Programme Support Associate: Climate Resilience & Just Transition

Organizational Context

UN-Habitat, the UN agency for sustainable towns and cities, works with governments and communities to promote inclusive urban development, climate resilience, and improved living conditions. In South Africa, UN-Habitat specifically supports municipalities in strengthening climate resilience, accessing climate finance, enhancing disaster risk reduction, and advancing just transition initiatives for low-carbon, inclusive cities. The agency collaborates with other UN entities to support the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and urban development priorities.

Job Purpose

This assignment offers a young professional practical experience in climate resilience programming within UN-Habitat South Africa. The UN Volunteer will provide crucial administrative, coordination, and programme support for initiatives focused on climate resilience, climate finance, and just transition. The role involves supporting the coordination and implementation of municipal resilience projects, contributing to sustainable urban development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The volunteer will gain exposure to project administration, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, research, reporting, and local government coordination.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support programme coordination and implementation by assisting in the planning, coordination, and execution of urban resilience, climate adaptation/mitigation, climate finance, disaster risk reduction, and just transition initiatives. This includes supporting vulnerability assessments, action plans, and organizing programme activities like meetings and workshops. The role also involves supporting UNCT internal coordination mechanisms by preparing documentation and following up on actions. Additionally, the volunteer will conduct research, collect data, and perform basic analysis on relevant topics, contributing to background documents and identifying trends. Monitoring, reporting, and results tracking are key, as is supporting knowledge management through documentation and developing knowledge products. Stakeholder engagement and operational coordination with municipalities, government departments, and partners will be essential, alongside supporting communication and visibility efforts. General administrative support, including logistics, travel, and document management, is also required.

Work Experience

No prior experience is required, but one year of relevant experience is desirable. This includes experience in climate resilience, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable urban development, or environmental management. Experience in project coordination, programme administration, stakeholder engagement, municipal development, or development programmes is beneficial. Skills in research, report writing, knowledge management, administrative support, and GIS/spatial analysis are also advantageous.

Skills

Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, and Working in Teams. Technical skills include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, administrative coordination, project support, document management, research, report writing, information management, and planning/coordination of meetings and stakeholder engagements. Excellent written and verbal communication and strong organizational skills are essential.

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