Environment Programme Associate

• * Deadline to apply is 4 September 2026 **

Description of assignment title

Environment Programme Associate

Host entity

UNOPS

Modality

Onsite

Type

National

Volunteer category

Associate UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule

Full-time

Number of Assignments

1

Assignment country

Pakistan

Duty stations

Islamabad

Work location

On UN premises

Expected start date

24/08/2026

Duration

6 months (with possibility of extension)

Context

UNOPS helps the UN system, governments, and partners deliver operational solutions across infrastructure, procurement, grant management, and project delivery. As part of its commitment to climate action, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable supply chains, UNOPS works to accelerate the transition toward circular economies, reduce plastic waste, and enhance municipal resource recovery.

Working at the intersection of environmental sustainability and practical project delivery, the UN Youth Volunteer will support UNOPS in executing circularity and waste management initiatives while actively assisting the team in pipeline development, partner mapping, and resource mobilization.

Task description

The UN Youth Volunteer will contribute inputs into environmental project support, delivery, resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement and communications activities. Their specific tasks will include;

1. Environmental & Circularity Project Support

● Technical Assistance: Assist in monitoring and tracking environmental project activities, focusing on plastic waste reduction, circular value chains, sustainable infrastructure design, and waste-to-resource management.

● Research & Analysis: Conduct baseline studies, market assessments, and policy mapping related to local circular economy frameworks, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and sustainable procurement practices.

● Field & Data Coordination: Help gather field-level data, metrics, and progress indicators across local waste management, recycling, and community-led circularity initiatives.

2. Resource Mobilization & Business Development

● Donor & Partner Mapping: Map funding opportunities, climate funds, bilateral donors, development banks, and private sector partners focusing on circular economy and plastic waste management.

● Proposal Development: Assist in drafting concept notes, donor proposals, logical frameworks, and budgets for new environment, waste management and infrastructure initiatives.

● Opportunity Tracking: Monitor tenders, calls for proposals, and strategic funding windows across national and regional environment sectors.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

● Multi-Stakeholder Liaison: Help organize technical working groups, donor briefings, and consultations with municipal authorities, civil society, waste-picker associations, and private recyclers.

● Inter-Agency Collaboration: Facilitate joint UN initiatives

4. Communications, Youth Advocacy & Reporting

● Impact Storytelling: Draft project updates, briefing notes, donor reports, and case studies highlighting circular economy outcomes and sustainable procurement practices.

● Youth Engagement: Help integrate youth-centric perspectives and community participation into circular economy programming.

Relevant experience

1 month

Languages

English, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Urdu, Level: Native language, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Circular Economy, International Development or any other relevant field.

Skills and experience

• Relevant experience (including internships, academic projects, or volunteer work) in environmental management, circularity, plastic waste, grant writing, or business development.

• Strong interest in UNOPS' core areas: sustainable procurement, infrastructure resilience, and practical project execution. Familiarity with proposal drafting, pitch deck development, or fundraising research is a strong asset.