Organization Mission

Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the 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 mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

Context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), serving the Tehran Convention Secretariat — the governing body of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea, established in 2003. The Convention provides a regional legal framework for cooperation among the five Caspian littoral states — Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and Turkmenistan — to protect the Caspian Sea environment, address pollution, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. The Secretariat, hosted by UNEP, facilitates coordination among Contracting Parties, supports the implementation of the Convention and its Protocols, and engages with stakeholders including national authorities, regional bodies, scientific institutions, and development partners

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Tehran Convention Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:
• Provide administrative and operational support for the coordination and implementation of project activities under the Tehran Convention and its Protocols.
• Assist in the organization of regional and national meetings, workshops, and consultations, including preparation of invitations, agendas, background materials, and meeting reports.
• Contribute to the preparation, review, and editing of project documents, reports, presentations, and communication materials.
• Assist in maintaining effective communication and coordination with Caspian littoral states, project partners, UNEP offices, and other relevant institutions.
• Support data collection and compilation of information related to marine litter, land-based sources of pollution, and other Tehran Convention workstreams.
• Provide logistical and administrative support, including processing requests, preparing correspondence, and assisting with financial and procurement procedures where needed.
• Contribute to knowledge management by maintaining project files, databases, and relevant online platforms, ensuring timely updates and documentation.
• Assist in preparing inputs for outreach materials, newsletters, and web updates to enhance visibility of the Tehran Convention and the Marine Litter Project.
• Perform other related duties as required to support the Tehran Convention Secretariat’s operations and the successful delivery of project outcomes.

Required Skills and Experience

– project coordination and administrative support, preferably in an international or intergovernmental context.
– environmental policy, marine and coastal management, or related fields, including familiarity with multilateral environmental agreements.
– the organization of meetings, workshops, and regional consultations, including preparation of agendas, documentation, and logistical arrangements.
– liaising with multiple stakeholders, such as government officials, regional organizations, NGOs, and scientific institutions.
– drafting, reviewing, and editing technical and communication documents in a clear and concise manner.
– data collection, information management, and preparation of progress reports.
– working with Microsoft Office applications and collaborative tools (e.g., Teams, SharePoint) for project management and coordination.
– working effectively in multicultural environments and demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a transcontinental country located mainly in Central Asia and partly in Eastern Europe. It borders Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the southeast, Uzbekistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest, with a coastline along the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstan is the world”s largest landlocked country, the largest and northernmost Muslim-majority country by land area, and the ninth-largest country in the world. It has a population of 20 million people, and one of the lowest population densities in the world, at fewer than 6 people per square kilometre (15 people per square mile). Its capital is Astana, known as Nur-Sultan from 2019 to 2022. Almaty, Kazakhstan”s largest city and financial center, was the country”s capital until 1997.

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population of 2,2 mln people, about 11% of the country”s total population. Almaty is the major commercial and cultural center of Kazakhstan. The city is in the mountainous area of southern Kazakhstan in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau at an elevation of 700–900 m (2,300–3,000 feet), where the Large and Small Almatinka rivers run into the plain. Almaty is a safe city, but the usual precautions should still exercise.

Medical services: No special vaccination is required to travel to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Medical services (including dental care) are provided at European standards. Clinics working 24 hours are available in the city. There are both private and state clinics and hospitals. Pharmacies (Kazakh: darikhana, Russian: apteka) all over Almaty sell many Western medicines.
Emergency numbers: In case of emergency, please call “101” (Fire services), “102” (Police), “103” (Ambulance), “104” (Gas Service), “112” (Rescue service in emergency situations).

As of February 2025 National UN Volunteers Specialists receive USD 1173/month as their Volunteer Living Allowance in Kazakhstan.

Other benefits include:
• Pre-assignment Entry lump sum – USD 400 (one time payment)
• Volunteer living allowance (as mentioned above) – USD 1173/month
• Learning – Access to UNV”s learning and career development resources
• Annual leave – 2.5 days per month
• Insurance – Private insurance: Health, dental, life and dismemberment (100%) coverage by CIGNA
• Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment)

The above summary is provided as information only and is subject to change. For further information on the full range of entitlements and eligibility criteria, please read the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service at https://explore.unv.org/cos

You can also check full entitlements at the duty station FYI at https://app.unv.org/calculator

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements:
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity’s policy.