Climate Change and Environment Associate

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress. In Angola, the Country Office (CO) is currently implementing its Country Programme (CPD) for the period of 2020 – 2022, which is based on the premise of ‘leaving no one behind’ and ‘reaching those furthest behind first’. The programme includes integrated solutions to complex, interconnected development challenges. These challenges are currently being addressed through three complementary priorities:
1. fostering poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth;
2. increasing resilience to shocks and crises and enhancing management of natural re-sources for conservation and economic development; and
3. strengthening inclusive democracy, human rights, justice and rule of law.

In partnership with the Government of Angola, the CO under programme priority 2 (increasing resilience to shocks and crises and enhancing management of natural resources for conservation and economic development) has been mobilizing efforts and resources to address development challenges in the areas of biodiversity and ecosystems, renewable energy, environmental policy and planning, natural resources management and governance, climate change, disaster risk reduction, resilience building, recovery and livelihoods. UNDP operates through offices in Luanda (for national level interventions), with site representations in Benguela, Cuanza Sul and Huíla.

Angola faces significant climate and environmental challenges, including land degradation, biodiversity loss, increasing climate vulnerability, and inadequate waste management systems. The impacts of climate change have been intensifying across the country, resulting in a growing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. Recent flooding events in Benguela, as well as recurring cycles of drought and flooding in Cunene province, highlight the increasing exposure and vulnerability of communities to climate shocks. These trends underscore the urgent need for integrated, resilience-building interventions.

At the same time, Angola has strong potential to leverage its natural capital, renewable energy resources, and circular economy approaches to drive sustainable growth, strengthen resilience, and create green jobs.

UNDP Angola is implementing a growing portfolio of projects in climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, circular economy, and sustainable natural resource management. These initiatives involve close collaboration with government institutions (e.g., Ministry of Environment), municipalities, civil society, and private sector partners.

The UN Volunteer will be embedded within the Nature, Climate and Environment (NCE) Unit and will support project implementation, knowledge management, stakeholder engagement, and learning processes. This assignment provides a strong opportunity for early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience in international development, environmental programming, and UN operations.

Under the direct supervision of NCE Programme Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Programme Support and Implementation
- Support the implementation of climate change and environmental projects (e.g., circular economy, biodiversity, waste management, climate adaptation).
- Assist in tracking project activities, timelines, and deliverables.
- Contribute to the preparation of workplans, progress reports, and donor updates.
- Support basic data collection and analysis related to project outputs and indicators.
Research and Knowledge Management
- Conduct desk research on climate change, environmental policies, and sustainable development practices.
- Support the development of knowledge products (briefs, presentations, case studies, lessons learned).
- Assist in documenting good practices and pilot initiatives (e.g., community-based waste management, circular economy solutions).

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
- Support coordination with government counterparts, partners, and stakeholders.
- Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and field visits.
- Participate in consultations and support documentation of discussions and outcomes.
Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting
- Contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes by compiling data and supporting indicator tracking.
- Assist in preparing inputs for UNDP corporate reporting (e.g., ROAR, IWP).
- Support learning activities, including capturing insights from pilot initiatives.
Communication and Visibility
- Assist in preparing communication materials (success stories, social media content, presentations).
- Support visibility of project results and partnerships.

NCE Support
- Coordination support
- Support to the NCE portfolio

The assignment will provide structured learning opportunities, including:
- Exposure to UNDP programme management and project cycles.
- Mentorship and coaching from senior staff.
- Participation in technical discussions on climate change, circular economy, and environmental policy.
- Development of skills in data analysis, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination.
- Access to UNDP and UNV learning platforms and training opportunities.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance