Project Assistant

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global 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 Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries including those in crisis-affected situations. Within the Ecosystem Division, Disaster and Conflict Branch is the main mechanism for channeling UNEP’s support to areas of the world where the natural and human environment have been damaged by conflicts and disasters. Specialized environmental expertise is provided to rapidly identify risks to health, livelihoods and ecosystem services and to integrate environmental needs within the recovery process. UNEP’s activities in Ukraine are implemented in response to the official request from the Government of Ukraine to support its efforts to monitor, assess, mitigate, and remediate the environmental damage resulting from the conflict The specific objectives of the UNEP, as a support unit of The Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine (UGRP) are to: - Support actions to priorities and accelerate reform of policies and legislation, practices and institutions and to mobilize whole-of-government commitment and engagement for greening the post-war recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine; - Support the development of amendments to the financial constitution and financial instruments which can facilitate the implementation of the Green Recovery Strategy; - Support co-ordination and mobilization of additional expertise and funding to promote a science-based, systemic and coordinated green recovery and set Ukraine on a net zero and climate-resilient development trajectory

The Government of Ukraine, through Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to UNEP in Nairobi, officially requested UNEP to support its efforts to monitor, assess, mitigate, and remediate the environmental damage resulting from the war in Ukraine. The provision of such support is core to the services offered by UNEP under its mandate, the agreed Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work, and applicable UNEA resolutions, namely 2/15 (Protection of the environment in areas affected by armed conflict) and 3/1 (Pollution mitigation and control in areas affected by armed conflict or terrorism). Established in March 2023 to support Ukraine in addressing the environmental consequences of the war, the UNEP office in Kyiv works in close cooperation with National and local authorities, civil society, Academia and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a sustainable, climate resilient and green conflict-recovery in Ukraine in alignment with the country’s National Recovery Plan. Within an initial phase UNEP will focus on laying the required foundation to support a green and resilience recovery through an enhanced national and international understanding of the impact of the war on the environment and demonstrating environment related remediation measures which will be critical for recovery and reconstruction. A second phase will (to be articulated further depending on the evolution of the war) focus on upscaling appropriate environment-integrated recovery and reconstruction measures for upscaling and replication. UNEP is a support unit of The Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine (UGRP). UGRP is a collaborative initiative designed to promote coordinated, science-based, and environmentally sustainable recovery and reconstruction. It brings together government institutions, international partners, and technical experts to align recovery efforts with green economy principles and low-emission development pathways consistent with Ukraine’s national priorities and EU accession objectives. The Platform supports policy dialogue, technical coordination, and resource mobilization to ensure environmental considerations are integrated into recovery planning. To facilitate coordination, information management, and follow-up of jointly implemented activities, UNEP Kyiv Office is seeking for a National UN Associate Volunteer on project management field with a mix of skills related to communication, teamwork, political awareness, stakeholder management, negotiation, planning and reporting to support the implementation of ongoing and upcoming projects. Project manager will support UNEP Cities Unit in delivering the project activities and be responsible for the overall support of implementation projects and activities within UNEP’s operation in Ukraine, performing a variety of standard operational services ensuring high quality and accuracy of work. Project manager will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer and in close cooperation with other programme staff.

Programme and Project Coordination - Assists senior management and leadership with strategic planning for known and potential regulatory and policy activities related to the green recovery; - Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of UNEP programme projects and activities related to the green recovery; - Support the coordination and management of communications with authorities \, implementing partners, and other cooperation agencies; - Coordinate with consultants, experts, and implementing partners to ensure timely and effective delivery of project outputs. - Organize meetings, workshops, missions, and official events at national and local levels. Reporting, Documentation, and Analysis - Contribute to the preparation of periodic progress reports, meeting minutes, briefing notes, and project documentation in English and Ukrainian; - Ensure follow-up work with the Government in support of the UNEP programmes/projects, including providing secretariat support in meetings and events that are organized by the Governmental counterparts, as well as support with state registration of projects as per government regulations; - Preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation and identification of cooperation opportunities. Partnership Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement - Maintain effective communication and collaboration with the Government of Ukraine, regional and local authorities, NGOs, and partner institutions. - Facilitate information exchange, advocacy, and knowledge sharing between UNEP and its strategic partners to advance environmental and green recovery objectives. Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the UNEP Kyiv Office to support programme implementation and coordination.