Job Description

Details:
Mission and objectives:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
Context:
This UNV assignment is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project (IKI SES Project), implemented under the auspices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), through its Abu Dhabi Office. The project aims to enhance the understanding, protection, and sustainable use of seagrass ecosystems, with a focus on their role in supporting biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, and coastal livelihoods.
Seagrass ecosystems provide vital services including carbon sequestration, nursery habitats for fish, and food sources for endangered species such as dugongs and green turtles. Despite their importance, seagrass meadows are among the least recognized and most rapidly declining ecosystems globally.
This project engages a range of national and regional stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, civil society, and local communities to strengthen policy frameworks, build scientific knowledge, and promote inclusive communication strategies that highlight the value of seagrass ecosystems.
The National UNV Youth Communication Support Officer will contribute to the project's communication, outreach, and stakeholder engagement efforts in the participating countries. The role supports awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing activities to amplify the impact of project outcomes and contribute to broader climate and biodiversity goals.
More information about the CMS Seagrass Ecosystems work is available at:
https://www.dugongseagrass.org/projects/seagrass-ecosystem-services-project/
National Youth volunteers in UAE are entitled to:
- Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) in the amount of AED 14,070.4
- Entry Lumpsum USD 400
- Annual and learning leaves;
- Free Medical and life insurance;
- Free access to different learning platforms.
For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit:
https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service
Task description:
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Programme Management Officer (Dugong) or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the National UNV Youth Communication Support Officer will:

• Assist in updating the Dugong & Seagrass Hub website with recent reports, publications, and multimedia content.

• Support coordination with the website developer by compiling and sharing feedback on design improvements and new sections (e.g. Seagrass Survey).

• Help ensure country pages under the IKI Seagrass Ecosystem Services (SES) Project are up to date with relevant project information.

• Summarize key findings from project reports (e.g. Dugong Status Report, IKI SES country reports) to support the development of communication materials.

• Contribute to drafting short articles or interview-based features highlighting community and national conservation efforts.

• Assist in preparing social media posts for CMS Dugong MoU platforms, including drafting captions, selecting visuals, and organizing content.

• Help monitor social media engagement and maintain a basic content calendar under the guidance of the team.

• Provide administrative and communication support for meetings of the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough Pool of Experts.

• Assist in the logistical and communication preparations for outreach events, including the CMS Dugong MoU special session at the 13th WIOMSA Symposium.

• Support other IKI SES-related events, including the project's closing workshop and any additional outreach activities as needed.

Requirements:

• At least 1 month of professional work experience, at the national and/or international level, in communication or other relevant programmes; experience with content writing related to marine and coastal environment is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization;

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and

collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members,
religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools
and approaches of communications for development;

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment;

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications

(Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office
technology equipment;

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in migratory species conservation, volunteerism as a mechanism

for durable development, and the UN System.
Competencies and values:

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Area(s) of expertise:

• Communication
• Natural and life sciences
• Community development

Required education level:
Bachelor's degree
Other information: As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Abu Dhabi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.
Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers
The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.
The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .
Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly

Skills Required