Project Assistant Eco Based Systems Adaptation at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Under the direct supervision of the Head, UNEP sub Regional Office for Southern Africa (SADC), the Individual Contractor will undertake the following tasks:

• Provide technical support to the UNEP sub Regional Office during the ‘transformational phase’. This includes (but is not limited to): conceptualizing and developing the transformation rationale; categorizing the 16 SADC countries (based on socio-economic criteria) to ensure effectiveness/efficiency of UNEP interventions; situational analysis of the SADC countries to glean challenges and opportunities; conceptualizing the vision, mission, objectives, focus areas; determining strategic engagements, required inputs (human resources and logistics); conceptualizing the key functions; developing the implementation modality of the sub Regional office; and initial engagements with key stakeholders (e.g. UNRCs, UNCTs).
• Support the sub Regional Office’s Advocacy and Outreach Campaigns (Education/Awareness/Sensitizations/Trainings) geared to elevate environmental issues to the same level/s as social and economic issues
• Working with UNCTs in the sub-Region (i.e. operationalization of UNSDCFs, revision/updating of CCAs, revision/updating of JWPs, etc.)
• Support the Head of Office in her engagement with Member States and various other Stakeholders responsible for environment-related issues, including establishing strategic partnerships
• Support UNEP Divisions in providing information that can help in (i) Identification of Country priorities to inform programming; (ii) Development and Implementation of various Programmes/Projects/Activities at country and sub-Regional levels (including replication of best-practices and experiences)
• Support the Head of Office in strengthening the South-South and North-South Cooperation in terms of: (i) sharing best-practices and knowledge related to resolving the Triple Planetary Crisis; and (ii) implementation of various global and regional Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and Conventions
• Support the Head of Office in convening country/sub Regional platforms (High Level Forums; Workshops, Webinars, Retreats, etc.) and World Environment Day (WED) commemorations, for Environmental Sustainability
• Support the Head of Office in resource mobilization (in collaboration with UNEP Divisions).

Qualifications/special skills

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Natural Sciences, Environmental Management/Studies, Environmental Science/Sustainability, Sustainable Agriculture, Circular Economy, Biodiversity and Land use Management is required.
• A minimum of seven years of experience in programme or project administration, Environment Management, technical cooperation or related area is required.
• Experience coordinating and analyzing programmes and services and in-depth knowledge of Environment Management in Southern African countries is desirable.

Closing: 01 Feb, 2023