Associate Officer – Blue Economy & Climate Financing

Host entity: UNRCO

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Community development, Finance, accounting

Application deadline: 11/09/2026

Mission and objectives

The UN Resident Coordinator is the representative of the UN Secretary-General in Tanzania and is responsible for coordinating the work of the UN Tanzania Country Team (UNCT) which consists of 23 UN Agencies.

Assignment context

The Zanzibar Joint Program (ZJP) cuts across multiple sectors with the intention of reducing poverty and vulnerabilities in Unguja and Pemba Kaskazini. The joint program integrates innovations that tackles complex development challenges with a focus on systems strengthening. The program targets impoverished communities living in low lying areas of Unguja and Pemba Kaskazini regions being 28% of the total population, where most depend on the blue economy for their livelihoods, food, and income. A total of 12 participating UN agencies in collaboration with lead line ministries are cooperating.
Aligned to the ZJP is the JP on “Subnational Financing Solution” which operate in the same geographic region, engaging the same priority groups, governance structures and partners and bridges a gap in the ZJP by developing subnational financial solutions to strengthen the seaweed value chain's production component. This project intends to ensure that by 2028, the seaweed sector in Unguja and Pemba Kaskazini in Zanzibar will have become a significant driver of inclusive rural economic development, contributing to diversified livelihoods, increased household incomes for 15,000 seaweed-farming households.
Both joint programs align to the institutional mechanisms for coordinating the implementation of Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP 2022–2027) under the Zanzibar Planning Commission, Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the UN Area Coordinator, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
A. Support to Programme Implementation:
• Support planning and implementation of programme activities in line with the approved Joint Programme document and annual work plans.
• Support the implementation of programme activities and the achievement of outputs across thematic areas.
• Support implementation of innovative and climate-resilient technologies in priority val-ue chains, including seaweed and marine-based livelihoods.
• Contribute to the mainstreaming of gender equality, inclusion and human rights in pro-gramme activities.
B. Support to Resource Mobilization and Innovative Financing Initiatives:
• Support implementation and monitoring of programme financing mechanisms, includ-ing:
 Support the exploration of basket fund and pooled funding opportunities for joint programme implementation.
 Contribute to research on innovative financing and blended funding approach-es involving public, donor and private sector resource.
• Assist in coordinating financial flows under pass-through funding modalities (e.g., SDG Fund mechanisms).
• Support engagement with financial institutions to improve access to finance for MSMEs, farmers and marine value chain actors.
• Contribute to development of financing proposals and resource mobilization strategies.
• Facilitate private sector participation in programme financing, including investment in climate-resilient and blue economy initiatives.
C. Support to Coordination and Partnerships:
• Assist in coordinating activities among Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs), gov-ernment institutions and development partners.
• Support engagement with government ministries, local authorities and community structures.
• Participate in joint coordination platforms (e.g., Steering Committees, Technical Com-mittees, regional and district coordination mechanisms).
• Support the strengthening of partnerships with civil society, private sector and devel-opment partners.
D. Support to Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
• Support implementation of the programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework.
• Support the collection, analysis and reporting of data against results indicators and targets.
• Contribute to preparation of quarterly and annual progress reports and donor reports (e.g., Joint SDG Fund reporting).
• Support evaluations, field monitoring visits and data collection activities.
• Assist in capturing and disseminating best practices related to innovative financing and blue economy interventions.
E. Support to Knowledge Management and Communication:
• Support development of communication materials, briefs and visibility products.
• Contribute to advocacy efforts aligned with SDGs and UNSDCF priorities.
• Assist in organizing and promoting knowledge-sharing activities across agencies and partners.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated experience in:
• Supporting multi-sectoral programme implementation and coordination.
• Research, documentation or support to innovative financing approaches (e.g., blended finance, pooled funds and donor-funded initiatives) .
• Blue economy initiatives, sustainable livelihoods, or seaweed value chain develop-ment.
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
Skills in:
• Programme Support and Coordination.
• Knowledge of Innovative Financing Approaches .
• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement.
• Presentation, Communication and Report Writing .
• Proficiency in ICT and Digital Tools.

Competencies and values

Accountability
Adaptability and Flexibility
Building Trust
Client Orientation
Commitment and Motivation
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Communication
Creativity
Empowering Others
Ethics and Values
Integrity
Judgement and Decision-making
Knowledge Sharing
Leadership
Managing Performance
Planning and Organizing
Professionalism
Respect for Diversity
Self-Management
Technological Awareness
Vision
Working in Teams

Living conditions

The volunteer will be expected to live in Unguja, Zanzibar. His/her duties and responsibilities entail travelling between and within the assigned district/s in the programme area.

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