Climate Change and Environment Associate, Luanda, Angola

General

Description of assignment title: Climate Change and Environment Associate

Assignment country: Angola

Duty stations: Luanda

Work location: On UN premises

Expected start date: 09/12/2026

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

Sustainable Development Goal: 13. Climate action

Host entity: UNDP

Modality: Onsite

Type: International

Volunteer category: Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives:

• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, working in over 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crisis and change. In Angola, UNDP is currently implementing its Country Programme (CPD) for the period of 2024 - 2028, which is based on the premise of 'leaving no one behind' and 'reaching those furthest behind first'. The programme includes integrated solutions to complex, interconnected development challenges. These challenges are currently being addressed through four complementary priorities:
• 1. Inclusive, diversified and sustainable economic diversification.
• 2. Equitable access to quality social services.
• 3. Strengthened management of environmental and natural resources, and resilience to disasters and climate change.
• 4. Effective and inclusive democratic governance anchored in human rights and promoting peace and security.
• The Climate and Environment portfolio focuses on supporting Angola's transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and nature-positive development pathway, aligned with national priorities and global commitments.

Context:

• Angola faces significant climate and environmental challenges, including land degradation, biodiversity loss, increasing climate vulnerability, and inadequate waste management systems. The impacts of climate change have been intensifying across the country, resulting in a growing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. Recent flooding events in Benguela, as well as recurring cycles of drought and flooding in Cunene province, highlight the increasing exposure and vulnerability of communities to climate shocks. These trends underscore the urgent need for integrated, resilience-building interventions.
• At the same time, Angola has strong potential to leverage its natural capital, renewable energy resources, and circular economy approaches to drive sustainable growth, strengthen resilience, and create green jobs.
• UNDP Angola is implementing a growing portfolio of projects in climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, circular economy, and sustainable natural resource management. These initiatives involve close collaboration with government institutions (e.g., Ministry of Environment), municipalities, civil society, and private sector partners.
• The UN Volunteer will be embedded within the Nature, Climate and Environment (NCE) Unit and will support project implementation, knowledge management, stakeholder engagement, and learning processes. This assignment provides a strong opportunity for early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience in international development, environmental programming, and UN operations.

Task description:

• Under the direct supervision of NCE Programme Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• Programme Support and Implementation
• - Support the implementation of climate change and environmental projects (e.g., circular economy, biodiversity, waste management, climate adaptation).
• - Assist in tracking project activities, timelines, and deliverables.
• - Contribute to the preparation of workplans, progress reports, and donor updates.
• - Support basic data collection and analysis related to project outputs and indicators.
• Research and Knowledge Management
• - Conduct desk research on climate change, environmental policies, and sustainable development practices.
• - Support the development of knowledge products (briefs, presentations, case studies, lessons learned).
• - Assist in documenting good practices and pilot initiatives (e.g., community-based waste management, circular economy solutions).
• Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
• - Support coordination with government counterparts, partners, and stakeholders.
• - Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and field visits.
• - Participate in consultations and support documentation of discussions and outcomes.
• Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting
• - Contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes by compiling data and supporting indicator tracking.
• - Assist in preparing inputs for UNDP corporate reporting (e.g., ROAR, IWP).
• - Support learning activities, including capturing insights from pilot initiatives.
• Communication and Visibility
• - Assist in preparing communication materials (success stories, social media content, presentations).
• - Support visibility of project results and partnerships.
• NCE Support
• - Coordination support
• - Support to the NCE portfolio
• The assignment will provide structured learning opportunities, including:
• - Exposure to UNDP programme management and project cycles.
• - Mentorship and coaching from senior staff.
• - Participation in technical discussions on climate change, circular economy, and environmental policy.
• - Development of skills in data analysis, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination.
• - Access to UNDP and UNV learning platforms and training opportunities.
• 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

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 is funded by the Government of Korea and therefore specific criteria apply:
• - Candidates must be Korean nationals. Fluency in Korean is required.
• - Candidates must be between 22 and 29 years of age at the time of application.
• - Candidates who have already served as UN Youth Volunteer funded by the Government of Korea are not eligible to apply (former UN University Volunteers are eligible).
• - Serving UN Volunteers will not be considered for other UN Volunteer assignments until they reach three (3) months before the end of contract date of their current UN Volunteer assignment. This provision applies equally to first and subsequent contracts.
• - Candidates may apply to a maximum of three assignments and indicate the order of preference in the 'Additional remarks' field when filling in the application form.
• - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection will be done by the UN Host Entity at the level of the country of assignment.
• APPLICATION DEADLINE: 19 July 2026
• +++ UN Volunteer entitlement calculator: https://app.unv.org/calculator +++

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience:

• 1 month

Languages:

• English, Level: Fluent, Required
• Portuguese, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level:

• Bachelor's degree in Bachelor's degree in the areas of: Environmental Science, Climate Change, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Environmental Engineering, or related fields

Competencies and values:

• - Accountability
• - Adaptability and Flexibility
• - Client Orientation
• - Commitment to Continuous Learning
• - Communication
• - Ethics and Values
• - Integrity
• - Planning and Organizing
• - Professionalism
• - Respect for Diversity
• - Self-Management
• - Working in Teams

Skills and experience:

• Demonstrated interest or experience (up to 3 years) in:
• Climate change and environmental sustainability
• Sustainable Energy
• Ecosystem Restoration
• Carbon Credit
• Circular economy or waste management
• Sustainable development and community-based initiatives
• Skills in:
• Strong analytical and research skills
• Good communication and writing skills
• Ability to work in a multicultural team environment
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office tools

Area(s) of expertise:

• Community development, Energy and environment , Natural and life sciences

Driving license:

• -

Other information