Policy Assistant

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Several UN organizations within of the UNBT, promote child and youth engagement and participation to ensure that EU policies and legislation are informed by their views and inputs. Together with UNEP, UNICEF and UNESCO support the implementation of climate and environmental education in school and academic institutions.

Part one: To support UNEP coordination of activities within the UN Brussels Team (UNBT) – in the function of UNEP as co-chair of European Green Deal Working Group; co-chair of Transition Task Force (after EU elections) and co-chair of Youth Working Group.

Part two: To support policy and communication work of UNEP Brussels team (specifically climate and energy).

With key objectives:
– To increase capacity of Brussels Office to facilitate UNBT cooperation in the field of environment and climate change.
– To increase capacity of Brussels Office for policy cooperate with the European institutions and Brussels-based partners.
– To support impactful communication of UNEP’s advocacy messages in the year of transition (after European elections).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of UNEP Brussels Offices the UN Volunteer Officer will:

– Support the head of office in the UNBT (UN Brussels Team) with coordination tasks connected to the task forces and working groups where UNEP has leading role, especially UNBT European Green Deal (EUGD) Working Group:
o preparing meetings of relevant working groups/task forces (incl agenda, minutes, coordination of UN joint messages, etc).
o information sharing and dissemination within the UNBT EUGD working group.
– Support policy cooperation on climate and energy (with DG Clima, DG Energy) and other policy topics when relevant (incl human rights defenders – second half of 2024).
– Drafting documents for policy events organized by the Brussels Office.
– Drafting communication messages and articles.
– Support of organization of policy / advocacy events, e.g.:
o event in the European Parliament on environmental multilateralism (autumn 2024)
o presentation of UNEP flagship climate reports to EU stakeholders: Emissions Gap Report, Adaptation Gap Report) – October 2024
o support of preparations of EC-UNEP High-level meeting (February 2025)
– Support the office in intelligence gathering – EU Member States – political and policy developments.

Results/Expected Outputs: Efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to UNBT and UNEP in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
• Facilitate cooperation with EU institutions;
• Organize outreach events with youth representatives with the European Parliament, the European Commission, the EU Presidencies, EESC; and European Committee of the Regions;
• Support the delivery of at least 3 advocacy initiatives in the region that raise the profile of UNEP’s work;
• Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment;
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.