Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network. It promotes technical and investment cooperation among nations and advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life for themselves. UNDP is on the ground in over 170 countries and territories, working with them on their own solutions to global, regional, and national development challenges. Today’s 1.45 billion young people (aged 18 to 29), the largest youth generation ever, are actively shaping the world. They are digitally connected, passionate about bringing change, and increasingly driving social, political, and economic progress in their local communities and beyond.

ContextThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, supporting countries to achieve sustainable development by strengthening institutions, building resilience, and promoting inclusive economic growth. In Kuwait, UNDP works closely with national stakeholders to support the implementation of Kuwait Vision 2035 and to strengthen institutional capacities across key priority areas, including environmental sustainability, climate resilience, risk-informed planning and sustainable economic development. In light of evolving regional dynamics, including the current regional crisis and its implications, UNDP Kuwait is supporting the Government of Kuwait across three interrelated thematic areas: a.Preparedness, Resilience and Emergency Planning b.Environmental Preparedness, sustainability and monitoring (primary focus on this assignment) c.Economic Implications, Risk Assessment and Scenario Planning This assignment will focus on assisting the coordination and preparation of support to government considering the current situation, with a particular focus on strengthening environmental preparedness systems, enhancing environmental monitoring and risk assessment capacities, and supporting national efforts to mitigate and respond to potential environmental impacts arising from the current regional crisis and related developments. These initiatives require integrated analytical, research, and coordination support to ensure data informed and evidence-based decision-making, effective stakeholder engagement, and timely delivery of technical assistance. To this end, UNDP Kuwait is seeking a Programme Support Officer (National UN Volunteer Specialist) to provide primarily environment and sustainability focused support, with complimentary contributions across related thematic areas, and with a strong focus on data collection, analysis, research, and programme coordination. The role is designed to support the Country Office in the development of integrated responses to the current regional crisis and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts, in line with UNDP’s comparative advantage. The UN Volunteer will work in close collaboration with programme, operations, and technical teams, contributing to the design, implementation, and monitoring of UNDP’s technical support to national counterparts. National UN Specialist Volunteers in Kuwait are entitled to: - Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of KWD 827.08; - Annual and learning leaves; - Free Medical and life insurance; and - Free access to different learning platforms.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Programme Analyst, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: A. Data Collection and Analysis I. Support the rapid assessment and analysis of environmental risks and impacts associated with the current regional crisis, to inform timely decision making. II. Support analysis of environmental trends and risks to inform national preparedness and response planning. III. Support the collection, consolidation, and validation of quantitative and qualitative data across thematic areas, with a primary focus on environmental data, including air quality, marine ecosystems, pollution monitoring, and environmental risk indicators. IV. Contribute to data cleaning, structuring, and basic statistical analysis to inform technical outputs and policy recommendations. V. Support the development of dashboards, data summaries, and visualizations to facilitate evidence-based decision-making, particularly related to environmental monitoring and sustainability indicators. VI. Assist in integrating data from multiple sources (government entities, research institutions, international datasets) into coherent analytical frameworks. B. Research and Knowledge Development I. Support the development of analytical inputs and knowledge products related to the environmental dimensions of the current regional crisis. II. Support the preparation of analytical briefs, background notes, concept notes, and technical reports. III. Contribute to the development of environmental and sustainability focused concept notes and technical proposals aligned with UNDP’s support to national counterparts. IV. Contribute to benchmarking exercises and identification of international best practices relevant to Kuwait’s context, particularly in environmental preparedness and sustainability. V. Conduct desk research and literature reviews on relevant and connected topics, including preparedness systems, food security, economic impact and SME resilience. VI. Assist in documenting lessons learned and knowledge products emerging from UNDP’s engagement. C. Programme and Project Support I. Support the coordination of activities across multiple workstreams, with a particular focus on environment and sustainability related initiatives. II. Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, consultations, and training sessions, including preparation of materials and documentation of outcomes, particularly with environmental stakeholders (e.g. EPA, KISR, ROPME, and related entities). III. Support stakeholder mapping and engagement with government entities, research institutions, and partners. IV. Contribute to progress tracking, reporting, and documentation of programme outputs. V. Support coordination with national counterparts on environmental preparedness and monitoring initiatives. VI. Contribute to the development of a pipeline of environment and preparedness and monitoring initiatives. VII. Support coordination and follow-up on initiatives linked to the government’s response to the current regional crisis, particularly on environmental preparedness and monitoring aspects. D. Administrative and Operational Support I. Provide support in logistical coordination of missions, events, and project activities. II. Assist in maintaining organized project documentation and filing systems. III. Support basic financial tracking and administrative processes related to project implementation. IV. Ensure timely follow-up on action points and coordination with internal teams. E. Communication and Reporting I. Support the preparation of internal and external communication materials, including presentations and summaries. II. Contribute to reporting on programme progress, outputs, and results. III. Assist in ensuring consistency and quality of documentation across workstreams. IV. Support the preparation of briefing notes and talking points on environment and sustainability topics for senior management engagement with national counterparts.

Competencies and valuesAccountability Adaptability and flexibility Planning and organising Professionalism Teamwork and collaboration Analytical thinking Self-management

Living conditions and remarksKuwait has the sixth-largest oil reserves in the world. The exportation of oil and petroleum products has made it one of the richest countries in the world in per capita terms. With the substantial oil revenues, the government provides Kuwait’s citizens with extensive social welfare services, employment, and housing. Kuwait is basically surrounded by desert. The average annual rainfall is about 115 mm. During the summer months, temperatures can climb up to 50° C in the shade. Nevertheless, extensive use of air conditioning will make expat life in Kuwait bearable, even if you are not used to the heat. However, do not forget to pack some warm clothes, too, if you’ll be living in Kuwait over the winter. Temperatures can drop as low as 0° C. Kuwait has a reputable public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost healthcare to all its residents. Medical facilities and treatment at public and private hospitals are usually on par with North American and European standards. For very specialized treatments, however, those who can afford the costs — both expats and citizens alike — often seek medical care outside of the country. Transportation in Kuwait is very convenient, cars are easily the most popular way of getting around in Kuwait. When they first arrive in Kuwait, expats may drive a car if they have an International Driving Permit. Once their new Kuwaiti Civil ID has been issued, they are required to obtain a Kuwaiti driver’s license. Buses in Kuwait are generally very safe and reliable, and they run approximately every ten minutes. Buses are air conditioned, and fares range from around 200 to 250 fills (around 0.50 to 0.70 USD) per ride, depending on the distance traveled.

Programme Support Officer, Kuwait