General
Description of assignment title
Climate and Environment Officer
Assignment country
Fiji
Expected start date
01/11/2024
Sustainable Development Goal
13. Climate action
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNICEF
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Suva
Details
Mission and objectives
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work to translate that commitment into practical action, especially for the most disadvantaged children. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. In the Pacific we work in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu: These 14 Pacific island countries are home to 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth, living on more than 660 islands and atolls stretching across 17.2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, an area comparable to the combined size of the United States of America and Canada. Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are classified as Fragile States according to World Bank/OECD criteria. All 14 Pacific island countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, but only a third are on track with reporting obligations.
Context
In the Pacific UNICEF work in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. These 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) are home to 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth, living on more than 660 islands and atolls stretching across 17.2 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean, an area comparable to the combined size of the United States of America and Canada. Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are classified as Fragile States according to World Bank/OECD criteria. The PICTs are among the most affected and vulnerable areas to the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity and habitat loss. While its collective greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions account for less than 0.01 per cent of global emissions, the Pacific region is at the frontline of the adverse impacts of climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Pacific region is being affected by rising temperatures, a larger proportion of the most intense tropical cyclones, storm surges, droughts, changes in precipitation patterns, sea level rise, coral bleaching and invasive species, all of which are already detectable across both natural and human systems. In addition, the region is exposed to non-climatic hazards, with 73 per cent of the population and 65 per cent of economic stock exposed to seismic hazards. Pacific Small Islands Development States (SIDS) are already reporting losses and damages caused by recurrent climate-related disasters and events, including impacts on access to safe water and sanitation and education, exacerbated food and nutritional insecurity and disease transmission. Sea level rise is of particular concern in Pacific Islands, where approximately 57 per cent of built infrastructure is located in risk-prone coastal areas. In addition, most arable land is located in low-lying areas, posing a serious threat to the land’s ability to sustain livelihoods and food and nutrition security. Climate-induced migration and displacement are expected to increase throughout the region, creating a situation that may lead to a humanitarian crisis. UNICEF’s Multi-Country Programme 2023–2027 structure is framed around ´sectoral´ deprivations, and the achievement of results is contingent upon programmatic interventions and contributions from multiple sectors, along with a range of cross-cutting approaches and programming principles, including climate-resilience, disaster risk reduction and environmental protection. UNICEF Pacific has also developed a Climate, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction (CEED) Strategy (https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/media/4036/file/UNICEF%20Pacific%20CEED%20Strategy%202023-2027.pdf) to coordinate a joint response from all programme areas and, together with our partners, advance resilience building for children, communities and the services and social systems on which they depend.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Climate and Environmental Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Climate and Environment Officer will: • Provide technical assistance to UNICEF Pacific programme sections (Health and Nutrition, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – WASH, Child Protection and Social Protection) on mainstreaming climate resilience building and environmental sustainability into all programmatic areas. • Provide technical assistance to UNICEF Pacific Field Offices (FO) and Pacific countries in identifying opportunities to integrate child rights, social services and systems into national climate policies, strategic frameworks, and initiatives. • Developing and supporting the implementation of data, evidence generation, and knowledge management strategies on climate change and environmental issues across the countries and at the regional level (policies, regulatory frameworks, institutions, programmatic activities, stakeholders, etc.). • Support UNICEF in identifying, creating and establishing strong working relationships with relevant counterparts in Fiji and the Pacific Islands region, with special attention to adolescents, young people and community-based organizations, to keep abreast with climate-related initiatives and efforts, collect information, identify problems and constraints, and advocate for tangible solutions for children. • Support the development of opportunities to empower adolescents and young people as agents of change with an active role in addressing climate-related risks by exercising their views, opinions and concerns, identifying and working on solutions, and promoting environmentally sustainable lifestyles. • Support UNICEF programmes and FOs in accessing climate-related funding from existing and emerging sources. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take an active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs: • As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in programmes and projects focused on climate change adaptation, mitigation, resilience building and/or environment. Experience promoting children and youth participation in climate, environment and/or DRR action and in designing and/or implementing community-based and youth-led initiatives. Deep knowledge of the youth-led climate action landscape in Fiji and the Pacific region. Experience participating in developing climate policies, plans and/or strategies will be considered an asset. Experience working with government counterparts is considered an advantage. Excellent oral and written skills in English and Fijian. Commitment to CRITAS (care, respect, integrity, trust and accountability, sustainability) values
Area(s) of expertise
Development programmes, Energy and environment , Crisis and emergency response
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required Fijian, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in environment, climate science, social and economic development, or another relevant technical field is required.
Competencies and values
• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and [Insert name of Host Agency] in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards [Insert name of Host Agency]’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of allowances for UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. The allowances are in no way to be understood as a compensation, reward or salary in exchange for the volunteer work. Monthly Living Allowance: FJD 2086.94 Entry Lump Sum: USD 400 Medical and life insurance (Cigna) Leave entitlements (annual leave, sick leave, learning leave, maternity/ paternity leave – details can be found in the Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos) Access to UNV’s learning and career development resources Exit Lump Sum: FJD 173.91 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
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.
Reasonable accommodation
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.
