COP29 Overview

COP29 will take place from 11-24 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. During COP29, parties are expected to agree on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance and continue their work across other key workstreams, including the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience (the Global Goal on Adaptation), loss and damage, Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE), and the mitigation and Just Transition Programmes.

UNDP’s Involvement

UNDP supports the Government of Azerbaijan in various areas to host COP29. This includes developing training workshops to build confidence and capacity in the preparation of Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), joint organization of COP29 Sustainable Business Forum, and so on. The UNDP and the Government of Azerbaijan also work together to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

UN Volunteers’ Contribution

COP aims to make climate change action relevant to everyday life and livelihoods while also empowering youth to see themselves as leaders in this effort. UN Volunteers play a vital role in advocating for volunteerism and youth engagement in environmental protection and the fight against climate change. The UN Volunteer will be expected to support Environment and Energy Portfolio of UNDP Azerbaijan in the technical level within the support of events (both in regions and in capital), logistics arrangements, daily operations, and communication with relevant parties as per the request.

Role of UN Volunteer at UNDP Office Baku, Azerbaijan

Under the supervision of the Head of Energy and Environment (E&E) Portfolio, the UN Volunteer will provide essential support to the E&E Portfolio in Baku, Azerbaijan. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for procedural communications, operations, and administrative support services to ensure the smooth running of the supervisor’s day-to-day activities.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNDP E&E Head of Portfolio or his/her designated mandated representative (MoSS), the UN University Volunteer Technical Assistant for E&E Portfolio and COP29 will:

• Work in close collaboration with NAP Project Manager and E&E management unit in daily activities as needed and support if requested, with secretarial, administrative, tasks.
• Assist in organizing all COP29 and E&E portfolio related events (training, presentations, meetings, fairs etc.).
• Coordinate and schedule meetings, send calendar invites and ensure all relevant parties are informed and prepared.
• Support in the organization of the upcoming joint event of the “Climate Change Summer Camp” and “COP29 Simulation”.
• Support in the organization of planned NAP project events on training of trainers (TOTs), master program trainings on CCA for decision makers, and CCA trainings for technical staff of government agencies.
• Coordinate with the E&E portfolio supervisor as needed ahead of any official missions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for inquiries related to E&E portfolio’s engagement and schedule for COP29, providing timely and accurate information.
• Assist in translation of documents, letters and emails if needed. Drafting and preparing letters as per the request of supervisor.
• Work closely with other team members to ensure a cohesive approach to COP29 and E&E portfolio activities.

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:

1. Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications, and actively participating in UNV activities. These activities include environmental and climate action initiatives, climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, the COP29 campaign, and outdoor social events.
2. Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
3. Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
4. Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
5. Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
6. Be the focal point of UNDP E&E portfolio working with Online UN Volunteers on the purpose of mapping, data collection, researching, translation and proofreading etc.
7. 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.

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Minimum experience: 0-1 year of experience in administrative and technical assistance.

Skills and Competencies:
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Azerbaijani languages.
• Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., MS Office Suite) and experience with communication tools and platforms.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team and interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in preparing documents and managing information.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a proactive and problem-solving approach.

The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials. The full entitlements at the duty station: https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service: https://explore.unv.org/cos

Summary of UNV Entitlements for National UN Volunteer (University):
• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is USD 637.365 (Paid in local currency)
• Health, dental, life and dismemberment coverage by CIGNA.
• One-time payment USD 400 for entry allowance to cover relocation and relevant expenses
• USD 88.53 per month for exit allowance upon the satisfactory completion of service
• Several learning opportunities

Azerbaijan is a country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. The living conditions in Azerbaijan vary depending on factors such as urban or rural location, income level, and access to resources.

In urban areas, particularly in the capital city of Baku (where the position will be located), living conditions are generally considered to be modern and comfortable, with access to amenities such as good quality housing, healthcare, and education. The climate in Azerbaijan is generally temperate, with hot summers and cold winters. In the coastal areas, the climate is more humid, while the inland areas have a more arid climate.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNDP offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNDP premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNDP works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNDP for the duration of their contracts.