Project Associate (Environment)

UNDP supports strategic capacity development initiatives to promote inclusive growth and sustainable human development. Together with national, regional and local authorities, civil societies, private sector, UNDP strives to support Ukraine in its efforts to eliminate poverty, develop people’s capacity, achieve equitable results, sustain the environment, and advance democratic governance. UNDP is in line with 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to achieve national strategic capacity development.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has caused unprecedented environmental damage, affecting air, water, soils, ecosystems and human health. To support the Government of Ukraine in assessing, documenting and addressing these impacts, UNDP implements initiatives on environmental damage assessment and green recovery, working closely with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, the State Environmental Inspectorate, and other key stakeholders.

Within this framework, UNDP is engaging a National UN Youth Volunteer –Project Associate (Environment) to provide day-to-day support to environmental damage assessment and recovery activities. The Associate will assist in collecting and organizing information and data on environmental impacts, preparing concise analytical and communication materials, and helping to coordinate meetings, workshops and outreach with national and local partners.

Working closely with UNDP programme staff, national counterparts and other project team members, the Youth Volunteer will contribute to strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian institutions and communities to understand, communicate and respond to war-related environmental damage. By bringing strong motivation, fresh perspectives and solid digital and communication skills, the Associate will help promote a culture of environmental responsibility and support the narrative of a resilient, green recovery for Ukraine.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the Environmental Damage Assessment (EDA) team, the National UN Youth Volunteer – Project Associate (Environment) will provide day-to-day support to UNDP and national partners in documenting war-related environmental damage and promoting a resilient, green recovery. S/he will contribute to analytical, coordination and communication activities of the Project by focusing on:

- Assisting in the collection, verification and organization of information and data on environmental impacts of the war (air, water, soil, biodiversity, waste, etc.) from national and local sources;
- Helping to maintain project files, shared folders, simple databases and tracking tools for cases of environmental damage, meetings and follow-up actions;
- Assisting in the preparation and organization of meetings, workshops and consultations of the Coordination Centre and other working groups (drafting agendas, participant lists, minutes and follow-up correspondence);
- Assist in the procurement processes including vendor creation, e-requisitions, etc., prepare tenders’ documentations and small procurements (canvassing) under the guidance from the Procurement associate;
- Assist in drafting terms of references for consultants and contractors as required, and provide support to the recruitment of short-term consultants in line with UNDP rules and regulations;
- Assist the project teams, experts, and consultants with travel and logistics matters;
- Keep accurate electronic and paper filing, information, and records systems.
- Supporting liaison and communication with national institutions, local authorities, civil society organizations and youth groups involved in environmental damage assessment and/or green recovery;
- Assist in the preparation of regular updates and reports on projects’ progress, implementing issues, emerging risks/problems, and proposals for necessary remedial actions
- Contributing to the development of communication materials (short texts, social media posts, infographics, photo/video content) to explain environmental reforms, document recovery activities and showcase joint UNDP–Government initiatives;
- Providing basic translation and interpretation support (Ukrainian–English and vice versa) for project documents, presentations, emails and meetings, as required;
- Participating in trainings, meetings, field visits and other capacity-building or outreach activities organized by UNDP and partners, and sharing youth perspectives and feedback;
- Contributing to a positive, collaborative and learning-oriented team environment, proactively seeking guidance and opportunities to build skills in environmental assessment, project coordination and communications;