NDC Support and Youth Engagement Officer (Home based Retainer) - Nukuʻalofa, Tonga

Job Description

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to climate action and sustainable development in Tonga, working with a dynamic team and engaging with youth to drive impactful change. The role provides exposure to international project management, climate policy, and community engagement within the framework of the United Nations.

Tonga is a member of the NDC Partnership and submitted its Second NDC to the UNFCCC in December 2020. Tonga also launched its NDC Implementation Roadmap and Investment Plan in 2022, which serves as the guiding document for implementation and resource mobilization. Tonga has submitted several requests for support through the NDC Partnership, receiving support from members of the NDC Partnership as well as through the Partnership Action Fund. In Dec 2023, Tonga requested support for embedded coordination – through the recruitment of an embedded NDC Support and Youth Engagement Officer.

The incumbent will closely support the Tonga Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC). He/she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth implementation of NDC processes and enhancing youth engagement. 

He/she will be responsible for implementing MEIDECC’s Youth Awareness Strategy to increase youth participation in climate initiatives, coordinating events for meaningful discussions among stakeholders, providing administrative support to senior officials, conducting research and assisting in the development of training materials and resources to youth and staff capacity in relevant sectors. He/she will assist the country’s NDC Officer and National NDC Coordinator with their daily tasks related to NDC implementation and provide additional support for various aspects of the NDC implementation process. 

The NDC Support and Youth Engagement Officer will work closely with the Director of the Department of Climate Change, as well as MEIDECC’s NDC Officer and National NDC Coordinator in Tonga (aligning with a work plan approved by both the NDC Partnership and the Department of Climate Change, MEIDECC) and will work in close collaboration with the different ministerial offices and in-country stakeholders. The candidate will serve as an embedded support facilitator, working on a daily basis alongside government officials within government facilities. While the role is an embedded position, the role will report to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist based in Suva. 

* This is a retainer national vacancy / position for twelve 12 months, maximum of 220 working days, with possibility of an extension depending on satisfactory performance and on availability of funds. 

**This is a Home-based position, meaning the incumbent will be expected to work from government offices in Tonga and not work from a UNOPS office or from home. Additionally, the incumbent will need to take their own laptop, equipped with all the relevant software, to government facilities. 

*** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Tonga or have a valid residence permit in the country.

****Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The NDC Support and Youth Engagement Officer will provide project management support, facilitate youth engagement activities, and ensure effective communication and coordination among stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

1. Project Management Support

• Assist in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities.
• Provide administrative support to the project team, including organizing meetings, preparing reports, and managing project documentation.
• Track project progress and identify potential challenges, proposing solutions to ensure timely and effective implementation.
• Support the development of project proposals, work plans, and budgets.

2. Youth Engagement

• Develop and implement strategies to engage youth in climate action and sustainable development initiatives.
• Organize and facilitate youth workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns.
• Create platforms for youth to share their ideas, experiences, and solutions related to climate change.
• Support youth-led projects and initiatives, providing mentorship and resources.

3. Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and coordination.
• Facilitate communication and information sharing among project partners.
• Represent the project at relevant meetings and events.

4. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare regular progress reports, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date project documentation, including meeting minutes, reports, and correspondence.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and communication materials.

About the Organization

United Nations Office for Project Services