Environment Programme Associate

UNOPS provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services for a more sustainable world.
Firmly grounded in UN values, we ensure our partners maximize the positive impact of their peace and security, humanitarian and development projects. Equality, inclusiveness, sustainability and resilience form the foundations of our work.

UNOPS is dedicated to supporting our partners by providing services that increase the effectiveness of peace and security, humanitarian and development projects worldwide.
To advance the 2030 Agenda – including supporting climate actions and promoting equal opportunities – UNOPS aims to engage in collaborative partnerships with a focus on sharing our expertise in infrastructure, procurement, project management, human resources and financial services.

They work with a variety of partners, from the UN family to governments, non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector.
Their partners call on us to supplement their own capacities, improve efficiency and transparency, reduce risks, boost cost-effectiveness and ensure quality.

UNOPS helps the UN system, governments, and partners deliver operational solutions across infrastructure, procurement, grant management, and project delivery. As part of its commitment to climate action, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable supply chains, UNOPS works to accelerate the transition toward circular economies, reduce plastic waste, and enhance municipal resource recovery.

Working at the intersection of environmental sustainability and practical project delivery, the UN Youth Volunteer will support UNOPS in executing circularity and waste management initiatives while actively assisting the team in pipeline development, partner mapping, and resource mobilization.

The UN Youth Volunteer will contribute inputs into environmental project support, delivery, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement and communications activities. Their specific tasks will include;

1. Environmental & Circularity Project Support
● Technical Assistance: Assist in monitoring and tracking environmental project activities, focusing on plastic waste reduction, circular value chains, sustainable infrastructure design, and waste-to-resource management.
● Research & Analysis: Conduct baseline studies, market assessments, and policy mapping related to local circular economy frameworks, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and sustainable procurement practices.
● Field & Data Coordination: Help gather field-level data, metrics, and progress indicators across local waste management, recycling, and community-led circularity initiatives.

2. Resource Mobilization & Business Development
● Donor & Partner Mapping: Map funding opportunities, climate funds, bilateral donors, development banks, and private sector partners focusing on circular economy and plastic waste management.
● Proposal Development: Assist in drafting concept notes, donor proposals, logical frameworks, and budgets for new environment, waste management and infrastructure initiatives.
● Opportunity Tracking: Monitor tenders, calls for proposals, and strategic funding windows across national and regional environment sectors.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
● Multi-Stakeholder Liaison: Help organize technical working groups, donor briefings, and consultations with municipal authorities, civil society, waste-picker associations, and private recyclers.
● Inter-Agency Collaboration: Facilitate joint UN initiatives

4. Communications, Youth Advocacy & Reporting
● Impact Storytelling: Draft project updates, briefing notes, donor reports, and case studies highlighting circular economy outcomes and sustainable procurement practices.
● Youth Engagement: Help integrate youth-centric perspectives and community participation into circular economy programming.