Mission and objectivesUNDP is the UN's global development network and assists countries to build and share solutions to the challenges of globalization and human development. UNDPโs support to countries on climate change and disaster resilience is shaped by three important global agreements: the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNDP works with countries to help them reduce greenhouse gases and advance a long-term goal of zero-carbon development. At the same time, we work together with partners to adapt to the impacts of climate change, enhance access to clean energy, reduce the risk of disasters and, where needed, support resilient disaster recovery. Taken all together, these efforts are the path towards sustainable development that is risk-informed, zero-carbon and resilient.
ContextThe Central Asia region has a long history of disaster impacts, which on average cost $10 billion in estimated economic losses and affect more than 3 million people annually. The region has a complex risk profile, with growing impacts of climate change, high environmental degradation, and pollution, conflicts, as well as new and emerging security risks and threats. The population of the region, especially in urban areas, is highly exposed to the impacts of these hazards, and urbanization is outpacing risk reduction and adaptation efforts of governments in the region. In particular, Japanโs expertise in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction is vital. A prime example of this is the project โEnhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risk and Climate Change in Central Asia,โ funded by the Government of Japan, amongst other similar projects funded in Central Asia. The overall objective of this project is to support all five Central Asian countries in building climate resilience, with a particular focus on urban areas. The project will emphasize enhancing regional cooperation and partnerships through existing coordination platforms, while introducing innovative urban planning approaches based on practical experiences and lessons learned from countries like Japan.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Energy and Environment Unit of UNDP Kazakhstan, with secondary reporting line to the relevant project managers or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will: Provide technical and research support, and functional inputs for projectsโ implementation funded by the Government of Japan. The Volunteer will assist in the achievement of projectsโ objectives and outputs through research, coordination, and contributing to the development and application of innovative urban planning and resilience-building approaches. The Volunteer will collaborate closely with the Project Managers, the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub Climate and Disaster Resilience Team, and local and international partners to ensure alignment with projectsโ goals, effective coordination, and gather valuable local insights to strengthen their outcomes. Provide Research Functions and Technical Support: โข Provide advice on technical and policy aspects of projects, focusing on disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, urban resilience, and risk governance, amongst others. โข Assist with research in line with international best practices, regional needs, and global frameworks (Paris Agreement, Sendai Framework, and 2030 Agenda). โข Work with the Project Managers to keep projects on track and provide support in implementation. โข Help with annual reports by drafting and reviewing progress updates on projectsโ achievements, challenges, and strategies. โข Support technical input for project activities by collaborating with key partners like UNDP Country Offices, UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, and national governments, embassies of Japan in all five Central Asian countries and other international partners. โข Learn and contribute innovative urban resilience practices, including relevant experiences from Japan. โข Perform other relevant tasks as needed. Capacity Building, Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: โข Assist in creating capacity-building activities focusing on climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and urban planning, amongst others. โข Assist in strengthening regional coordination platforms with the UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub Climate and Disaster Resilience Team, project manager, and coordinators in all five Central Asian countries. โข Coordinate knowledge sharing by organizing exchanges between project countries and international partners to share best practices and ensure effective communication. โข Support dialogues with Japanese counterparts, embassies, and organizations to exchange knowledge and technical expertise. โข Support events, webinars, and other knowledge-sharing activities to provide platforms for stakeholders to engage and learn from each other. โข Support knowledge management by ensuring project documentation, lessons learned, and best practices are captured and shared with stakeholders. โข Support field missions and recruitment when needed. โข Perform other relevant tasks as needed.
Competencies and valuesโข Accountability โข Adaptability and flexibility โข Creativity โข Judgement and decision-making โข Planning and organising โข Professionalism โข Self-management
Living conditions and remarksThe UN Volunteer will be based in Astana, Kazakhstan. Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan. The city lies on the banks of the Ishim River in the north-central part of Kazakhstan, within the Akmola Region, though administered as a city with special status separately from the rest of the region. A 2020 official estimate reported a population of 1,136,008 within the city limits, making it the second-largest city in the country, after Almaty. The city became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997; since then it has grown and developed economically into one of the most modern cities in Central Asia. Astana is a safe town, but the usual precautions should still exercise. Medical services: No special vaccination is required to travel to Astana, Kazakhstan. Medical services (including dental care) are provided at European standards. Clinics working 24 hours are available in the city. There are both private and state clinics and hospitals. As of January 2025 International UN Youth Volunteers in Astana receive USD 2054/month as Volunteer Living Allowance. Other benefits include: โข Entry lump sum - USD 4000 (one time payment) โข Volunteer living allowance (as mentioned above) - USD 2054 / month โข Learning - Access to UNVโs learning and career development resources โข Annual leave - 2.5 days per month โข Insurance - Private insurance: Health, dental, life and dismemberment (100%) coverage by CIGNA. โข Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment) The above summary is provided as information only and is subject to change. For further information on the full range of entitlements and eligibility criteria, please read the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service 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.โ