Environment Programme Associate

Host entity: UNOPS

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Energy

Application deadline: 03/09/2026

Mission and objectives

UNOPS provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services for a more sustainable world.
Firmly grounded in UN values, we ensure our partners maximize the positive impact of their peace and security, humanitarian and development projects. Equality, inclusiveness, sustainability and resilience form the foundations of our work.

UNOPS is dedicated to supporting our partners by providing services that increase the effectiveness of peace and security, humanitarian and development projects worldwide.
To advance the 2030 Agenda – including supporting climate actions and promoting equal opportunities – UNOPS aims to engage in collaborative partnerships with a focus on sharing our expertise in infrastructure, procurement, project management, human resources and financial services.

They work with a variety of partners, from the UN family to governments, non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector.
Their partners call on us to supplement their own capacities, improve efficiency and transparency, reduce risks, boost cost-effectiveness and ensure quality.

Assignment context

UNOPS helps the UN system, governments, and partners deliver operational solutions across infrastructure, procurement, grant management, and project delivery. As part of its commitment to climate action, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable supply chains, UNOPS works to accelerate the transition toward circular economies, reduce plastic waste, and enhance municipal resource recovery.

Working at the intersection of environmental sustainability and practical project delivery, the UN Youth Volunteer will support UNOPS in executing circularity and waste management initiatives while actively assisting the team in pipeline development, partner mapping, and resource mobilization.

Task description

The UN Youth Volunteer will contribute inputs into environmental project support, delivery, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement and communications activities. Their specific tasks will include;

1. Environmental & Circularity Project Support
● Technical Assistance: Assist in monitoring and tracking environmental project activities, focusing on plastic waste reduction, circular value chains, sustainable infrastructure design, and waste-to-resource management.
● Research & Analysis: Conduct baseline studies, market assessments, and policy mapping related to local circular economy frameworks, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and sustainable procurement practices.
● Field & Data Coordination: Help gather field-level data, metrics, and progress indicators across local waste management, recycling, and community-led circularity initiatives.

2. Resource Mobilization & Business Development
● Donor & Partner Mapping: Map funding opportunities, climate funds, bilateral donors, development banks, and private sector partners focusing on circular economy and plastic waste management.
● Proposal Development: Assist in drafting concept notes, donor proposals, logical frameworks, and budgets for new environment, waste management and infrastructure initiatives.
● Opportunity Tracking: Monitor tenders, calls for proposals, and strategic funding windows across national and regional environment sectors.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
● Multi-Stakeholder Liaison: Help organize technical working groups, donor briefings, and consultations with municipal authorities, civil society, waste-picker associations, and private recyclers.
● Inter-Agency Collaboration: Facilitate joint UN initiatives

4. Communications, Youth Advocacy & Reporting
● Impact Storytelling: Draft project updates, briefing notes, donor reports, and case studies highlighting circular economy outcomes and sustainable procurement practices.
● Youth Engagement: Help integrate youth-centric perspectives and community participation into circular economy programming.

Skills and experience

- Relevant experience (including internships, academic projects, or volunteer work) in environmental management, circularity, plastic waste, grant writing, or business development.
- Strong interest in UNOPS' core areas: sustainable procurement, infrastructure resilience, and practical project execution. Familiarity with proposal drafting, pitch deck development, or fundraising research is a strong asset.

Competencies and values

● Action-Oriented & Proactive: Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and initiative in identifying funding channels and delivering project outputs.
● Analytical & Writing Skills: Ability to transform technical environmental concepts into clear, compelling project proposals for prospective donors.
● Partnership Building: Ability to network, map stakeholders, and build collaborative relationships inside and outside the UN system.
● Adaptability & Inclusivity: Respects diversity and operates effectively in multicultural environments.

Living conditions

As this is a national UNV assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.
UNV Field Unit will help you open a Pak rupee bank account with Standard Chartered Bank or any other local bank at your duty station.

Assignment remarks:
This is a national UNV assignment, and a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of PKR 105,091 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

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