General
Description of assignment title
Programme Associate
Assignment country
Thailand
Duty stations
Bangkok
Work location
On UN premises
Expected start date
01/07/2026
Duration
6 monthsLong-term benefits and allowances
Sustainable Development Goal
17. Partnerships for the goals
Host entity
ESCAP
Modality
Onsite
Type
International
Volunteer category
Associate UCoS from Apr2026
Work arrangement
Full-time
Number of Assignments
1
Details
Mission and objectives
This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)’s Disaster Risk Reduction Section, in support of the ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness. The mandate of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asian and Pacific region. ESCAP’s role as a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat is to support its membership with policy-oriented research and analysis, normative support and technical assistance and capacity building, to respond to the development priorities and changing needs of the Asian and Pacific region. The Disaster Risk Reduction Section works towards improving the capabilities of ESCAP members to reduce the socioeconomic impact of disasters and build the resilience by mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into sustainable development. Within the Section is the secretariat to the multi-donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness, which was established in 2005 directly following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami through a groundbreaking contribution from the Government of Thailand. The Trust fund promotes innovative pilot initiatives, scales successful early warning systems and facilitates regional cooperation, for coastal resilience across Asia and the Pacific. For more information, please visit the website: https://www.unescap.org/disaster-preparedness-fund
Context
The UN Associate Volunteer will support the ESCAP Multi‑Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness within the Disaster Risk Reduction Section of ESCA, in Bangkok Thailand. The assignment offers exposure to regional DRR initiatives, partnerships, and donor‑supported projects across Asia and the Pacific. The Volunteer will contribute to programme coordination, communications, and stakeholder engagement, helping ensure smooth implementation of Trust Fund activities. This role provides a unique learning opportunity within a fast‑paced team working to strengthen early warning systems, coastal resilience, and regional cooperation
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer for the ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness, and overall guidance from the Chief of the Disaster Risk Reduction Section, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks : • Programme Support: Provide day to day programmatic support to the Trust Fund, including coordination of activities, follow up with implementing partners, and assistance in preparing briefs, reports, and meetings. • Communications and Advocacy: Support communications, outreach, and advocacy efforts for the Trust Fund. This includes drafting social media content, preparing communication materials, supporting organization of advocacy and visibility events, drafting impact stories with implementing partners, and maintaining up to date public information on Trust Fund activities. • General Support: Provide communications and other general support to the Disaster Risk Reduction Section as needed and assist with coordination tasks required for meetings and stakeholder engagement.
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 Agency for Volunteer Service (AVS), and only candidates pre-selected by AVS are eligible.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
1 month
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Secondary education
Competencies and values
• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Professionalism • Working in Teams
Skills and experience
Required experience: Demonstrated interest in : • Disaster Risk Reduction • Communications and Reporting • International Relations and Regional Cooperation
Area(s) of expertise
Administration, Communication, Development programmes
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
Bangkok is a well-developed duty station offering generally safe living conditions, reliable infrastructure, and wide availability of services. The city has excellent international connectivity, diverse accommodation options, and access to quality medical facilities, banking, and communications. With affordable cost of living, most essential goods are readily available. The climate is tropical and humid, and cultural awareness, particularly regarding dress and social norms, is important. Traffic congestion requires normal precautions. Overall, Bangkok provides a comfortable environment but still calls for flexibility, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity in a fast-paced urban context.
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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