Programme Support Associate: Climate Resilience & Just Transition

Host entity: UN-HABITAT ZAF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Community development, Geospatial information systems

Application deadline: 20/08/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency mandated to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat works with national, provincial and local governments, development partners and communities to support inclusive urban development, climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure and improved living conditions.
In South Africa, UN-Habitat, amongst other functions, supports municipalities to strengthen climate resilience, promote sustainable urban development, improve access to climate finance, enhance disaster risk reduction, and advance just transition initiatives that contribute to low-carbon, climate-smart and inclusive cities. As an active member of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), UN-Habitat collaborates with other UN entities to support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and sustainable urban development priorities.

Assignment context

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) supports the Government of South Africa and municipalities to build inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements. Through its urban resilience portfolio, UN-Habitat works with national and local governments, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen municipal climate resilience, promote just transition approaches, improve access to climate finance and support sustainable urban development.

This assignment provides an opportunity for a young professional to gain practical experience in climate resilience programming while supporting the coordination and implementation of municipal resilience initiatives. Working under the guidance of the programme team, the UN Volunteer will provide administrative, coordination and programme support for climate resilience, climate finance and just transition activities. The assignment offers exposure to project administration, stakeholder engagement, knowledge management, research, reporting and local government coordination while contributing to sustainable urban development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the designated UN-Habitat Head of Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support programme coordination and implementation
● Support the planning, coordination and implementation of urban resilience, climate adaptation and mitigation, climate finance, disaster risk reduction and just transition initiatives.
● Support development of multilayered vulnerability assessments and urban resilience action plans.
● Assist with organizing programme activities, meetings, workshops, stakeholder consultations and municipal engagement sessions.
● Contribute to the implementation of work plans and support the timely delivery of programme activities in accordance with project objectives.

2. Support UNCT internal coordination mechanisms
● Support UN-Habitat's participation in Results Group 3 by assisting in preparing meeting documentation, recording minutes, following up on agreed actions and supporting coordination with participating UN agencies and partners.
● Contribute to information sharing and coordination efforts that strengthen collaboration across the UN system and with national counterparts.

3. Conduct research, data collection and basic analysis
● Undertake desk research and compile information on climate change adaptation and mitigation urban resilience, sustainable urban development, climate finance, disaster risk reduction and just transition.
● Support data collection, basic analysis and preparation of background documents, concept notes, briefing notes, presentations and other technical materials.
● Assist in identifying emerging trends, good practices and lessons learned to inform programme implementation.

4. Support monitoring, reporting and results tracking
● Assist in monitoring programme implementation by tracking activities, outputs and milestones against approved work plans.
● Compile information and administrative inputs for programme reports, donor reports and progress updates.
● Maintain records and support results tracking to strengthen accountability and programme performance.

5. Support knowledge management and documentation
● Organize and maintain programme documentation, electronic filing systems and project records.
● Document lessons learned, good practices and success stories arising from programme implementation.
● Support the development of knowledge products that facilitate institutional learning and information sharing.

6. Support stakeholder engagement and operational coordination
● Assist with coordination and communication among municipalities, government departments, development partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
● Support UN Habitat’s participation in global climate platforms.
● Support logistical and administrative arrangements for meetings, workshops, capacity-building activities and outreach events.
● Maintain stakeholder contact lists and contribute to effective partnership coordination.

7. Support communication and visibility
● Contribute to increasing awareness of climate resilience and sustainable urban development initiatives through communication and outreach activities.

8. Provide general administrative support
● Provide administrative support for programme operations, including meeting logistics, travel arrangements, procurement processes, correspondence and document management.
● Ensure accurate filing and record-keeping in accordance with UN-Habitat administrative procedures.
● Perform other programme support and administrative duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated interest or experience in:
● Climate resilience, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable urban development or environmental management.
● Project coordination, programme administration, stakeholder engagement, municipal development or development programmes.
● Research, report writing, knowledge management and administrative support.
● GIS, spatial analysis, data management or vulnerability mapping.

Skills in
● Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Microsoft Teams).
● Administrative coordination, project support and document management.
● Research, report writing and information management.
● Planning and coordination of meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagements.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

*Mastercard Foundation Alumni and Youth with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.

*Candidates must be between 18 and 34 years of age at the time of application.

Competencies and values

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust
Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication
Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing
Planning and Organizing, Professionalism
Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Working in Teams

Living conditions

Bigger cities in South África can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South África are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.

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