Mission and objectives

UNESCO is the UN specialized agency building peace in the minds of people through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. Our mission is to foster intercultural dialogue and sustainable development, by promoting the free flow of ideas. By adopting a multi-disciplinary and inclusive approach, UNESCO works with both duty-bearers and rights-holders across the world to develop and implement targeted actions that are born out of local needs, which ensures a holistic and results-based approach for sustain-able change. The UNESCO Office in Beijing was established in 1984, and it is now representing UNESCO in the North-East Asian countries (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Mongolia, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Korea) in all five programmes (Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture, Communication and Information). Altogether, these countries encompass about 1/5 of the world’s population, around 25% of global economic output, and over 5,000 years of rich history and culture.

Context

East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (EABRN) is a long-standing regional network under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme that supports biosphere reserve management, policy dialogue, and regional cooperation in East Asia. The UNESCO Beijing Office, as EABRN Secretariat, coordinates network governance, regional activities, and communication among Member States. The assignment is situated within the transition from the Lima Action Plan (2016–2025) to the MAB Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), with increased emphasis on youth engagement, science–policy interfaces, regional solidarity, and implementation-oriented cooperation. Particular attention is given to strengthening participation and follow-up with all Member States, including Kazakhstan, and to supporting youth-oriented initiatives within EABRN.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of Programme Specialist for the Natural Science unit and the indirect supervision of the Director of UNESCO Regional office for East Asia, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: · Support the day-to-day coordination of the East Asian Biosphere Reserve Network (EABRN), including regular liaison with national focal points, biosphere reserve managers, and partner institutions from the seven Member States, including Kazakhstan; · Assist the EABRN Secretariat in preparing and following up on governance processes, including Steering Committee meetings, regional consultations, technical workshops, and related documentation for the 175h EABRN meeting to take place in China; · Contribute to the preparation of EABRN workplans, meeting reports, background notes, and progress summaries, ensuring alignment with the MAB Programme and the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035); · Support youth engagement under EABRN, including coordination of youth-focused activities, exchanges, preparation for the establishment of a regional award, or capacity-building initiatives linked to biosphere reserves; · Assist in collecting, reviewing, and organizing technical and policy-relevant information related to biosphere reserves, environmental governance, and sustainable development, with linkages to Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP), and Open Science where relevant; · Support monitoring and follow-up of EABRN activities, including tracking Member State contributions, implementation status, and regional synergies; · Contribute to outreach and communication activities for EABRN, including preparation of short articles, briefing notes, presentations, and visibility materials highlighting regional cooperation and good practices; · Support resource mobilization efforts related to EABRN and MAB activities, including background research, stakeholder mapping, and inputs to project proposals; · Provide coordination, administrative, and logistical support to the Natural Sciences sector as required, particularly in relation to EABRN activities; · Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the EABRN Secretariat and UNESCO’s Natural Sciences programme. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: · Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); · Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; · Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; · Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; · Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; · Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Competencies and values

· Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNSECO; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNESCO procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; · Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNESCO in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; · Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; · Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. · Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; · Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; · Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; · Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNESCO’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Living conditions and remarks

Beijing is a major international metropolis with well-developed infrastructure, reliable public transportation, and a wide range of housing options. The city offers comprehensive healthcare services, including international and English-speaking medical facilities, as well as a variety of international schools, cultural institutions, and recreational amenities. Daily life is generally safe and convenient, with access to modern services, digital payment systems, and diverse food options. Seasonal variations are marked, with hot summers and cold winters, and air quality can fluctuate; however, living conditions remain suitable for international staff. Beijing hosts a large diplomatic and international community, providing a supportive environment for United Nations personnel and facilitating professional and social integration.