Mission and objectives

As the development arm of the United Nations, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading organization working to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and cli-mate change, as well as the technical lead in the UN System’s socio-economic response to COVID-19. Working with a broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. Since 1967, UNDP has worked in close partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) for over five decades, providing strategic support in crisis prevention and recovery, governance, poverty reduction, environment, and sustainable development. UNDP together with the GoSL work towards a sustainable Sri Lanka, building up institutional, legal and individual capacities to respond to the effects of climate change and natural and man-made disasters.

Context

UNDP’s Climate and Environment Cluster works with the government agencies to carry out projects that deal with promoting environmental sustainability, renewable energy, climate resilience and managing risks posed by disasters. The Programme supports the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) to meet their international obligations, such as Paris Agreement, NDCs and more, and strengthening the policies and institutions that are in place to ensure environmental sustainability, climate action and disaster resilience. The Programme also helps promote partnerships, improve networks with stakeholders, and share knowledge on how best to tackle issues pertaining to the environment, climate change and disasters, and support efforts made to achieve sustainable and environmentally sensitive development. Signatories to the Paris Agreement are expected to submit the third iteration of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCCC Secretariat by 10 February 2025. As part of its commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Government of Sri Lanka is preparing to update their NDCs, aligning their national climate goals and strategies to ensure they are on track towards the global goal of limiting temperatures to 1.5°C. Building on the support provided to the Government of Sri Lanka to update its NDCs in 2021 and develop the NDC Implementation Plan in 2023, through the Climate Promise 2025 programme, in coordination with other UN agencies and development partners, UNDP is providing technical leadership to enhance Sri Lanka’s NDCs. The NDC 3.0 process includes reviewing and updating the country’s NDCs. In this context, a National UN Youth Volunteer, guided by the Senior Technical Specialist, CET is required to support the coordination and communication activities of the programme.

Task Description

Under the direct supervisor of the Senior Technical Specialist, the National UN Youth Volunteer will: • Provide coordination support among stakeholders involved in the NDC 3.0 process, including UNDP team, other UN agencies and development partners, government agencies and other related stakeholders; • Assist in preparing materials for workshop and outreach activities related to NDC enhancement including Internal and external communication materials; • Organize meetings, workshops, and public events associated with the NDC 3.0 process,including venue arrangements, participant coordination, and logistical support; • Attend and document meetings, preparing minutes and action points for follow-up with relevant stakeholders; • Support the compilation and organization of reports, summaries, and other documentation related to NDC 3.0; • Undertake other relevant tasks as required by the supervisor to support the Climate and Environment team. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards United Nations Development Programmes mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Colombo is located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka and is the commercial capital of the country. Colombo is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to the administrative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte. The climate is temperate all throughout the year, but humidity is usually high. From March to April the temperature averages around 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit). The only major change in the Colombo weather occurs during the monsoon seasons from May to August and October to January when heavy rainfall occurs. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements