General
Description of assignment title
Junior Environmental Outreach Officer
Assignment country
Ethiopia
Expected start date
01/08/2025
Sustainable Development Goal
13. Climate action
Volunteer category
International UN University Volunteer
Host entity
UNEP
Type
Onsite
Duration
6 months
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Addis Ababa
Details
Mission and objectives
The UNEP Addis Ababa Office is a liaison office to the African Union, the Economic Commission for Africa and Ethiopia, whose aim is to facilitate the participation of UNEP in the provision of inter-agency support to regional institutions and processes. As an accredited entity to Ethiopia, member of the UN Country Team who works with national environmental institutions, UNEP is also mandated to enhance public awareness on Environmental issues in Ethiopia by successfully organizing and developing environmental outreach programmes, as well as by mobilizing adequate resources to enhance its programme of work in Ethiopia.
Context
The UNEP Addis Ababa Liaison Office is responsible for developing partnerships with the African Union Commission (AUC) to strengthen the environmental dimension of pan-African initiatives in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Africa Union Agenda 2063. The office engages the diplomatic corps based in Ethiopia, especially the members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to UN Environment Programme and keep them informed on current and emerging environmental challenges and opportunities in Africa and ongoing efforts. In addition, the office strengthens cooperation with UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and other UN agencies through joint programming and relevant thematic areas. The office fosters a strategic partnership with the Government of Ethiopia and other partners in the country, including academic institutions, civil society organizations, youth, and the private sector, as well as facilitates UN Environment Programme operations in Ethiopia, identifying new areas of cooperation with relevant partners, in order accelerate the implementation of UNEP’s programme of work. The UNV is expected to provide support and contribute to the implementation of UNEP programmes in Ethiopia, AUC, and UNECA.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the head of the UNEP Addis Ababa Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Participate in trends and emerging issues on environment in Ethiopia, and assist in identifying existing and planned initiatives and programmes of other institutions that are relevant to UNEP programme of work, so as to enhance the capacity of the office to mobilize resources for environmental outreach programmes; • Assist in the planning and staging of special environmental events in Ethiopia (e.g. World Environment Day, International Biological Diversity Day, International Desertification Day, International Ozone Day etc.) in partnership with the UN Country Team (UNCT) members, Ethiopian environmental institutions, and the public; • Participate in any other assignments that the office may require, such as covering relevant national/international environmental events and drafting reports to be transmitted to headquarters and/or used in newsletter(s).
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
1 month
Donor priorities
–
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Additional eligibility criteria
As this assignment is funded by CYVA, specific eligibility criteria apply. Candidates must be Chinese nationals affiliated with a university participating in CYVA’s programme.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
No experience required
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Secondary education
Competencies and values
☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams
Skills and experience
Required education: Secondary Education, with a Bachelor degree or currently studying towards a Bachelor or Master degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Economics, Natural Resources Management (water, soil/land etc.), Economics, with a focus on resource economics. Demonstrated interest in: • Dealing with the linkage between environment and development issues, environmental and resource management. • Demonstrated understanding of policy development at the national or international level. • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded. Skills in: • Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, internet, communication tools like email, Zoom, MS Teams, etc.)
Area(s) of expertise
Agriculture, Energy and environment , Natural and life sciences
Driving license
–
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Addis Ababa is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The population is estimated at about 4 million or so. It is located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500-2,700 meters. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold at night, with freezing temperatures at times. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and/or log fires when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union (ex-OAU). Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world. There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is most of the time readily available and the rents are, on average, reasonable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa, and Europe, or local brands, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available. The basic infrastructures – roads, utilities, and telecommunications – are below standard, as are medical facilities, which are still largely inadequate, although a few private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. There are lots of tourist attractions to visit around the country, although the amenities are often poor to average. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and cultural events throughout the year organized by the international and local communities. Sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) exist in the major hotels or different establishments around the city.
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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