysis would be an asset.
• A Master´s degree in the above-mentioned areas would be an asset.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Area(s) of expertise: Community development, Natural and life sciences, Energy and environment

Driving license: .

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Spanish, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in International Affairs, Economics, Public Policy, Administration, Finance, Clean Energy, Environmental areas.

Competencies and values
Accountability
Client Orientation
Communication
Empowering Others
Leadership
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management

Other information

Living conditions and remarks
The International UN Specialist Volunteer will be based in Mexico City; a lively, thriving megalopolis, with a good transport, health and service infrastructure. Culturally and socially it offers a great living environment for young foreign people.

Mexico City is the capital of the United Mexican States. It is located in the center of the coun-try, at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. It covers a total area of 1,485 square kilo-meters and its population is approximately 8.8 million people. Climate: Daily high temperature is around 26°C throughout the year, exceeding 29°C or dropping below 22°C. Daily low tem-peratures range from 9°C to 11°C, falling below 6°C or exceeding 13°C. Carrying a light sweater is strongly recommended. Local currency: The national currency is the Mexican peso ($). The exchange rate against the United States dollar fluctuates around 18.00 pesos. The current exchange rate can be found here: www.banxico.org.mx/portal-mercado-cambiario/index.html.

Money may be exchanged in hotels, the airport, banks, and bureaux of change. Banking hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. In banks you must present your passport. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most commercial establishments; how-ever, it is recommended that you carry some cash, as there are small establishments that do not accept credit cards. Local time: Mexico City’s time zone is UTC/GMT-6 Electricity: 110 volts, 60 hertz (similar to the United States), and wall sockets may be for two- or three-pin plugs. Visitors wishing to use devices not designed for use in North America should bring an adapter with a voltage transformer. Water: Drinking tap water is not recommended; visitors are advised to consume only boiled or bottled water. Sales tax and tipping: Value added tax of 16% is levied on most products and services. In restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of between 10% and 15% of the total bill. Altitude: Mexico City stands at 2,239 metres above sea level, and visitors may experience some discomfort. Mexico City is a family duty station A.

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