UNEP : UN Volunteer: Programme Management Associate – Brussels

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    VOLUNTEER
  • Posted:
    4 weeks ago
  • Category:
    Programme and Project Management
  • Deadline:
    25/11/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Several UN organizations within of the UNBT, promote child and youth engagement and participation to ensure that EU policies and legislation are informed by their views and inputs. Together with UNEP, UNICEF and UNESCO support the implementation of climate and environmental education in school and academic institutions.

Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP’s Corporate Services Division (CSD) safeguards UNEP’s corporate interests by providing it with tools and plans for efficient and effective management and by managing its exposure to risk. It does so in line with the core values of the United Nations as well as all other relevant rules, regulations, and accountability requirements. The newly established CSD European Commission (EC) Operations Unit is structuring its engagement with UNEP stakeholders (Nairobi-based CSD units, Divisions, Regional Offices and the MEAs) and on coordination of all European Union funds received. Bi-located in Brussels and Nairobi, the Unit supports the programmatic and operational engagement with the EU Institutions. The assignment will contribute to the coordination work of the EC Operations Unit in charge of the EC-UNEP operational relationship and other matters pertaining to the cooperation with the European Commission.

Task Description

– Mapping of all EC funded projects since 2018, development and implementation of an EC project database (including repository) and monitoring tool; – Setting up a tracking mechanism for all EC-led verification missions and Residual Error Rate (RER) studies, including development and monitoring; – Maintains up to date records of the verification missions, RER studies and other audits; – Follows the developments of the EC project management systems (e.g. OPSYS) and drafts knowledge sharing materials; – Contributes to the development and the management of EC-UNEP contracts in line with the EC contractual framework and FAFA-related matters; – Monitors the discussions and developments on the EC contractual framework and FAFA-related matters; – Conducts research and intelligence gathering on various matters; – Contributes to the set-up of a structured knowledge management tool on the UNEP-EC operational partnership; – Any other duties as required.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Brussels is a unique city to live and work in. It is the capital of Belgium and also of Europe. Headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (N.A.T.O.), Brussels is an international financial centre and home to the European headquarters of over two thousand multinationals. Brussels offers high-calibre scientific resources and has flexible economic infrastructures that have enabled it to keep pace with the great technological changes of the 21st century. Security: Though concerns over terrorism exist, European countries remain low risk postings for staff and families. Crime rates are low and declining throughout most of Europe. However, crime does happen. This may include violent and non-violent robberies, smash and grab of items in vehicles, pickpocketing, purse snatching and general theft. Common locations for these crimes are tourist areas, public transport hubs and the metro/subway systems, especially at night. Criminals often operate in small teams. Report all crimes directly to the local police then inform your Agency Security Focal Point. Dress Code: Smart casual; formal office clothing for meetings of formal nature. Working hours: The standard working week is 40 hours, Monday to Friday. You carry out your assignments according to the schedule of working hours agreed with your direct supervisor. You should notify the office immediately in case of illness or other unavoidable circumstances that prevent you from observing your working hours. Smoking: All UN offices are smoke-free environments. For those of you who do smoke, there is a smoking area in front of the main entrance of UN House. Other Remarks: Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2160.37 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements