General
Description of assignment title
Environmental Science Specialist
Assignment country
Saudi Arabia
Expected start date
23/03/2025
Sustainable Development Goal
15. Life on land
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNEP KSA
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Riyadh
Details
Mission and objectives
The UN Environment Programme’s Environment and Trade Hub is a demand-driven mechanism offering capacity building and related policy advice on sustainable trade and investment. Through the Environment and Trade Hub, UN Environment Programme as the leading global environmental authority together with partners, offers to assist countries in their capacity to building toward using sustainable trade as a driver for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By working through a network of national, regional, and international partners, the Environment and Trade Hub is able to offer interdisciplinary services that are tailored to local needs and circumstances while being delivered in an effective and demand-oriented manner. The specific objectives of the Environment and Trade Hub are to: Enhance the capacity of countries to design and implement trade policies that foster environmental sustainability and human well-being; Assist countries in the realization of trade opportunities arising from a transition to greener economies; Strengthen the sustainability aspects of cross-border trade and investment agreements in bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral negotiations; Realize a shift of trade practices and trends to more sustainable patterns.
Context
In 2019, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing environmental institutional capacities and policies in Saudi Arabia. The agreement’s purpose is to assist the Kingdom in achieving its national environmental goals and fulfilling international environmental commitments through a project called the Saudi Environment Sustainability Programme (SESP), which focuses on five strategic areas: institutional development and environmental governance, environmental compliance and pollution control, biodiversity and wildlife, circular economy and waste management, and meteorology and climate change. The third workplan of the SESP, which commenced in January 2025, builds upon this cooperation with expanded collaboration between UNEP and the National Executive Centres. It encompasses multiple programmatic areas aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in Saudi Arabia. This UNV assignment will support with managing and coordinating the different environmental components of UNEP’s engagement with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) during the third phase of project implementation, ensuring timely progress across all project components. Activities under the above-mentioned components include: building a regional biodiversity and wildlife programme, establishing a regional network for biodiversity experts, preparing a regional conservation breeding forum, amongst others. National UN Specialist Volunteers in Saudi Arabia are entitled to: – Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) in the amount of SAR 14,120.56 – Entry Lumpsum USD 400 – Annual and learning leaves; – Free Medical and life insurance; and – Free access to different learning platforms.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Coordinator of the Saudi Environment Sustainability Programme (SESP), or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Environmental Science Specialist will: Technical Support & Documentation: • Support in the drafting of ToRs and project concept notes/proposals; • Prepare high quality presentations and visuals; • Draft and format emails, letters, and other official communications (in English and Arabic); • Support in the drafting of project reporting and other documentation; • Research, analyse and present information gathered from diverse sources; • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Meetings & Workshops: • Contribute to the organization and technical preparation of workshops, meetings, webinars, etc. This would include preparation of agendas, materials, info notes, preparing meeting reports, etc. Follow Up & Coordination: • Monitor and follow up on action points from meetings and project activities; • Coordinate with different project stakeholders to ensure deadlines are met. Data and Knowledge Management: Maintain a well-organized filing system for data and documents related to this component. Other Tasks: • Perform other duties as required, related to the project, such as conducting communication activities, social media; • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
3 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
3 years
Languages
Arabic, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in environmental management/science/health, ecology, sustainability, biodiversity.
Competencies and values
• Professionalism • Integrity • Planning and organising • Teamwork • Commitment to continuous learning • Communication
Skills and experience
years of professional work experience in programme management at the national and/or international level is required. – Experience working in the UN or other international development organizations is desirable. – Excellent oral and written skills; excellent writing and reporting skills in English and Arabic. – Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. – Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. – Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. – Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. – Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. – Sound security awareness. – Have affinity with or interest in the environment,
Area(s) of expertise
Energy and environment , Natural and life sciences, Business management
Driving license
–
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions. Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. 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 – except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .
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
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