Climate Change and Environment Associate

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Climate change, environment, Communication, advocacy, public information, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 15/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. As the lead UN development agency, UNDP is well-placed to help implement the Goals through our work in some 170 countries and territories. We support countries in achieving the SDGs through integrated solutions. Today’s complex challenges—from stemming the spread of disease to preventing conflict—cannot be tackled neatly in isolation. For UNDP, this means focusing on systems, root causes and connections between challenges—not just thematic sectors—to build solutions that respond to people’s daily realities.

Assignment context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, working in over 170 countries and territories to help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP supports countries through integrated solutions that tackle root causes and promote systems thinking to address today’s complex development challenges. 

At UNDP Egypt, the Country Office structure is aligned with its Country Programme Document (CPD) 2023–2027 and is organized around three thematic clusters: 

Inclusive Growth and Innovation 
Environment and Climate Change 
Social Inclusion and Local Development 

These areas are supported by one programmatic team and five functional teams: 
Programme Implementation and Technical Oversight 
Policy and Partnerships 
Results-Based Management 
Communications 
Accelerator Lab 
Operations Support 

UNDP Egypt has a strong comparative advantage in addressing environmental and energy challenges, supporting national efforts to advance a just energy transition, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. Working with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Electricity, and other national and international partners, UNDP implements programmes on climate adaptation, energy efficiency, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity conservation, and sound chemical and waste management. Key initiatives include the National Adaptation Plan, expansion of decentralized renewable energy, development of early warning systems, and support to Egypt’s Voluntary Carbon Market. The UN Volunteer will contribute to the design, coordination, and implementation of climate and environmental projects that align with national priorities and UNDP’s strategic objectives for a low-carbon, resilient future.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Environment Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the development and implementation of climate and environmental projects, including those related to NDCs, energy efficiency, climate Adaptation and mitigation, and nature-based solutions.

• Assist in drafting proposals, donor reporting, and technical documentation for climate finance and environmental programming.

• Conduct background research and data analysis on climate policies, environmental indicators, and green transition pathways.

• Support coordination with partners, civil society, and private sector stakeholders.

• Contribute to awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing efforts, including preparation of communication materials and event coordination.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest and/or experience in:

• Supporting the design and implementation of climate change or environmental projects
• Working on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or climate action plans
• Experience in sustainable resource management, adaptation, or mitigation strategies
• Familiarity with environmental policy, multilateral environmental agreements, and climate finance
• Engagement with government, civil society, and/or private sector on environmental issues
• Conducting research or data analysis on climate risks, emissions, or ecosystem services
• Supporting project proposal development, donor reporting, and technical documentation
• Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills in:

• Organizing events or awareness campaigns related to the environment or climate action
• Strong communication and coordination skills in multi-stakeholder settings
• Experience working with UNDP, GEF, GCF, or other multilateral environmental mechanisms (asset)

Competencies and values

​​☒​ Accountability
​​☒​ Adaptability and Flexibility
​​☒​ Building Trust
​​☒​ Client Orientation
​​☒​ Commitment and Motivation
​​☒​ Commitment to Continuous Learning
​​☒​ Communication
​​☒​ Creativity
​​☒​ Ethics and Values
​​☒​ Integrity
​​☒​ Judgement and Decision-making
​​☒​ Knowledge Sharing
​​☒​ Planning and Organizing
​​☒​ Professionalism
​​☒​ Respect for Diversity
​​☒​ Working in Teams

Living conditions

The UNV will be based in Cairo which is a family duty station (level A) with a wide range of services (health, education and leisure) and good living conditions. There are a variety of options in regard to type of housing and neighbourhoods in Cairo. The Country office is located in the neighbourhood of Nile Korniche, next to Zamalek and Garden City, which offers a large international community, several restaurants, cafes, and recreation possibilities. Cairo international airport is well connected to the region, Europe and Africa, and Asia.

International UN Associate Volunteer gets the following package:
• Volunteer Living Allowance USD 2025/Month
• Entry Lump-Sum = USD 3500
• Exit Lump-Sum = USD 225 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
• Medical and life Insurance premium/Cigna (100%) and dependents policy
• Access to UNV E-Campus for training and learning including access to LinkedIn learning
You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator
The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos

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