Organization Mission

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. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP works through its divisions as well as regional, liaison and out-posted offices and a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence. UNEP works closely with its 193 Member States and representatives from civil society, businesses, and other major groups and stakeholders to address environmental challenges through the UN Environment Assembly, the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. The organization hosts the secretariats of many critical multilateral environmental agreements and research bodies. The Executive Director and Senior Management Team lead the implementation of UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS). The four-year MTS articulates UNEP’s role in delivering the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) as well as its outcome document, “The Future We Want.” UNEP supports Member States to ensure that environmental sustainability is reflected in development and investment planning and provides countries with the necessary tools and technologies to protect and restore the environment. Through its campaigns, particularly World Environment Day, UNEP raises awareness and advocates for effective environmental action. UNEP categorizes its work into seven broad thematic areas: climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management, environmental governance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency, and environment under review. Its work is made possible by partners that fund and champion the mission. UNEP depends on voluntary contributions for 95 per cent of its income.

Context

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) helps developing countries and those with economies in transition
to meet the agreed incremental costs of measures designed to achieve global environmental benefits in six focal areas: biological diversity, climate change, international waters, ozone layer depletion, land degradation and chemicals and waste. An important component of almost all UNEP’s GEF projects is building capacity to manage the environment in a sound manner.

The Chemicals and Health Branch plays a key role in supporting countries to implement, develop and execute chemicals related GEF projects that fit within its comparative advantage. UNEP’s comparative advantage within the GEF has been defined as:

• Scientific assessments, monitoring, early warning;
• Linking science to policy (Capacity Building, Enabling Activities) at national, regional and
global levels;
• Innovation, technology transfer and lifting barriers;
• Regional and global cooperation;
• Awareness raising, advocacy, and knowledge management.

As part of its duties, the Global Environment Facility Chemicals & Waste Unit (GEF C&WU) is in charge of supervising a portfolio of ongoing projects, develop new projects to be submitted to the GEF and assist countries to close finished projects. The Chemicals team also provides coaching and advice to UNEP colleagues in the branch and in other divisions. The GEF C&WU has been successful in developing a series of projects which now require the completion of the package for GEF CEO endorsement. Supervision of the development of these proposals has been assigned across the GEF team but the volume of work to be undertaken requires additional inputs from the UN Volunteer Expert with experience in drafting and managing GEF proposals. The development of the submissions is time sensitive and the work load requires the support to be available as early as possible. The supervision requires regular (monthly) calls with the executing agencies to ensure the project’s implementation is according to plans.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the different Thematic Programme Leads (ISLANDS, POPs & Mercury) and Task Managers, the International UN Volunteer Expert will:
1. Conduct Task Management duties for the enabling activities in the Pacific and the Global National Implementation Plan (NIP) Update (including satellite projects), and Task Management Support for the ISLANDS Pacific Child project. These projects cut across the different Global Environment Facility themes i.e POPs and Mercury. For this reason, the expert will be expected to report to the respective thematic leads within the unit. Additionally, the duties outlined below cover the different project life-cycle stages for all projects from project development to project closure. The volunteer will be expected to complete the following tasks within regular working hours:a. Project Identification and Development;
b. Supervision of Project Implementation;
i. Directing and Managing the project
ii. Monitoring and Supervising the Project
iii. Reporting and Performance Tracking
iv. Project Assurance
v. Evaluation
vi. Stakeholder management
vii. Administration
viii. Participate in regional programme coordination activities
c. Project Closure.Reporting to the portfolio manager and in collaboration with the UNEP GEF C&WU, UNEP GEF Data and Knowledge Management working group, UNEP Corporate Services Division and Business Intelligence unit, the International UN Volunteer Specialist will:

2. Plan, develop, and maintain systems and solutions to address the data and reporting needs for the GEF C&WU

Reporting to the Head of the Pacific Sub regional Office, the International UN Volunteer Specialist will:

3. Provide support to the Sub regional office upon request.

Subject to mutual agreement, the volunteer may be asked to take on other tasks and projects, provided these are consistent with their qualifications and experience and are agreed upon in writing.

As per UNV Unified Conditions of Service, work exceeding reasonable limits beyond official working hours will be granted Compensatory Time Off equal to the number of extra hours worked, to be agreed in writing beforehand.

Required Skills and Experience

• Project management at an international level or other relevant programmes; experience with Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international
development organization;
• Demonstrated systems, data and reporting experience primarily gained through Power
Automate, PowerBI, PowerApps, SharePoint Lists, and MS Excel, preferably with an
understanding/exposure of GEF and UNEP reporting requirements;
• Demonstrated experience with education, teaching, training and professional development;
• Excellent computer skills (Database management, MS PowerSuite) and demonstrated ability to master new computer skills and languages quickly;
• Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms;
• Experience using a formal project management framework, such as PRINCE2, PMBOK,
Lean or Agile;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

Samoa is generally considered safe. However, it”s important to stay informed about local
developments. Petty crime can occur, so volunteers are advised to take common-sense precautions such as securing valuables. Apia has an international airport, Faleolo International Airport (APW), providing access to and from Samoa. Flight options may vary, so volunteers should plan accordingly and check for any travel restrictions or requirements. Samoa has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. It”s advisable to pack lightweight and breathable clothing. Rainfall can occur, so waterproof gear is recommended. Dress Code: Modesty is appreciated. Lightweight, modest clothing is suitable, especially when outside urban areas. Drinking alcohol is legal, but public drunkenness is frowned upon. It”s important to drink responsibly and be aware of cultural sensitivities.

The cost of living in Samoa can vary. While some items may be expensive due to importation costs, locally produced goods may be more affordable. Accommodation options range from hotels to guesthouses and rental homes. Volunteers should explore options that align with their preferences and budget. A variety of local and international foods are available in Apia. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood are staples. Volunteers may need to adjust to the availability of certain imported goods.

Tap water is generally safe for drinking in urban areas. Electricity is available, but power outages can occur, so having backup lighting is advisable. Apia has medical facilities, but access to specialized care may require travel. Volunteers should have comprehensive health insurance and be aware of local healthcare practices. Banks and ATMs are available in Apia. It”s recommended for volunteers to inform their banks about their international stay to prevent any issues with accessing funds. Mobile phone coverage is generally good in urban areas. Internet connectivity is available, but the speed and
reliability may vary.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.