Climate, Sustainability and Environmental Protection Associate

The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) will be hosted by the UNDP Global Centre for Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Development in Singapore (UNDP Global Centre), which operates as part of UNDP’s Digital, AI and Innovation (DAI) Hub. The DAI Hub is uniquely positioned to address gaps in existing development models by leveraging digital, data-driven, and innovation approaches. It harnesses digital technologies, AI, and systems innovation to co-create transformation journeys with governments and partners, enabling more agile, adaptive, and interconnected responses to complex challenges. As part of this work, the UNDP Global Centre aims to identify, co-create, and share innovative and technological solutions for sustainable development. It aims to catalyze new insights, partnerships and action in the countries where UNDP works. Key areas of focus include: Sustainability and Climate Resilience, Responsible AI for Sustainable Development, Digital Trust and Cybersecurity. The UNDP Global Centre leverages Singapore’s deep expertise, solutions, knowledge, and ecosystem of Government and private sector partners, as well as knowledge from experts and partners around the globe, and across UNDP’s Global Policy Network. More specifically, the UNDP Global Centre connects policymakers, practitioners, think tanks, business, and other relevant stakeholders to each other from across the globe for learning and sharing of best practices on the themes of technology, innovation, and partnerships for sustainable development.

The objective of the assignment is to support the Climate and Sustainability workstream at the UNDP Global Centre, with a particular focus on circularity, carbon economy, sustainability, and green transformation. This thematic area is dedicated to driving the transition towards sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon urban environments. It encompasses a wide range of initiatives that respond to the challenges of rapid urbanization, climate change, environmental degradation, and air pollution, while advancing inclusive green growth.

Under the direct supervision of the Climate and Sustainability Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks :

Knowledge products :

- Support the conceptualization and development of reports, briefs, and frameworks on circularity, carbon economy and pricing, and air pollution monitoring, amongst many other cross-cutting climate and sustainability thematic area, with recommendations tailored to diverse contexts.
- Identify and document case studies and innovative practices that can inform global and regional dialogues on sustainability and climate action.
- Map key stakeholders in Singapore’s context who are working on circularity, carbon economy and pricing, and air pollution monitoring, amongst many other cross-cutting climate and sustainability thematic area, in order to develop strategies on how best to leverage Singapore’s experience in these fields.

Research and Thought Leadership :

- Support the design of carbon pricing instruments, circular economy principles, and air pollution management strategies, amongst others under the thematic area, positioning UNDP as a leader in these areas.
- Contribute to the translation of technical insights into accessible knowledge products that can inform governments, private sector, academia, and civil society partners amongst others
- Support collaboration across the Centre and the DAI Hub to ensure knowledge exchange and alignment with broader innovation and sustainability agendas with a digital lens. Expected outcomes include contributions to cross-country initiatives, with documented lessons learned and knowledge-sharing outputs.

Event Management Support :

- Assist in the planning and execution of activities, workshops, and events related to the workstream’s plans. This involves actively supporting communication and promotion efforts (including by drafting blogs, media pieces, etc.) coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, speakers, and participants.