General
Description of assignment title
Blue Economy Expert
Assignment country
Samoa
Expected start date
02/07/2025
Sustainable Development Goal
14. Life below water
Volunteer category
International UN Volunteer Expert
Host entity
UNDP
Type
Onsite
Expected end date
20/06/2026
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Apia
Details
Mission and objectives
UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Samoa, which covers Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, implements the UNDP Subregional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (2018-22), which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and country priorities as reflected in national development plans. In close partnership with the four Governments, UNDP works in collaboration with donors, the private sector, civil society organizations and local communities, academia, media and regional organizations to provide global knowledge and integrated development solutions to development challenges. UNDP promotes a whole-of-society approach to deliver on the ambition of the 2030 Agenda, with greater involvement of civil society actors, emphasis on empowering women, youth and vulnerable groups, and centered on the principle of leaving no one behind.
Context
Under the UNDP Multi Country Programme Document (MCPD) for the Pacific Islands and Territories 2023-2027, the UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office (MCO) is working to achieve the outcome that “By 2027, people, communities and institutions are more empowered and resilient to face diverse shocks and stresses, especially related to climate variability impacts; and ecosystems and biodiversity are better protected, managed, and restored”. By this commitment and leveraging the SIDS Offer on Blue Economy, the UNDP Ocean Pledge and UNDP Nature Pledge, the UNDP Samoa MCO supports the Governments of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau in developing and implementing blue economy strategies and plans that not only focus on marine resource and ocean management, but also catalyse livelihoods generation for vulnerable communities, effect interventions that are inclusive and empowering of youth, women and marginalized communities, and strengthen social and financial systems so to build community resilience. The current Blue Economy pipeline of the Samoa MCO includes the design of a multi-country/regional project focused on transforming markets for reef investment solutions to sustain coral reef ecosystems and promote Blue Economy development. This includes implementing a Project Preparation Grant (PPG) phase and managing the full project design and approval cycle with targeted donors and partners. Other initiatives aim to catalyse inclusive, smart and climate-resilient economic growth through innovative finance solutions in the blue and green economy sectors. The UNV Blue Economy Expert will be embedded within the Environment and Climate Change (ECC) Unit and collaborate with national partners across the four SIDS. The role will focus on supporting the development and implementation of the Blue Economy portfolio under three core pillars: i. Ocean Management and Conservation: This pillar strengthens the environmental foundation of the blue economy by promoting the sustainable use and protection of marine ecosystems, reducing climate and disaster risks, and ensuring that communi-ties—especially those dependent on marine resources—can continue to derive se-cure and resilient livelihoods from a healthy ocean. ii. Innovative Finance for Socio-Economic Development: This pillar advances the economic and social dimensions of the blue economy by unlocking inclusive and sustainable financing to support sustainable development of the countries while en-hance livelihood security, enterprise development, and local investment, particularly for women, youth, and marginalised groups, while ensuring that growth contributes to ocean conservation and climate resilience. iii. Maritime Infrastructure and Green Transport: This pillar supports economic de-velopment and social inclusion by enabling climate resilient maritime infrastructure and green transport systems that connect communities, reduce vulnerability, and open access to markets and services, creating direct and indirect livelihood opportu-nities across sectors such as fisheries, tourism, trade, and renewable energy.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Resident Representative of the ECC Unit, the UNV Blue Economy Expert will perform the following tasks: 3.1. Technical Advisory Support on Blue Economy Initiatives • Provide technical advisory support to transition existing Blue Economy pipeline pro-jects into implementation, including the Blue Green Island Integrated Programme for Samoa, and the Polynesia Moana. • Contribute to the design of Blue Economy project concepts and project documents for the four SIDS under the Samoa MCO. • Support Blue Economy pipeline development by conducting research and identifying practical, country-specific applications aligned with the priorities of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau. 3.2. Partnerships • Contribute to strengthening strategic engagement of the Samoa MCO in regional Blue Economy initiatives, structured around the three thematic pillars: Ocean Man-agement and Conservation, Innovative Finance for Socio-Economic Development, and Maritime Infrastructure and Green Transport. • Contribute to stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies, identifying opportuni-ties for collaboration with other UN agencies, regional organisations (e.g. SPREP) and donors, and vertical funds (e.g. GEF, GCF) relevant to the Blue Economy. • Support outreach and proposal development to mobilise resources for Blue Econo-my programming across the four SIDS. 3.3. Development of the Maritime and Coastal Infrastructure Pillar • Assess key priorities of the four SIDS for sustainable and climate-resilient maritime infrastructure, including Nature-based and hybrid solutions for coastal protection; Green port infrastructure and blue shipping; Maritime renewable energy (e.g. off-shore solar, tidal, wind). • Contribute to concept notes, technical assessments, and partnership building related to infrastructure development that supports Blue Economy objectives.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
7 years
Donor priorities
.
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
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 +++
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
7 years
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Master degree or equivalent in Marine Science, Environmental science, Resource Management, Sustainable development, or and related blue economy field.
Competencies and values
☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Leadership ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Vision
Skills and experience
development and implementation of blue economy strategies or related frameworks in SIDS Relevant experience in programme/project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation Relevant experience working with development partners and donors both in multilateral and bilateral relations on project support and funding. Relevant experience working with government partners, non-government organizations, private sector, civil society organizations, and communities. Relevant experience working with SIDS particularly in the Asia Pacific region.
Area(s) of expertise
Development programmes, Energy and environment , Natural and life sciences
Driving license
–
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The Independent State of Samoa is a Small Island Developing State situated in the Pacific Ocean, that is comprised of 4 main inhabited islands. The capital and economic hub, Apia, is located on the main island of Upolu, the most populous of the islands. The UNDP Samoa MCO is in the UN One House Compound located in Tuanaimato, Faleata District, about 10minutes drive westward from the capital Apia. Electricity and power covers about 99 % of the country and clean water is supplied to around 84% of the country. As the economic hub, government and commercial activities is based in Apia, however given the extent of commercial activities to the outliers of the capital, the Apia Urban Area (AUA) extends westward towards Vaitele, eastwards to Vailele, and southwards to Afiamalu. The Main hospital for Upolu is situated in Motootua, Apia, and the Savaii Main hospital is situated in Tuasivi, with numerous health centres are situated in districts across the country. The Fugalei, Vaitele and Salelologa Markets provides a variety of local grown food ranging from vegetables to root crops and fruits. Other than the main markets, there are several roadside and community markets that provide the same products for convenience of the travelling public. There are also several supermarkets that also provide food services including bakery, frozen meat and fruits, household products and appliances.
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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