Apply for the International UN Youth Volunteer Opportunity as Junior Coordinator at UNEP

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Closing Date: 30 June 2024

Apply for the International UN Youth Volunteer Opportunity as Junior Coordinator at UNEP

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 and is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. UNEP`s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. To accomplish this, UNEP – through its Headquarter, Regional and Country offices – work with a wide range of partners, including other United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.

The UNEP Mexico Country Office, funded in 2011 and located in Mexico City, is collaborating with the Mexican government and other stakeholders in areas ranging from mitigation to adaptation, e.g., net-zero economy, environmental assessments, to topics of ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, electric mobility and climate change adaptation and mitigation, with a view of supporting Mexico on its transition to a low carbon economy and the accomplishment of its commitments included in multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) such as the Paris Agreement.

Role Context

The International UN Youth Volunteer will support the UNEP Country Office by assisting the implementation of UNEP´s Programme of Work and monitor the effective implementation of its project portfolio by participating in government and executing agencies meetings, work-shops, site visits and being in contact with other allies and counterparts. UNEP Mexico´s Office implements around 20 projects and initiatives, addressing various areas including mercury phase-out in artisanal mining and the industrial sector; mainstreaming biodiversity conserva-tion and value chains in key cops such as maize, coffee and agave-mezcal; marine and coastal conservation in the Gulf of Mexico; promoting a net zero economy and electric mobility; nature base solutions and adaptation in cities; and encouraging sustainable finance among financial authorities, among others.

Additionally, she/he will collaborate in the designing process of new projects which ask financial support from international funds such as the Global Environment Facility, the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund and other international cooperation mechanisms. It is important to mention that as of today,UNEP work in the completion of a GEF project related to Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Accelerator and Electric Mobility and a GCF project related to Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change Adaptation in 10 cities. In this extent, the Volunteer will support the development of research and analysis, concept notes, project documents and other required processes and documents.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of UNEP Mexico Representative Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Providing support to the UN Environment´s Representative Office in Mexico by assisting the implementation of the project’s portfolio.
Supporting Mexico´s transition to a green economy through a variety of initiatives and projects, under leadership and guidance of UN staff at UNEP Mexico.
Taking part in other UN Environment Projects and Activities as required and according to interest of the UN Youth Volunteer.

The International UN Youth Volunteer will be closely involved in the political and strategic agendas of the office, accompanying staff in high level meetings and conferences.
She/he will gain valuable work experience in a UN Environment country office, with exposure to the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects being carried out in Mexico.

Requirements

Required experience

1 year of experience in or demonstrated interest in development and/or climate change. Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Area(s) of expertise

Community development, Energy and environment , Natural and life sciences

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Energy, Transport and Urban Planing, Sustainable Development or Environmental Studies (or related fields)