General
Description of assignment title
Programme Support Associate: Environmental Sustainability
Assignment country
South Africa
Duty stations
Pretoria
Work location
On UN premises
Expected start date
01/09/2026
Duration
12 monthsLong-term benefits and allowances
Sustainable Development Goal
13. Climate action
Host entity
UNEP ZAF
Modality
Onsite
Type
National
Volunteer category
Community UCoS from Apr2026
Work schedule
Full-time
Number of Assignments
1
Details
Mission and objectives
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP works with governments, United Nations entities, development partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector to address climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, sustainable consumption and production, and environmental governance. In South Africa, UNEP contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) by supporting national environmental priorities, strengthening partnerships, and promoting integrated approaches to sustainable development that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Context
UNEP South Africa implements a diverse portfolio of environmental and climate-related programmes that require effective programme coordination, administrative support, stakeholder engagement and knowledge management to ensure successful delivery. The office also plays a significant leadership role within the UN Country Team by coordinating Results Group 2 (Climate Change, Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction), which brings together multiple UN agencies to support integrated implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Hosted by UNEP South Africa, this assignment offers an excellent opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in programme support, environmental governance, sustainable development and United Nations coordination mechanisms. Working under the supervision of the designated UNEP supervisor, the UN Volunteer will provide administrative, coordination and programme support to UNEP’s environmental portfolio while also contributing to the planning, coordination and documentation of Results Group 3 activities. The assignment provides structured workplace learning through mentoring, coaching and participation in programme implementation, stakeholder coordination, reporting processes and inter-agency collaboration. It will strengthen competencies in programme administration, coordination, communication, knowledge management and sustainable development while supporting UNEP’s core mandate and the broader work of the UN Country Team.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Interim Head Southern Africa Sub regional Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Support programme coordination and implementation ● Support the planning, coordination and implementation of UNEP programme activities related to climate action, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, pollution prevention and natural resource management in collaboration with government counterparts, implementing partners, development partners and United Nations agencies. ● Assist with organizing programme meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations, training sessions and other programme activities, ensuring effective logistical and administrative coordination. ● Contribute to the implementation of approved work plans and support the timely delivery of programme outputs. 2. Support UNCT internal coordination mechanisms ● Support UNEP in its coordination with the UNCT and specifically in its role as Chair of Results Group 3 under the UNSDCF, contributing to coordinated planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of joint UN initiatives related to climate action, environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation and resilience building. ● Assist in coordinating Results Group 3 meetings by preparing agendas, compiling meeting documentation, recording minutes, following up on agreed action points and supporting communication among participating UN agencies. ● Contribute to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, information sharing and coordination across the United Nations Country Team. 3. Conduct research, data collection and basic analysis ● Undertake desk research, literature reviews and data collection to support programme planning, implementation and evidence-informed decision-making. ● Compile and analyse information related to climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, pollution prevention, sustainable consumption and production, and environmental governance. ● Support the preparation of background papers, briefing notes, concept notes, presentations and other technical documentation. 4. Support monitoring, reporting and results tracking ● Assist in monitoring programme implementation by maintaining activity trackers and supporting the collection and verification of programme performance data. ● Compile administrative and technical inputs for programme reports, donor reports, Results Group 3 progress updates and other reporting requirements. ● Support results tracking and contribute to monitoring progress against programme objectives and approved work plans. 5. Support knowledge management and documentation ● Organize and maintain programme documentation, electronic filing systems and information repositories. ● Document lessons learned, good practices and success stories arising from programme implementation. ● Support the development of knowledge products that promote organizational learning and facilitate information sharing across UNEP programmes, Results Group 3 and broader UN environmental initiatives. 6. Support stakeholder engagement and operational coordination ● Assist in coordinating engagement with government departments, environmental authorities, research institutions, academic institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders. ● Maintain stakeholder databases and support communication and follow-up with partners. ● Provide logistical and operational support for meetings, consultations, workshops and joint activities. 7. Support communication and visibility ● Assist in preparing presentations, briefing materials, event summaries and awareness materials that support UNEP’s environmental sustainability and climate action initiatives. ● Support the documentation of programme activities, workshops and stakeholder engagements through meeting summaries, photographs and success stories in accordance with UNEP communication guidelines. ● Contribute to the dissemination of approved programme information and visibility materials in collaboration with programme and communications colleagues. 8. Provide general administrative support ● Provide administrative support for programme operations, including meeting logistics, travel arrangements, procurement processes, correspondence, scheduling and document management. ● Ensure proper filing and record-keeping in accordance with UNEP administrative procedures. ● Perform other programme support and administrative duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
No experience required
Nationality
Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
1 year
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Nature Conservation or another closely related field. ● Candidates with a Diploma in the above fields will also be considered.
Competencies and values
Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness Working in Teams.
Skills and experience
Demonstrated interest or experience in: ● Environmental sustainability, climate change, sustainable development or natural resource management. ● Programme support, project coordination or development programmes. ● Stakeholder engagement, reporting, knowledge management or inter-agency coordination. ● Administrative support, meeting coordination and documentation. Skills in: ● Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Microsoft Teams). ● Programme administration, report writing and document management. ● Meeting coordination, minute taking and records management. ● Professional communication and stakeholder engagement. ● Planning, organization, information management and attention to detail. *Mastercard Foundation Alumni and Youth with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. *Candidates must be between 18 and 34 years of age at the time of application.
Area(s) of expertise
Administration, Climate change, 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
Bigger cities in South Africa can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South Africa are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.
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
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
