Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the agency for human settlements and sustainable urbanisation. It is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. Leading efforts to advance UN system-wide coherence for sustainable urbanisation, UN-Habitat is playing a key role implementing the Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in September 2015 as well as the New Urban Agenda (NUA) adopted in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016. For over a decade, the UN-Habitat through its established presence together with the UN Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, has served as an integral arm of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Fukuoka, JAPAN assisting to facilitate inter-agency partnerships and collaboration with Bangkok-based regional bodies, institutions, UN, and civil society agencies. UN-Habitat strengthened its office in Bangkok as Multi-Country Programme Office in line with the organizational reform to support assigned countries in South and South East Asia while further deepening its presence and cooperation in all of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam. The Bangkok Multi Country Programme Office (MCO) supports the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in the liaison and coordination with key partners, several UN agencies, regional and country offices, and especially with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The office supports the development of strategic partnerships with key donors and partners and the contribution of UN-Habitat to key functions and initiatives to advance the implementation and reporting of the SDGs.
ContextThe assignment will be to support the programming and functions of the UN-Habitat Bangkok Multi-Country Programme Office, which covers many aspects of human settlement development, combining operational activities (responding to government requests to develop and technically support innovative projects and programmes), as well as developing and field-testing normative activities (advocating increased support to the urban sector, as well as documenting and sharing good practices for policy guidance, and campaigning for Sustainable Urbanization). Moreover, the Office supports regional and national events focused on Sustainable Development and several areas of urban development, in collaboration with international organisations, UN entities and national and subnational governments. Currently, the Office is leading the implementation of several programmes, focusing on sustainable urbanisation across Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN), sustainable urban mobility and transit-oriented development, waste management and sanitation, and initiatives for the localisation of the SDGs.
Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of Chief, UN-Habitat Bangkok Multi-Country Programme Office , the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Assist in the preparation of draft concept papers, background documents, and policy papers. • Support in the development of project concept notes, policy briefs and supplementary documents for resource mobilization, event coordination and joint programming. • Search for and identify funding and collaboration opportunities. • Facilitate communication and information management, establishing connections between county-level partners, other regional partners, and internal colleagues, etc. • Contribute to the management of websites, social media, and drafting of newsletters. • Help in the preparation, implementation, and follow-up of regional workshops. • Aid in the design of context-specific resources and materials relevant to different countries, as well as, support in the provision of translation and interpretation as needed. • Undertake other assignments as required for the development and implementation of the work programme of ROAP, and in delivering the strategy of UN-Habitat Bangkok Office. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.
Competencies and values- Accountability - Adaptability and Flexibility - Commitment and Motivation - Commitment to Continuous Learning - Communication - Creativity - Ethics and Values - Knowledge Sharing - Planning and Organizing - Professionalism - Vision - Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarksAccessing basic living needs in Bangkok, including accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities and telecommunications/internet services, are readily available. Most staple foods can be found in the markets, for example, rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil, salt, etc. Bangkok has different public transportation options, including the BTS Skytrain and MRT, metered taxis, mobile-based ride-hailing services (Grab, All Thai Taxi, etc.), tuk tuks, motorbike taxis, buses and boats. Mobile phone is the most dependable tool to be in-touch with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available and affordable at most apartment complexes. Thailand is a unique country and the Bangkok Office facilitates a dynamic multi-country operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.