Mission and objectives

The objective of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification around the world, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas.

Context

Mongolia will be the host of 17th UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP17), which will take place 17-28 August 2026 in Ulaanbaatar. The purpose of this assignment is to provide support for the preparation of the COP17 and for effective follow up. The main focus of tasks will be on research, communication, logistics, science and administration/management activities. The candidate will bring substantive experience and knowledge on planning, coordination and management; particularly, experience in organizing and managing meetings and preparing written summaries for further follow-up activities. The candidate should have the necessary skills to analytically review information and identify priority matters that need to be urgently addressed, including on advising options. Further key areas of technical knowledge and skills required from the candidate, include experience in undertaking programmatic analysis, high level advice, and management. This is a tremendous opportunity for a young professional interested and willing to be involved in various activities. UNCCD seeks candidates who are interested in expanding their knowledge and skill set in events management as well as land sector initiatives within the context of the UN agency.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Executive Secretary, or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Operations Management Assistant will perform the following duties: Tracking implementation of decisions from meetings, monitoring progress against work plans, and identifying bottlenecks to mitigate delays. Analytically review information received from various sources and identify priority matters that need to be urgently addressed, advising on options. Lead cross-unit coordination and maintain the ‘Action Points Tracker’ and ‘Support Unit Tracker’ for the Secretariat, GM and G20 to: (1) improve efficiency of overall management; (2) ensure that priorities remain visible and are properly addressed; (3) activate needed follow up from the Executive office and/or other Units. Collect relevant data and draft various talking points, background notes for communication with UN partners and external partners, such as donor countries, member states, etc. Provide support to COP17 preparation and coordination between internal and external clients and partners at the technical, regional and country level. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor(s).

Competencies and values

• Planning and Organizing: Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. • Teamwork: Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Willingness to share knowledge and support colleagues. • Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology and applies it to appropriate tasks. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients’ points of view

Living conditions and remarks

The duty station of the national UN Volunteer is located in Bonn, Germany. UNV provides life and health insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework. The International UN Volunteer is entitled to 2.5 days personal leave per month and government official holidays Germany is at security level 1 (Minimal) and is considered non-restrictive regarding travel. Currently there are no significant security threats in general nor direct threats to UN personnel or assets within the country. It is the traveller’s responsibility to comply with immigration, customs and health requirements while entering/exiting the country. Specific information regarding Bonn, which is in the German state of North Rheine Westphalia, can be found here: http://www.bonn-international.org/ UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: 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: Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2716.21 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 3500 Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): $225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days