SDG Localization and Institutional Engagement Associate, San Jose, Costa Rica

General

Description of assignment title: SDG Localization and Institutional Engagement Associate

Assignment country: Costa Rica

Duty stations: San Jose

Work location: On UN premises

Expected start date: 09/30/2026

Duration: 12 months(with possibility of extension)Long-term benefits and allowances

Sustainable Development Goal: 17. Partnerships for the goals

Host entity: UNRCO Costa Rica

Modality: Onsite

Type: International

Volunteer category: Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives:

• As a coordinating agency, the RCO seeks to strengthen cooperation between UN entities on issues related to economic development and climate change resilience.

Context:

• The assignment takes place within the framework of Costa Rica's commitment to the localization of the 2030 Agenda through inclusive and participatory processes. The UN Specialist will support the UN Resident Coordinator Office in scaling up the localization of the SDGs by strengthening the national network of local governments (Red de Cantones Promotores de los ODS), promoting Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and facilitating multi-level dialogues between local authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The assignment will place particular focus on SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), contributing to inclusive governance, civic participation, and inter-institutional collaboration. The volunteer will also engage with national stakeholders to promote accountability, transparency, and institutional strengthening, while supporting the design and implementation of SDG-related consultation processes and political analysis that inform national development strategies.

Task description:

• Under the direct supervision of Monitoring, Evaluation, Data and Results Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• 1. Support the coordination and follow-up of the SDG localization strategy, including the scaling up of the Municipal Network for the SDGs and support to the preparation of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs).
• 2. Assist in the development and facilitation of interagency dialogues and capacity-building workshops focused on SDGs 16 and 17, targeting institutions, youth, and civil society.
• 3. Provide technical and analytical support to the national SDG Secretariat and the Resident Coordinator Office for political and governance analysis related to Agenda 2030 implementation.
• 4. Contribute to the design and implementation of participatory processes for the definition of national SDG targets, involving relevant stakeholders.
• 5. Collaborate with UN Agencies to strengthen civic space and democratic engagement, with emphasis on peacebuilding, inclusion, and human rights.
• 6. Support the documentation, monitoring, and communication of results of SDG acceleration initiatives at national and local levels.
• 7. Assist in the coordination of youth-led or civil society-driven projects aligned with the Youth2030 Strategy and the Human Rights-Based Approach.
• 8. Support the expansion of SDG localization in coastal cantons by strengthening partnerships with local governments, community-based organizations, academia, and private sector actors, with a focus on integrated solid waste management and circular economy solutions. This includes facilitating multi-stakeholder coordination platforms, contributing to the design and implementation of pilot initiatives, and supporting capacity development processes aimed at improving waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable consumption practices, in alignment with SDGs 11, 12, 13, and 14.
• 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.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Required experience: 1 month

Donor priorities:

• .

Nationality: Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

Additional eligibility criteria:

• This assignment, including a 12-month contract extension, is funded by Spain and therefore candidates must be Spanish nationals.
• Candidates who already served on a UN Volunteer assignment funded by Spain are not eligible.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be carried out by the UN Host Entity in the country of assignment.
• +++ UN Volunteer entitlement calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator +++

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience:

• No experience required

Languages:

• Spanish, Level: Fluent, Required
• English, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level:

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Public Policy and Development Studies

Competencies and values:

• ☒ Building Trust
• ☒ Commitment and Motivation
• ☒ Communication
• ☒ Judgement and Decision-making
• ☒ Knowledge Sharing
• ☒ Professionalism
• ☒ Vision
• ☒ Working in Teams

Skills and experience:

• Demonstrated interest or experience (up to two years):
• Interest in local development and governance, such as supporting municipal projects or community-based initiatives.
• Basic understanding of the SDGs, with knowledge in awareness campaigns, sustainabil-ity activities, or SDG-related volunteering.
• Community engagement skills, including participation in youth dialogues, workshops, or advocacy efforts.
• Awareness of gender and inclusion, with a willingness to apply inclusive approaches in activities or communication.
• Basic data skills, such as organizing information, creating simple reports, or helping visu-alize progress.
• Initial experience in project monitoring, including supporting reporting or using basic tools to track results.

Area(s) of expertise:

• Community development, Development programmes, Economics and finance

Driving license:

• -

Other information