Associate Environment Officer

Host entity: UNESCO Nepal

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Energy, Natural resources management

Application deadline: 25/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in education, sciences and culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.

Assignment context

Nepal faces growing climate and disaster risks, increasing water insecurity, and persistent gaps in access to scientific knowledge and innovation. UNESCO Kathmandu’s Sciences portfolio addresses these challenges through work on climate adaptation and resilience, sustainable water management, climate finance, and science, technology and innovation (STI). The assignment will support programme continuity by translating technical evidence and stakeholder priorities into finance-ready project ideas, policy inputs and practical knowledge products. Working within the multidisciplinary UNESCO programmes, the UN Volunteer will contribute through research, knowledge generation, technical analysis, ideation, drafting and programme support.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of The Head of the Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Climate adaptation and finance: Support research and synthesis on climate adaptation, water resilience and disaster-related issues in Nepal, and contribute to the identification of relevant programme and funding opportunities and the preparation of project concepts and proposals.

2. Biodiversity management: Generate and synthesize knowledge for biodiversity initiatives, including work related to UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists; develop ideas and technical inputs; and contribute to background papers, concept notes, workplans and materials for consultations led by UNESCO.

3. Science, technology and innovation: Support research, coordination and knowledge management activities related to UNESCO's Science, Technology and Innovation portfolio in Nepal, including preparation of reports, policy briefs, presentations, meeting documentation and other knowledge products. Contribute to stakeholder engagements, events and related follow-up activities.

4. Project development, resource mobilization and results management: Support the development of concept notes, project proposals, donor submissions and partnership documents, including results frameworks, budgets, indicators, monitoring tools, progress tracking, risk analysis, reporting, evaluation and learning products.

WORKPLAN
During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Skills and experience

Minimum of one year of relevant experience (three years of relevant experience required for candidates holding a bachelor's degree):
• Demonstrated experience in programme/project support, research, coordination or project development in the areas of climate change, environment, water resilience, natural resource management, sustainable development or related fields.
• Experience or knowledge of climate-change adaptation, water resilience, natural resource management and/or biodiversity would be an advantage.
• Experience in project proposal development, resource mobilization, monitoring and reporting would be an advantage.;

Skills in:
• Project and programme support and coordination
• Research, analysis and knowledge management
• Report, proposal and concept-note writing
• Strong professional writing and communication skills
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Proficiency in standard MS Office applications
• Knowledge of climate finance and/or resource mobilization would be an advantage

Competencies and values

Adaptability and Flexibility
Communication
Creativity
Knowledge Sharing
Leadership
Planning and Organizing
Technological Awareness
Vision
Working in Teams

Living conditions

Kathmandu is in Low level (Level 2) of the UN Security level but may change depending on the development of the security situation. English is widely spoken and understood by both locals and expats and is the business language in Kathmandu although Nepali and Nepal Bhasa are the official national languages of Nepal. Kathmandu has a multi-ethnic population with the majority being Hindu and Buddhist. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. In terms of living costs, Kathmandu is considered as a very inexpensive city with average living expenses being significantly low compared to numerous other Asian cities. The climate in the city of Kathmandu is characterised by warm days followed by cool nights and mornings and unpredictable weather can be expected given that winter temperatures can drop to 1ºC or less. During the monsoon season (June to August) heavy rainfalls reach the city with average humidity of about 75%. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.