Mission and objectives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development, working in approximately 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable human development while protecting the planet. UNDP supports governments and partners in developing inclusive policies, strengthening institutions, and building national capacities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implement global commitments such as the Paris Agreement on climate change. Grounded in a human rights‑based approach and a strong commitment to leaving no one behind, UNDP promotes integrated, evidence‑based solutions that address interconnected development challenges, including poverty, governance, climate change, crisis prevention and resilience. Through long‑term partnerships, technical assistance, innovation, and the mobilization of sustainable finance, UNDP helps countries translate development ambitions into tangible and lasting results. The UNDP Country Office in Tunisia supports a sustainable, low‑carbon, and climate‑resilient development pathway through an integrated programme portfolio that promotes environmentally sound and socially inclusive development, implemented in close partnership with national institutions, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and development partners. Aligned with national development priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the UNDP Strategic Plan, UNDP focuses on five strategic areas in Tunisia: Enhancing Climate Ambition and Transparency: UNDP supports partners in strengthening mitigation ambition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reinforcing transparency frameworks for climate reporting and accountability. Promoting Energy Efficiency programmes: UNDP supports the planning and implementation of measures that reduce energy consumption and costs across economic sectors and households, in alignment with Tunisia’s national energy transition policy. Integrated Waste Management: UNDP supports the development of sustainable waste management systems, the reduction of hazardous substances, and the promotion of innovative low-impact environmental solutions at both sectoral and community levels. Supporting Climate Change Adaptation: UNDP supports the integration of climate adaptation into socio-economic planning and territorial development, strengthens climate information and early warning systems, and enhances the resilience of ecosystems, communities, and livelihoods. Strengthening Water Resilience: UNDP supports Tunisia’s to shift to proactive, climate‑resilient water security through governance reform, water‑use efficiency, water sobriety/behaviour change, and scaling non‑conventional resources (including treated wastewater reuse and renewable‑energy solutions). UNDP’s programme promotes human rights, gender equality, transparency, innovation, and naturel‑based solutions, and provides comprehensive support through technical assistance, capacity building, climate finance mobilization (including GEF and GCF), project implementation support, and multi‑stakeholder coordination and partnerships.

Context

The JICA and UNDP Tunisia offices have regular exchanges to share information and explore opportunities for potential collaboration in Tunisia, including in the environmental and sustainable development fields. As JICA is a GCF Accredited Entity and UNDP actively supports the Government on their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in the framework of the Paris Agreement, there are advanced discussions since 2025 on the possibility to jointly submit a concept note for GCF funding for a project supporting green transport or green cities, building on the results of the ongoing study of the urban transport master plan in Greater Tunis.1 Based in UNDP Tunisia’s Climate, Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction Cluster (CERC), the UNV Environment/Climate Programme Officer will support the design and development of this possible GCF project as part of her/his overall responsibilities. These include contributing to the overall management of UNDP’s environment/climate resilience programme, including the quality assurance of the Cluster’s ongoing and future projects. The UNV Environment/Climate Programme Officer will also support the coordination between the different project teams and facilitate knowledge-sharing and synergies. She/he will make contributions to UNDP thought-leadership initiatives in the environment/climate space through research, analysis and drafting of knowledge products, and assist with digitalization/AI activities to bolster the Cluster’s performance.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the CERC Team Leader, the UNV Environment/Climate Programme Officer will undertake the following tasks: Output 1: Supporting UNDP’s Environment, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction programme. Analyze and map programming opportunities in the areas of climate change, energy, disaster risk reduction, and environment in relation to Tunisia’s stakeholder landscape, to ensure that UNDP programming strategically leverages synergies with partner initiatives and maximizes collaborative impact. Support evidence- and data-driven programme design and development aimed at accelerating Tunisia’s progress toward the SDGs and the implementation of its NDC under the Paris Agreement. Conduct research on priority thematic areas and identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned to inform the continuous adaptation and improvement of UNDP programming. Support quality assurance of the climate change, energy, environment, and disaster risk reduction programme, under close guidance and consultation with the supervisor and in line with UNDP's programming and operations policies and procedures. Support review and drafting of project reports and capturing of results and lessons learned through initiation of project evaluations and corporate results-based reporting processes. Output 2: Supporting JICA-UNDP collaboration, notably for the prospection and elaboration of a joint application for a GCF funding for a project in relation with green transport, green cities or other environmental related projects. Act as a liaison point between JICA and UNDP regarding the identification of candidate project to be developed and proposed for GCF funding. Support in the elaboration of a concept note for the eventual candidate project (including the selection of consultants and monitoring progress). Support the necessary consultations with Tunisian counterparts for the validation of the concept note prior to its submission to the GCF for review. Support the consultations with GCF if needed.

Competencies and values

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility; ☒ Commitment and Motivation; ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning; ☒ Communication; ☒ Creativity; ☒ Ethics and Values; ☒ Integrity; ☒ Knowledge Sharing; ☒ Planning and Organizing; ☒ Respect for Diversity.

Living conditions and remarks

Visa process: International UN Volunteers assigned to Tunisia are required to obtain an entry visa prior to arrival, followed by a residence permit after arrival in the country. Steps involved: 1. Visa Application (Pre-departure): o The UN Volunteer will receive a visa support letter issued by UNDP Tunisia and/or the UNV Field Unit. o With this letter, the Volunteer must apply for a Type C or D entry visa at the nearest Tunisian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. o The process usually requires:  Passport (valid for at least 6 months)  Visa support letter  Completed visa application form  Passport-sized photos  Proof of travel or appointment letter (as requested by the consulate) 2. Arrival in Tunisia: o Upon arrival, the UN Volunteer will be supported by the UNDP Country Office or UNV Field Unit to initiate procedures for obtaining a residence permit (carte de séjour) from the Tunisian Ministry of Interior. o Required documents typically include:  Passport with valid visa  UNDP assignment letter  Proof of accommodation in Tunisia  Passport-sized photos  Application forms and fees, as applicable 3. Timeline: o Visa processing time varies by consulate but typically takes between 5–15 working days. o The residence permit process in Tunisia may take 4–8 weeks after submission of all required documents. Volunteers are advised to begin the process promptly upon arrival The assignment is based in Tunis, Tunisia, which is classified as a family duty station. Tunis offers a stable and comfortable living environment with access to housing, transportation, healthcare. The UNDP office is well located and provides a professional and collaborative work setting. The UN Volunteer will be provided with a dedicated workstation, a professional email account, and the necessary IT equipment. Occasional field visits within Tunisia may be required depending on project activities. The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below: UNV Entitlements 1. Pre-assignment Entry lump sum: USD 3500 Relocation costs Lump sum provided based on route for travel to the duty station 2. During Assignment Volunteer living allowance: USD 2435.43 Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources Annual leave: 2.5 days per month Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents. See the Conditions of Service for more details on eligibility criteria. Home visit: May apply depending on duty station and length of service. See the Unified Conditions of Service for more information Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents Travel for dependants: Subject to approval. See conditions of service for full details. 3. End of Assignment Exit lump sum (paid on successful completion of assignment): $225 for each month served, paid on completion of contract