Mission and objectivesThe UNEP Addis Ababa Office is a liaison office to the African Union, the Economic Commission for Africa and Ethiopia, whose aim is to facilitate the participation of UNEP in the provision of inter-agency support to regional institutions and processes. As an accredited entity to Ethiopia, member of the UN Country Team who works with national environmental institutions, UNEP is also mandated to enhance public awareness on Environmental issues in Ethiopia by successfully organizing and developing environmental outreach programmes, as well as by mobilizing adequate resources to enhance its programme of work in Ethiopia.
ContextThe UNEP Addis Ababa Liaison Office is responsible for developing partnerships with the African Union Commission (AUC) to strengthen the environmental dimension of pan-African initiatives in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Africa Union Agenda 2063. The office engages the diplomatic corps based in Ethiopia, especially the members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to UN Environment Programme and keep them informed on current and emerging environmental challenges and opportunities in Africa and ongoing efforts. In addition, the office strengthens cooperation with UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and other UN agencies through joint programming and relevant thematic areas. The office fosters a strategic partnership with the Government of Ethiopia and other partners in the country, including academic institutions, civil society organizations, youth, and the private sector, as well as facilitates UN Environment Programme operations in Ethiopia, identifying new areas of cooperation with relevant partners, in order accelerate the implementation of UNEP’s programme of work. The UNV is expected to provide support and contribute to the implementation of UNEP programmes in Ethiopia, AUC, and UNECA.
Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the head of the UNEP Addis Ababa Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Participate in trends and emerging issues on environment in Ethiopia, and assist in identifying existing and planned initiatives and programmes of other institutions that are relevant to UNEP programme of work, so as to enhance the capacity of the office to mobilize resources for environmental outreach programmes; • Assist in the planning and staging of special environmental events in Ethiopia (e.g. World Environment Day, International Biological Diversity Day, International Desertification Day, International Ozone Day etc.) in partnership with the UN Country Team (UNCT) members, Ethiopian environmental institutions, and the public; • Participate in any other assignments that the office may require, such as covering relevant national/international environmental events and drafting reports to be transmitted to headquarters and/or used in newsletter(s).
Competencies and values ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarksAddis Ababa is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The population is estimated at about 4 million or so. It is located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500-2,700 meters. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold at night, with freezing temperatures at times. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and/or log fires when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union (ex-OAU). Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world. There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is most of the time readily available and the rents are, on average, reasonable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa, and Europe, or local brands, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available. The basic infrastructures - roads, utilities, and telecommunications - are below standard, as are medical facilities, which are still largely inadequate, although a few private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. There are lots of tourist attractions to visit around the country, although the amenities are often poor to average. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and cultural events throughout the year organized by the international and local communities. Sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) exist in the major hotels or different establishments around the city.