Project Assistant – Marine Litter & Environmental Cooperation in the Caspian Sea

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.

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

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.