General
Description of assignment title
Environmental Technical Assistant
Assignment country
Argentina
Duty stations
Buenos Aires (ARG)
Work location
UN Premises
Expected start date
15/05/2026
Duration
12 months
(with possibility of extension)
Sustainable Development Goal
15. Life on land
Host entity
FAO ARG
Modality
Onsite
Type
International
Volunteer category
Youth UCoS to Mar2026
Work arrangement
Full-time
Number of Assignments
1
Details
Mission and objectives
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Our goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO works around four regional priorities in LAC that guide the organization’s work and contribute to the transformation of agrifood systems. – Better nutrition: Ending hunger and achieving food security and nutrition. – Better environment: Sustainable management of natural resources and adaptation to climate change. – Better production: More efficient, inclusive, and sustainable production. – Better life: Reducing inequalities and poverty and promoting resilience.
Context
In Argentina, FAO works in close partnership with the National Government, as well as with provincial and municipal governments, decentralized entities, the private sector, universities, and a wide range of civil society organizations. This collaboration is implemented through projects and programmes across the country, covering a range of thematic areas aligned with FAO’s mandate and technical expertise. The UN Volunteer will support the Programme’s technical area of Environment and natural resources in general activities related to project’s implementation and actions of environmental awareness related to FAO´s vision and mission. The UN Volunteer will join the Environment and Natural Resources team responsible for designing, implementing, and following up on environmental projects and initiatives in Argentina. These initiatives focus on agrifood systems that mitigate and adapt to climate change; biodiversity and ecosystem services for food and agriculture; Blue Ports transformation; resilient agrifood systems; food and agriculture emergency response; and the bioeconomy. Current working projects include: – Support National government in the process of preparing the next National Report to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) – PRAIS 5. – Strengthening the development of Argentina’s agribusiness sector, component 3: National Strategy on Blue Ports. – Sustainable Livestock in the forest region of the Argentine Parque Chaqueño through Forest Management with Integrated Livestock (MBGI). – AsĂ son los suelos de mi paĂs (That’s how the soil of my country is). This team is a part of the Programmes Division at FAO Argentina and works closely with both the Administration and Operations Divisions, functioning as an integrated and collaborative team.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Environmental and Natural Resources Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: – Support the development of didactic materials on disaster risk reduction, prevention of land degradation, the Blue Ports initiative, and other relevant topics, as well as the preparation of technical documents for workshops, training sessions, and special meetings. – Assist in the preparation of content for clippings, news briefs, thematic notes, and short news pieces for FAO, UN, and national commemorative days related to environmental topics (e.g. World Oceans Day, World Soil Day, World Food Day, International Day of Climate Action, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, among others). – Support the team in organizing events, workshops, and meetings for the area and assigned projects, including logistics, participant follow-up, reception, hosting virtual conference rooms, and preparation of required documentation. – Contribute to tracking stakeholders participating in the area’s projects, disaggregated by type, gender, location, and other relevant criteria. – Support the organization, systematization, and updating of the area’s shared folders and project-related work files within the office systems.
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
This assignment is funded by the Government of Kazakhstan, therefore only citizens of Kazakhstan are eligible to apply.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
1 month
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required Spanish, Level: Fluent, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor’s degree in University degree in environmental sciences, communication, project management or related fields.
Competencies and values
– Adaptability and Flexibility – Building Trust – Commitment and Motivation – Commitment to Continuous Learning – Communication – Creativity – Ethics and Values – Integrity – Knowledge Sharing – Professionalism – Respect for Diversity – Technological Awareness – Working in Teams
Skills and experience
– Demonstrated interest and/or experience in environmental, administrative, and communication areas. Relevant experience may include internships, volunteer work, or project-based activities related to environmental topics or international affairs. – Interest or initial experience in organizing events and meetings is desirable, including logistical support, participant coordination, follow-up activities, management of virtual meeting platforms, and preparation of basic documentation. – Proactive and motivated; collaborative and attentive attitude, willing to actively engage with colleagues. The ideal candidate demonstrates an innovative and cross-functional perspective, as well as a strong willingness to learn in a multicultural environment. – This position is suitable for junior-level candidates seeking to develop professional skills within an international organization. – Previous experience as a volunteer and/or exposure to other cultures (e.g. through volunteer work, or internships) will be highly regarded.
Area(s) of expertise
Agriculture, Natural and life sciences, Energy and environment
Driving license
–
Other information
Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.
Living conditions and remarks
Living conditions in Argentina are generally good, particularly in major urban centers such as Buenos Aires, where infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education, and public services are well developed. The country offers a wide range of accommodation options, international schools, and both public and private healthcare facilities that meet international standards. Public transportation is widely available, and daily life is supported by an extensive network of services, shops, and cultural and recreational activities. Argentina also provides a rich cultural environment, with diverse gastronomy, arts, and social life, contributing to a high quality of life for expatriates and their families. While basic safety awareness is recommended, the overall environment allows UN staff and their dependents to live comfortably, and there are no restrictions on family accompaniment at duty stations. Upon arrival, staff are encouraged to attend the UNDSS Welcome Security Briefing to familiarize themselves with local conditions and practical aspects of living in the country.
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
Scam warning
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