Environment Programme Associate
Organizational Context
UNOPS provides infrastructure, procurement, and project management services globally, focusing on sustainable development and maximizing the positive impact of peace, security, humanitarian, and development projects. They collaborate with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, academia, and the private sector to enhance efficiency, transparency, and cost-effectiveness. UNOPS is committed to advancing the 2030 Agenda, including climate action and promoting equal opportunities, by sharing expertise in key operational areas.
Job Purpose
The UN Youth Volunteer will support UNOPS in executing circularity and waste management initiatives, contributing to climate action and sustainable supply chains. This role involves working at the intersection of environmental sustainability and practical project delivery. The volunteer will actively assist the team in developing project pipelines, mapping potential partners, and mobilizing resources to accelerate the transition towards circular economies, reduce plastic waste, and enhance municipal resource recovery, thereby supporting UNOPS' mission.
Responsibilities
The UN Youth Volunteer will contribute to environmental project support, delivery, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and communications. Key duties include providing technical assistance for projects focused on plastic waste reduction, circular value chains, and waste-to-resource management; conducting research and analysis on local circular economy frameworks, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and sustainable procurement; and gathering field data on waste management and community-led initiatives. The role also involves mapping funding opportunities and partners, assisting in proposal development for new environmental initiatives, and tracking tenders. Additionally, the volunteer will help organize consultations with stakeholders, facilitate joint UN initiatives, draft project updates and reports, and integrate youth perspectives into programming.
Work Experience
A minimum of 1 month of relevant experience is required, including internships, academic projects, or volunteer work in environmental management, circularity, plastic waste, grant writing, or business development. Familiarity with proposal drafting, pitch deck development, or fundraising research is a strong asset.
Skills
The role requires action-oriented and proactive behavior, strong analytical and writing skills to translate technical concepts into proposals, and the ability to build partnerships and network effectively. Adaptability and inclusivity are essential for operating in multicultural environments. A strong interest in UNOPS' core areas of sustainable procurement, infrastructure resilience, and project execution is also important.