UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit (GCP) develops the capacities of individuals and training institutions in developing countries to advance green and climate resilient development in support of Agenda 2030. The Programme Unit offers a range of services, including executive training, capacity development for education and training institutions, support for national learning strategies, learning methodology development, and knowledge-sharing. Activities are carried out through partnerships with other UN organizations, bilateral development partners, as well as leading learning institutions and think tanks.

As a founding member of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), together with UN Environment, ILO, UNIDO, and UNDP, the work of UNITAR in the area of green economy focuses on developing consolidated green economy training packages, designing and delivering green economy learning in PAGE partner countries, strengthening capacities of research and training institutions, methodology development, and knowledge sharing.

Guatemala joined PAGE in 2018. The country faces considerable challenges linked to degradation of natural resources, deforestation, malnutrition, and increasing pollution and waste levels. The transition to a green economy is regarded as an imperative by the incoming national administration in order to achieve low-carbon development across sectors and greater well-being for all Guatemalans. On 7-8 May 2024, PAGE holds the second edition of the National Inclusive Green Economy Forum 2.0, the project’s main annual, in-person gathering in Guatemala City. The Forum brings together stakeholders from government, the UN system, academia, private sector and civil society with the goal to:

1. Identify priority issues related to the new administration’s green economy agenda;
2. Map emerging economic, social and environmental priorities of young people;
3. Discuss current and alternative development models with youth representatives;
4. Examine different sectoral strategies and enabling conditions for success with other national PAGE programs;
5. Strengthen engagement and synergies between PAGE and similar international cooperation initiatives in the country;
6. Showcase training, career and employment opportunities in the green economy for young people.

During the assignment, the trainee will gain hands-on exposure to the field of development cooperation, especially regarding how to:

• Prepare and implement a national, high-level conference;
• Communicate effectively with targeted audiences as a United Nations entity;
• Coordinate and manage a project toward the achievement of shared goals in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder setting under time and resource constraints.

General Objectives of the Contract:

The Trainee will support the PAGE program in Guatemala with a focus on the programmatic and logistical preparation and execution of the National Inclusive Green Economy Forum 2.0.

Responsibilities/Description of Professional Services:

1. Support PAGE National Inclusive Green Economy Forum 2.0, including:

• Participate in coordination meetings with the entity in charge of the logistics of the event as well as other collaborators;
• Generate and update the list of participants using existing database and with inputs from counterparts and the Project Coordinator;
• Assist with drafting and dissemination of event materials, visual identity, communication assets, invitations, briefings etc;
• Follow up with PAGE agencies, counterparts and collaborators on agreed workplans and commitments.

2. Assist with coordination between ministries, national stakeholders and collaborators, including:

• Follow up on regulations, inputs and feedback vis-à-vis the social communication units of the implementing ministries;
• Draft information notes and press releases before and after milestones.

3. Provide overall assistance for PAGE Guatemala, as appropriate.

Reporting Structure:

The Trainee will report to the Senior Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit, Division for Planet.

Minimum requirements

Education: Applicants must be enrolled in an graduate/postgraduate degree (within either international relations, economics, education, law, social sciences, environmental sciences or a related subject) or be a recent graduate of the aforementioned (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation).

Digital skills: Robust working knowledge with the MS Office Suite. Graphic design and photo/video recording and editing skills are an asset.

What we value:

• Good writing skills.
• Solid interpersonal and intercultural skills.
• Familiarity with implementing in-person events or related activities.
• Interest in teamwork and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Willingness to learn, dedication and independence at work.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the mandate and values of the United Nations.
• Expertise in digital marketing and social media platforms is an asset.

Languages: Fluency in Spanish and good level of English are required. 

Dates and Duration:

Start date: Between March-April 2024 (exact date to be determined with prospective candidate)

Duration: 3-5 months (exact length to be determined with prospective candidate).

Deadline for submission of applications: 18 February 2024