Advocacy and Partnership Associate (Circular Economy)

Organizational Context

UNDP Bangladesh partners with the nation to support its transition towards sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient economic development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The organization focuses on building institutions and strengthening capacities through people-centric policies. This UN Volunteer assignment is embedded within UNDP's Circular Economy (CE) Portfolio, a strategic initiative aimed at fostering green competitiveness, inclusive markets, and sustainable cities while enhancing policy coherence and partnerships across various sectors.

Job Purpose

This UN Volunteer assignment supports UNDP Bangladesh's Circular Economy (CE) Portfolio, which is crucial for the country's shift towards sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient economic development. The role is integral to positioning circular economy principles as a driver for enhanced green competitiveness, inclusive markets, and sustainable urban development, while also promoting behavioural change. The assignment requires active engagement in advocacy, strategic communication, and partnership building to foster policy appetite and stakeholder alignment. The UN Volunteer will contribute to a better understanding of portfolio-based approaches for systemic change and advance CE partnerships, literacy, and awareness narratives in close collaboration with relevant UNDP teams.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the CE Portfolio Manager, the UNV National Specialist will support advocacy and external engagement by assisting with efforts targeting government institutions, NGOs, CSOs, academia, and private sector actors. This includes facilitating dialogue and consultations to strengthen policy interest in circular economy approaches and aligning messages across stakeholders. The role involves supporting the development and adaptation of communication materials to effectively convey the CE Portfolio narrative, enhancing stakeholder understanding of portfolio approaches for systemic change, and preparing briefing notes and presentations. Additionally, the UN Volunteer will contribute to CE literacy, awareness, and behavioural change initiatives, assist in developing content for sustainable consumption and production campaigns, and document lessons learned. Coordination with programme and communications teams to ensure message coherence and support for events, campaigns, and outreach activities are also key responsibilities, alongside monitoring and reporting on advocacy and communication efforts.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required, including policy advocacy on sustainable development, preferably in environment or climate-related issues. Experience in multi-stakeholder engagement with government, civil society, and the private sector is essential. Strong written and verbal communication skills for drafting briefs and materials, familiarity with behaviour change communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in a complex environment are also necessary. Proficiency in MS Office and digital communication tools is expected.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, sound judgment, planning and organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Expertise in development programmes, communication, and energy/environment is desirable. The role also requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work inclusively with diverse partners.

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