Organization Mission

As the leading United Nations agency in international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnership abilities, institutional capacities, and resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work focuses on three main areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience.

UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, the rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build better lives.

We work in Governance to foster peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, as well as in Nature, Climate, and Energy—always with gender equality and women’s empowerment at the center of our efforts.

In Costa Rica, UNDP’s actions primarily aim to promote development and human rights, protect the environment, and support the country in achieving social inclusion for all populations, as well as strengthening its democratic system.

This approach implies a drastic shift from traditional development models, which are heavily tied to economic growth. This vision aligns closely with Costa Rica’s experience in recent decades, positioning the country at the forefront of the developing world in terms of population well-being.

Context

Costa Rica has made significant progress in environmental legislation and international commitments. However, the country continues to face increasing climate vulnerability and mounting pressure on its ecosystems. The effects of climate change, combined with unsustainable patterns in the use of natural resources, threaten biodiversity and disproportionately impact the most vulnerable communities. These impacts are exacerbating socioeconomic risks and revealing the country’s limited adaptive capacity. The country ranks 12th on the world risk index due to high exposure to natural hazards. According to estimates by the National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Attention, from 2016 to 2020, the country spent more than $820 million on replacing elements affected by different types of disasters, while it only spent $308 million during 2011-2015. This vulnerability to natural hazards is exacerbated by its proximity to politically unstable and highly impoverished countries.

From this perspective, UNDP has been supporting the country in developing mechanisms and tools to strengthen comprehensive risk management and to advance its climate goals as established in the NDC.

To continue this support, UNDP requires a specialist who can contribute both to the coordination and engagement with relevant counterparts, and to the strengthening of internal capacities to align the content of its institutional offer to the country in the areas of disaster risk management and climate change, following the specifications outlined in these Terms of Reference.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Nature, Climate and Energy Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Support to the Nature, Climate and Energy Programme in tasks related to disaster risk management and climate change analysis within the programming of its portfolio, in close coordination with and promoting collaboration, joint intervention, and articulation with the various programmes and projects of UNDP Costa Rica.

Support in promoting and strengthening partnerships with other stakeholders, counterparts, initiatives, and national and international actors, to foster collaboration around disaster risk management and climate change.

Contribution to enhancing UNDP Costa Rica’s capacity to produce analytical work on disaster risk management and climate change, and to ensure its effective integration into the programmatic offer of the institution to the country.

Mobilisation of financial resources through the development of new project proposals on disaster risk management and climate change for UNDP in Costa Rica.

Coordination with the UNDP Regional Office on matters related to disaster risk management and climate change.

Promote, throughout the execution of duties and responsibilities, the advancement of Human Rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, as well as the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.

Support other activities of the Project as requested by the Nature, Climate and Energy Programme Officer.

Required Skills and Experience

At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in the design, implementation, or evaluation of projects related to disaster risk reduction and/or climate change adaptation or mitigation.

Proven knowledge of national and international frameworks on climate change (e.g., UNFCCC, NDCs, Sendai Framework) and their application in public policy or development cooperation.

Experience working with government institutions, civil society, or international organizations in the context of environmental or climate-related initiatives.

Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to produce technical inputs and policy-oriented documents.

Excellent communication and coordination skills, including the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate inter-institutional collaboration.

Commitment to gender equality, human rights, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

Core Competencies

​​☒​Accountability

​​☒​Adaptability and Flexibility

​​☒​Building Trust

​​☒​Client Orientation

​​☒​Commitment and Motivation

​​☒​Commitment to Continuous Learning

​​☒​Communication

​​☒​Creativity

​​☒​Empowering Others

​​☒​Ethics and Values

​​☒​Integrity

​​☒​Judgement and Decision-making

​​☒​Knowledge Sharing

​​☒​Leadership

​​☒​Managing Performance

​​☒​Planning and Organizing

​​☒​Professionalism

​​☒​Respect for Diversity

​​☒​Self-Management

​​☒​Technological Awareness

​​☒​Vision

​​☒​Working in Teams

Living Conditions

According to UNDSS. Costa Rica is classified as a “Low Risk” country; however, the crime threat has increased in recent years and is now assessed as “substantial.” The threats of civil unrest and natural hazards are both considered “moderate.” Emergency services and police response are generally reliable.

The primary crimes affecting UN staff include street robbery, car burglary, purse and mobile snatching, crimes of opportunity, and homicides. Women are particularly at risk of street harassment and sexual violence. Recommendations include avoiding walking alone, especially at night, refraining from displaying valuable items, not carrying large sums of money, securing passports and credit cards, being cautious of credit card fraud, using official taxis, keeping vehicle doors locked, and informing someone trustworthy of your whereabouts. A non-resistant attitude is advised if involved in a crime incident. In the uncommon event of shootings, it is advised to go to the floor, stay down, and only rise once the police arrive.

Certain areas in San José and other regions are identified as “dangerous,” and visiting these zones requires careful consideration and additional precautions. The Security Focal Points of the AFPs maintain lists of these locations. UNDSS provides advisory and guidance to all agencies regarding necessary precautions.

Civil Unrest: Peaceful demonstrations, common in Santo Domingo and other major cities, can cause severe traffic disruptions and occasionally turn violent. It is advised to stay away from demonstrations.

Costa Rica experiences regular seismic activity, with around 10,000 events each year. The country has action plans for relocation and evacuation in case of earthquakes or similar events. Preparation for a high-intensity earthquake is recommended. Identify escape routes, meeting points, and follow safety procedures during an earthquake.

The country has a high rate of traffic accidents due to poor road conditions, inadequate maintenance, speeding, and unsafe driving practices. Mountainous areas with thick forests and poorly maintained dirt roads may lack cell phone coverage and road support services. Recommendations include obtaining detailed road information. Official road travel is only authorized during daylight hours. In remote and mountainous areas, travel only in convoys of at least two 4×4 vehicles, having experienced drivers, and carrying a satellite phone.

Costa Rica uses the Colon, but the US dollar is widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard cardholders can withdraw from most ATMs and pay with them in many places. Most ATMs do not work after 10 pm for security reasons. Card-cloning fraud is reported frequently.