Mission and objectivesSince its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the 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. UNEPโs 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.
ContextUNEP categorizes its work into seven subprogrammes: climate action; nature action; chemicals and pollution action; science-policy; environmental governance, finance and economic transformations, and digital transformations. This UNV assignment is part of UNEPโs Office of Chief Digital Officer, Digital Transformations (DT) Subprogramme, supporting work on coordinating the subprogramme, including tracking outcome progress and results, reporting internally and externally to Member States and stakeholders, and supporting all areas of the programme coordination workflow. The recruited National UNVs will work closely with the DT Sub-programme coordinator to assist in communication and enhancing the impact of our work. This includes support to the development of communication materials, the programme performance report and other portfolioโrelated activities as well as support to coordination functions and resource mobilization. Specific tasks will include liaising with regional subprogramme coordinators, project and communication staff in out-posted offices, providing meeting support, collecting evidence for programme reporting, analysing and visualizing data and information, maintaining databases, updating the Intranet, drafting of policy briefs, contributing to document reviews, contributing to implementing resource mobilization strategies, tracking regular progress reporting, and communicating lessons learns and results.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief Digital Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Coordination Assistant will: โข Provide administrative and meeting support to the DT Subprogramme coordination function; โข Develop and maintain a database for the DT programme performance tracking and populate this with historical data as well as new data; โข Collect, analyze and interpret on a regular basis data related to the implementation of the programme to support monitoring and reporting of higher-level results; โข Monitor and analyze specific aspects of Digital Transformations programme/project development and implementation and follow-up with project teams on their reporting requirements as necessary; โข Develop and maintain the project portfolio databases, including status of project development and approvals, revisions, evaluations and closures; โข Assist in analyzing and visualizing project data, including the mapping of project presence, and maintain the Intranet and programmatic websites; โข Undertake research on current and emerging trends and prepare analytical summaries that can support strategic planning, implementation and communication of UNEPโs Medium-Term Strategy and the biennial Programmes of Work; โข Review draft project proposals prepared by offices that contribute to the programme with a view to ensuring consistency with the programme manual and Project Review Committee checklist, to improve project design quality prior to project submission for approval; โข Contribute to the preparation of contracts, terms of reference, proofing of drafts and selected inputs, such as success stories and lessons learnt, draft background papers, analytical notes, websites and social media networks, etc...; โข Liaise between the Office of Chief Digital Officer, the Policy and Programme Division, other Divisions and Sub-programmes, designers and others in the pro-duction of the performance report and other reports and communication materials. โข Provide flexible and ad hoc support the DT Sub-programme coordinator in various duties, as and when required. โข Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: โข Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); โข Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; โข Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. โข Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; โข Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; โข Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. Results/expected outputs: โข As an active UNEP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNEP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Contributing to the successful monitoring, implementation, reporting and communication of results of the Programme of Work; โข Upholding UN values and applying an Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective in all activities throughout the assignment โข Supporting volunteerism for peace and development and developing capacities.
Competencies and valuesProfessionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEPโs mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Living conditions and remarksNairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services are available locally at reasonable cost. The city is at a high altitude, with sunny days and cooler nights. There is a short rainy season before Christmas, and longer rains fall from March to May. November to February is generally warm. There are several transportation options in Nairobi, including taxis, buses, mini-buses, and mobile applications for transport. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both UN HABITAT and UNEP, and as the UN Regional Hub for the East and Horn of Africa region. Safety and security in Nairobi varies depending on different neighbourhoods, and it is important to become familiarized with safety recommendations for the city. Telecommunication system in Nairobi is generally sufficient. Internet access is generally reliable. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.