Volunteer Opportunity as a Program Officer in Thailand at UNV

United Nations Volunteers Program is offering a volunteer opportunity in Thailand to work as a Program Officer. You will support various activities within the framework of the Intergovernmental Affairs Coordination Unit and the United Nations and contribute to major regional and global events, including preparations for the fifth session of the UNEP Forum of Ministers and Environmental Authorities in Asia and the Pacific (5th AP Forum) to be held in the last quarter of 2023 and the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), in Nairobi scheduled from 26 February to 1 March 2024 and regional preparations for other intergovernmental meetings including the annual Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development. In this role you will be responsible for preparing country profiles; regularly compiling political and environmental developments in the region; providing the necessary inputs to regular intergovernmental and United Nations meetings; Update the list of events; Preparing drafts of background documents for the Fifth AP Forum; Liaise with Member States and other stakeholders to finalize the agenda and list of participants for the 5th AP Forum, and prepare draft speeches and presentations for senior managers in intergovernmental and UN affairs when needed.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Environmental Officer and overall supervision of the Regional Director, Asia Pacific, you will be responsible for each of the following:

• Prepare and update country briefs and contribute to draft speeches and presentations for the Regional Office when needed.
• Regular analysis of political and policy-related developments and contribute to the preparation of monthly environmental updates for the region.
• Support for the organization of the Fifth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia and the Pacific (5th AP Forum), including support for the organization of the Asia Pacific Civil Society Organizations Forum and the Asia Pacific Youth Forum.
• Support the preparation process for the 5th Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia and the Pacific (5th AP Forum), including preparation of the agenda, draft background documents, invitation and participation list, and draft outcome documents.
• Support regional participation in the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), including participation by Member States, major groups, and stakeholders and contribution to UNEA-6.
• Coordination of regional inputs for the preparation of quarterly reports for the Executive Office.
• Follow up on the implementation of UNEA decisions in Asia and the Pacific and contribute to the preparation of the background paper for the 5th AP Forum and the HQ monitoring and reporting process.
• Follow up the process of cooperation with the main IGOs in the region, including projects, partnerships, etc.
• Support UNEP's participation in the annual Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development and other intergovernmental meetings when needed, in consultation with the UNEP Regional Development Coordinator.
• You should also:
• Enhance your knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteering by reading relevant UNV and external publications and actively participating in UNV activities (eg in events featuring IVD).
• Learn about traditional and/or local forms of volunteering in the host country.
• Reflect on the type of volunteer work you do, including participating in ongoing reflection activities.
• Contribute articles/writing on field experiences to UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Help with the UNV Friends Program for newly arrived UNVs.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of the Online Volunteering Platform or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering Service whenever technically feasible.
• Achieving the expected results/outputs of your work which include:
• Preparing the draft agenda, list of invitees and participants, draft background documents, draft closing documents, and managing the content of the 5th AP Forum website.
• Maintain a list of key events and a list of contact points as well as major groups, stakeholders, and partners in the digital repository.
• Compilation of best practices on South-South and triangular cooperation for Asia and the Pacific office.
• Regional participation in the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), including draft agenda, list of participants, list of side events, and other briefs to support senior managers when needed.
• Quarterly progress in following up on the implementation of UNEA decisions in Asia and the Pacific in line with HQ reports on decisions taken.
• Follow-up cooperation with intergovernmental organizations in the region (ASEAN, ICIMIOD, SACEP, SPREP, GMS, ESCAP).
• Provide support to the UNCT focal points for inputs, which include the Common Country Assessment, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks, and the UNCT reports.

You must have:

• You must be between 35 and 80 years old.
• You must be a national of any country other than the country of appointment.
• 15 years of experience in development studies, international affairs, political science, social sciences, public administration, or any other related field.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience with web-based platforms and software for communication and information exchange.
• Communication skills and the use of social media.
• At least 15 years of practical experience in an environmental field, special interest in working in the Asia-Pacific region, and ability to conduct research and policy analysis on environmental issues.
• Fluency in English and knowledge of other Asian languages. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an added advantage.
• Experience in communications, business administration, or management.
• Master's degree or equivalent in the field of development, international affairs, political science, social sciences, public administration, or any other related field.
• Competencies and values required for work:
• Business professionalism: understanding of UNEP-related processes; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferable to UNEP procedures and rules; Confidentiality, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact in dealing with clients; the ability to apply sound judgment at work; the ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, particularly in senior positions; When required, a high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and the ability to take charge; Willingness to accept broad responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; Ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially.
• Integrity at work: demonstrating the values and ethical standards of the United Nations and the United Nations Environment Program in daily activities and behavior while working without regard for personal gain; Resisting undue political pressure in decision-making; standing by decisions that are in the interest of the organization even if they are not popular enough; Take immediate action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behavior; Do not abuse your power or influence.
• Teamwork skills and respect for diversity: Ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries. high interpersonal skills; Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relationships in a multicultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with respect for diversity; Sensitivity and adaptability to different cultures, religions, nationalities, and ages; Commit to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal and full participation of women and men in all aspects of United Nations operations; Ability to achieve common goals and provide necessary guidance or training to colleagues.
• Initiative and willingness to learn new skills and keep abreast of new developments in the area of expertise. The ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.
• Planning and Organizational Skills: Necessary organizational skills and ability to solve problems effectively and manage a high volume of work in an efficient and timely manner. Ability to prioritize, plan, coordinate, and follow up on (own) work; Ability to work under pressure to conflicting deadlines, and handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Communication skills: Proven interpersonal skills. Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; Ability to conduct presentations and articulate options and positions succinctly and clearly; Ability to make recommendations, communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from a variety of backgrounds; The ability to pass on your information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups.
• Work flexibility: the ability to adapt to, live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, including those involving physical hardship and little rest; the ability to work independently in harsh environments for extended periods; Willingness to travel within the area of operations and transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary.
• A true commitment to the principles of voluntary participation, which include solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance. A commitment to the mission and vision of the United Nations Environment Program, as well as to the core values of the United Nations.

About UN Volunteer:

International UN Volunteers promote peace and development in communities around the globe while upholding the ideals and aspirations of the United Nations. They come from 160 countries, representing many cultures and backgrounds, and bring a wide variety of perspectives and approaches.

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