Organization Mission

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations’ leading global authority on the environment, driving transformational change on the triple planetary crisis : the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature, land and biodiversity loss, and the crisis of pollution and waste.

Since its founding in 1972, UNEP has served as a neutral convener of Member States, civil society, the private sector and UN agencies to address humanity’s most pressing environmental challenges. From protecting species to restoring the ozone layer, UNEP-facilitated international agreements have made global environmental action possible throughout the years. Today, UNEP hosts the United Nations Environment Assembly, the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment, with a universal membership of all 193 United Nations’ Member States.

Context

To coordinate youth voices and engagement for Pollution Free Planet – UNEP’s Asia and the Pacific Office works to promote a green and just transition that delivers inclusive solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Poor management of chemicals and waste can lead to illness, contaminate neighbourhoods, and reduce the region’s productivity. UNEP promotes policy interventions, investments, and institutional capacity-building for sound management of chemicals and waste.

Plastic Waste and Marine Litter: Marine litter has ecological, social and economic impacts. It threatens the wellbeing of over 600 marine animals, the economies of coastal communities, and the productivity of marine ecosystems underpinning our food systems. These organic pollutants travel up the food chain and are ultimately be consumed by humans—threatening our health. Financially, marine debris cost the Asia Pacifi­c Economic Cooperation member countries US$1.3 billion each year. Asia has driven growth in plastic production over recent decades and is the leading consumer of plastics. Pacifi­c Island Countries and poor coastal communities in Asia are highly vulnerable to marine litter impacts due to their dependence on marine resources.

Air Pollution: Air pollution is a critical environmental challenge in Southeast Asia, affecting millions of lives. This report outlines a strategic approach to improving air quality while also combatting climate change in the ASEAN region. The Clean Air Solutions for ASEAN report identifies 15 priority measures that could more than triple the number of people breathing clean air by 2030 and reduce PM2.5 levels by 50–70%. These solutions also provide significant climate benefits, cutting emissions of black carbon (-70%), methane (-39%), and HFCs (-75%), alongside a 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030. Importantly, nearly 40% of the air pollution reduction potential can be achieved by strengthening enforcement of existing policies, highlighting the need for better implementation rather than entirely new regulations. This report is a roadmap and call to action for ASEAN nations, urging policymakers, businesses, and communities to adopt science-based solutions for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Mushtaq Ahmed Memon, Regional Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action in Asia Pacific, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks :
– To engage with the youth raising awareness and supporting advocacy for air pollution management, and plastic pollution management in Asia and the Pacific.
– Support the online webinars for youth on plastic pollution management and air pollution management.
– Assist in the relevant projects involving youth such as the “Youth Startups,” Youth Forums, Exhibitions, and Dialogues.

Required Skills and Experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in :
• Microsoft Office

Skills in :
• Report Writing

Core Competencies

– Building Trust
– Commitment and Motivation
– Communication
– Creativity
– Integrity
– Planning and Organizing
– Professionalism
– Respect for Diversity
– Technological Awareness
– Working in Teams

Living Conditions

Bangkok is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. Like most of Thailand, Bangkok has a tropical savanna climate and is under the influence of the South Asian monsoon system. It experiences three seasons: hot, rainy, and cool, although temperatures are fairly hot year-round. The city has grown from its original center along the river into a sprawling metropolis surrounded by swaths of suburban residential development extending north and south into neighboring provinces. Bangkok is the economic center of Thailand, and the heart of the country”s investment and development. Much of Thailand”s educational (including international schools) and medical resources are concentrated in the capital.

Security threat level for most of Thailand has been assessed as Level 1 (Minimal) or 2 (Low). Criminal activities in Thailand are considered low when compared to other countries in the region. Like any metropolis, crimes of opportunity exist in Bangkok. Increases in bag-snatching incidents have been reported occurring opportunistically throughout the country. There have been cases where victims have been injured in such incidents, as they are dragged along the street if they fail to give up the desired handbags, knapsacks, etc. Organized crime such as credit card/internet fraud, human trafficking, as wellas drug related offences reported increasing.

Benefits and Entitlements: 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.
• Monthly living Allowance (per month) is around USD 2656.12 per month
• Entry Lump Sum (one-time payment) USD 4000
• Exit Allowance (for each month served paid on completion of assignment) $225 for each month served
• Medical and Life Insurance Coverage
• Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month; Certified sick leave: 30 days per leave cycle; Uncertified Sick Leave: 7 days per leave cycle; Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months; Maternity Leave: 16 weeks; Paternity Leave: 10 days