Mission and objectives

The UN Development Programme is the lead UN agency fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in more than 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. In the Pacific, UNDP provides regional and country support to ten countries (Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu) and regional support to five countries (Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tokelau), together with a total population of 2.4 million. UNDP is guided by a Sub-regional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories 2018-2022, which in turn contributes to the achievement of an overarching UN system-wide Pacific Strategy. The Programme is shaped to assist countries to advance the global 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda tailored to each country's priorities, through focus on data, policy prioritization, participatory planning, and budgeting and monitoring - and with accelerated action to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP seeks to target the most vulnerable i.e. people experiencing hardship, the marginalized living in remote rural areas, those who are vulnerable to climate and disaster risks, as well as women and youth excluded from socio-political and economic participation. UNDP adheres to an inclusive, pro-poor and human rights-based approaches that leverage cross-practice, multi-disciplinary expertise of UNDP.

Context

Recognizing the significant impacts of climate change and on-going environmental hazards in the Pacific region, the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) team is partnering with governments, regional organizations, local communities, civil society organizations, and private sector in strengthening, climate change resilience, disaster risk management, clean energy transitions, and biodiversity management to promote resilient and sustainable development. RCC implements projects and programmes that target the root causes of vulnerability and increasing resilience through interventions including transformational adaptation initiatives in flood control, coastal zone management, climate monitoring and early warning, water and food security including agriculture and fisheries, biodiversity management and conservation and transition to clean renewable energy to minimize dependence on fossil fuel for energy needs. The unit also incorporates cross cutting thematic areas such as policy advice, community engagement and local level action, gender and benefits for women, youth and marginalized communities, and access to sustainable and innovative financing mechanisms for sustainable economic growth and empowerment.

Task Description

The Project Associate within the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) Team will play an important role in facilitating the effective implementation of projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience and promoting sustainable development in the Pacific region. The role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to crucial climate action and resilience-building in a region that is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts, while earning experience working in stages of the project implementation cycle. The Project Associate will work closely with the RCC project managers and programme team to implement and oversee the project activities in the team’s portfolio. Under the direct supervision of the Resilience and Climate Change Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Ensure timely and accurate development, updating, and monitoring of project activity work plans, budgets, expenditure reports, and progress reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission in line with project requirements and stakeholder expectations. • Maintain proactive and effective coordination with partners, consultants, and relevant stakeholders to follow up on deliverables, timelines, administrative requirements, and day-to-day implementation issues, helping to maintain effective coordination and timely delivery of activities. • Support the organization and coordination of project meetings, workshops, consultations, and missions, including logistics, agenda preparation, preparation of back-ground materials, note-taking, and follow-up on agreed action points to ensure effective implementation and communication. • Contribute to the preparation and development of knowledge products, including re-ports, briefs, presentations, summaries, and other communication materials on cli-mate change and resilience issues in the Pacific region, to support project visibility, learning, and stakeholder engagement. • Support the management and administrative follow-up of project service contracts, including tracking deliverables, timelines, payment documentation, and compliance with applicable procedures, to ensure alignment with project objectives and contractual obligations. • Support the integration of gender, inclusion, and community engagement considerations across project activities, including through review of project processes and out-puts, to help promote equitable, participatory, and context-responsive implementation where applicable. • Perform any other duties within the functional profile as may be assigned to support the effective implementation of the projects.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Communication • Empowering Others • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Knowledge Sharing • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Technological Awareness • Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarks

Fiji, one of the larger countries in the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economies in the region. Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is the Fiji dollar. Fiji comprises approximately 330 islands, approximately a third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva, which is located on the south-eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu. The population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman, and Rabi islanders, making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds, and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the island, and it is the common language of communication, although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many, as is the Hindi language. Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rainfall occurs throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25 and 29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers. Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000 and is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but it remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities, including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants, and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but the availability of small apartments is limited. An open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local buses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is also available for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.