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

The UN Volunteer will support the Resilience and Climate Change (RCC) Portfolio of UNDP Fiji Multi-Country Office. The assignment contributes to the implementation of coastal adaptation and climate resilience initiatives across Pacific Island Countries, including Tuvalu, Tonga, Kiribati, and Vanuatu. These countries are among the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, facing challenges such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, flooding, tropical cyclones, and saltwater intrusion. UNDP is supporting governments and communities through a range of coastal adaptation, resilience-building, and sustainable development programmes. The Coastal Adaptation Specialist will provide technical and coordination support to ensure effective implementation of coastal adaptation projects, strengthen stakeholder engagement, support monitoring and reporting, and promote knowledge sharing and capacity development across the Pacific region.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Resilience and Climate Change Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Project Coordination and Implementation • Support planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of coastal adaptation projects. • Track project progress and ensure timely delivery of outputs and milestones. • Facilitate coordination among project teams and relevant stakeholders. • Support integration of project activities with national and regional climate adaptation initiatives. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships • Liaise with government ministries, local authorities, communities, and development partners. • Support organization of meetings, consultations, workshops, and technical discussions. • Maintain effective communication and collaboration with donors and regional organizations. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting • Assist in monitoring project indicators, targets, and work plans. • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports. • Support data collection, analysis, and documentation of project results and lessons learned. • Contribute to evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management. Compliance and Risk Management • Support compliance with UNDP operational, financial, procurement, and reporting requirements. • Monitor adherence to environmental and social safeguards. • Support implementation of risk management measures and gender-responsive approaches. Knowledge Management and Capacity Development • Facilitate knowledge sharing among project teams and stakeholders. • Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories. • Support development of communication materials, case studies, and policy briefs. • Contribute to capacity-building initiatives for government counterparts and local stakeholders.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Judgement and Decision-Making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Self-Management • Creativity

Living conditions and remarks

Suva is Fiji's capital city and serves as the regional hub for many international organizations operating in the Pacific. It offers relatively good living conditions, reliable communications infrastructure, healthcare facilities, banking services, accommodation options, and international transport connections. The assignment may require travel to remote Pacific Island countries and communities where living conditions may be more challenging. Flexibility, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and willingness to work in diverse environments are essential. Fiji and the wider Pacific region provide a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute directly to climate resilience and sustainable development in some of the world's most vulnerable coastal communities.