General

Description of assignment title: Youth Engagement Associate for Climate Action

Assignment country: Gabon

Duty stations: Libreville

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: UNICEF Gabon

Modality: Onsite

Type: International

Volunteer category: Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule: Full-time

Number of Assignments: 1

Details

Mission and objectives:

• UNICEF works in the world's toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents - and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

Context:

• As a United Nations agency dedicated to the promotion of children's rights, UNICEF remains deeply concerned about climate change and is committed to working with children, adoles-cents, and young people to strengthen their role in protecting our ecosystem and to enhance the resilience of child-focused social services in the face of this crisis.
• To this end, a global action plan on climate change and sustainable development has been developed, with the objective of empowering every child throughout their life by providing op-portunities for development, education, and the skills needed to become an environmental ad-vocate. Achieving this goal includes raising awareness among children and young people about climate change and environmental issues.
• In Gabon, following the success of the One Forest Youth Summit held in February 2023, UNICEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the One Forest Youth Initiative and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This partnership supports the implementation of the Initiative's Manifesto and aims to build the capacities of children and young people, fostering the emer-gence of a new generation of climate advocates.
• Youth participation in decision-making is essential. Young people must be included in nation-al, regional, and international climate discussions and provided with the tools, education, and green skills required to lead effective climate action.
• Within this framework, UNICEF implements a youth engagement programme that includes collaboration with the One Forest Youth Initiative to train U Reporters on environmental en-gagement, the U Report digital platform that amplifies youth voices on issues affecting their lives, and the Youth Advocates programme, which empowers young people to engage in awareness-raising, advocacy, and action in support of every child. This approach reinforces inclusive participation, shared responsibility, and sustainable solutions that prioritize children today and protect future generations.
• Within this context, the UN Volunteer Associate - Youth Engagement for Climate Action will play a key supporting role in advancing UNICEF's youth participation and climate action agenda in Gabon. The UN Volunteer will contribute to programme implementation, coordina-tion with youth-led and institutional partners, and amplification of youth voices through digital and community-based platforms, thereby strengthening adolescent and youth engagement in climate advocacy and action.

Task description:

• Under the direct supervision of the Partnership and Communication Specialist, the UN Volunteer Associate will support the implementation of youth engagement and climate action initiatives through the following tasks:
• Provide technical and operational support to the implementation of youth engagement initiatives related to climate action, in line with the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF ) programme priorities.
• Support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of youth engagement and climate-related interventions, in close collaboration with youth-led organizations, government counterparts, and local partners.
• Contribute to the development of communication and visibility materials, including brochures, posters, and social media content, to promote programme activities and raise public awareness on youth-led climate action.
• Facilitate and support the organization of workshops, training sessions, dialogues, and awareness-raising events engaging U-Reporters, Youth Advocates, and other young people at national and sub-national levels.
• Support the design and implementation of strategies for the promotion, recruitment, and operationalization of youth-led initiatives, ensuring meaningful, inclusive, and safe participation of adolescents and young people.
• Communication and Advocacy
• Support communication and advocacy efforts aimed at amplifying youth voices, promoting climate action, and strengthening adolescent and youth participation in decision-making processes.
• Contribute to outreach and advocacy activities that reinforce youth-led initiatives and campaigns aligned with UNICEF programme objectives and child- and youth-centered climate priorities.
• 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:

• French, Level: Working knowledge, Required
• English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level:

• Bachelor's degree in Environment, Communication, Political Science

Competencies and values:

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Empowering Others
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Knowledge Sharing
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Technological Awareness
• Working in Teams

Skills and experience:

• Demonstrated interest or experience (up to three years) in:
• Youth Engagement
• Climate Change and Sustainable Development
• Community Development
• Public Speaking
• Skills in:
• Communication
• Office Software
• Networking

Area(s) of expertise:

• Communication, Community development, Business management

Driving license:

• -

Other information