Organization Mission

As a coordinating agency, the RCO seeks to strengthen cooperation between UN entities on issues related to economic development and climate change resilience.

Context

The assignment takes place within the framework of Costa Rica’s commitment to the localization of the 2030 Agenda through inclusive and participatory processes. The UN Specialist will support the UN Resident Coordinator Office in scaling up the localization of the SDGs by strengthening the national network of local governments (Red de Cantones Promotores de los ODS), promoting Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and facilitating multi-level dialogues between local authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The assignment will place particular focus on SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), contributing to inclusive governance, civic participation, and inter-institutional collaboration. The volunteer will also engage with national stakeholders to promote accountability, transparency, and institutional strengthening, while supporting the design and implementation of SDG-related consultation processes and political analysis that inform national development strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Monitoring, Evaluation, Data and Results Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support the coordination and follow-up of the SDG localization strategy, including the scaling up of the Municipal Network for the SDGs and support to the preparation of Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs).
2. Assist in the development and facilitation of interagency dialogues and capacity-building workshops focused on SDGs 16 and 17, targeting institutions, youth, and civil society.
3. Provide technical and analytical support to the national SDG Secretariat and the Resident Coordinator Office for political and governance analysis related to Agenda 2030 implementation.
4. Contribute to the design and implementation of participatory processes for the definition of national SDG targets, involving relevant stakeholders.
5. Collaborate with UN Agencies to strengthen civic space and democratic engagement, with emphasis on peacebuilding, inclusion, and human rights.
6. Support the documentation, monitoring, and communication of results of SDG acceleration initiatives at national and local levels.
7. Assist in the coordination of youth-led or civil society-driven projects aligned with the Youth2030 Strategy and the Human Rights-Based Approach.
8. Support the expansion of SDG localization in coastal cantons by strengthening partnerships with local governments, community-based organizations, academia, and private sector actors, with a focus on integrated solid waste management and circular economy solutions. This includes facilitating multi-stakeholder coordination platforms, contributing to the design and implementation of pilot initiatives, and supporting capacity development processes aimed at improving waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable consumption practices, in alignment with SDGs 11, 12, 13, and 14.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check‑ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Demonstrated interest or experience (up to two years):
• Interest in local development and governance, such as supporting municipal projects or community-based initiatives.
• Basic understanding of the SDGs, with knowledge in awareness campaigns, sustainabil-ity activities, or SDG-related volunteering.
• Community engagement skills, including participation in youth dialogues, workshops, or advocacy efforts.
• Awareness of gender and inclusion, with a willingness to apply inclusive approaches in activities or communication.
• Basic data skills, such as organizing information, creating simple reports, or helping visu-alize progress.
• Initial experience in project monitoring, including supporting reporting or using basic tools to track results.

Core Competencies

☒ Building Trust
☒ Commitment and Motivation
☒ Communication
☒ Judgement and Decision-making
☒ Knowledge Sharing
☒ Professionalism
☒ Vision
☒ Working in Teams

Living Conditions

Costa Rica is a democratic and politically stable country located in Central America, widely recognized for its commitment to peace, environmental sustainability, and human development. San José, the capital city and main duty station for this assignment, offers access to modern infrastructure, public services, health care, and transportation. The country enjoys a warm tropical climate, with a well-developed tourism sector and a generally high quality of life. While the cost of living in urban areas like San José can be relatively high compared to other countries in the region, a wide range of housing options and services are available.

Despite its positive development indicators, Costa Rica also faces challenges related to social inequality, limited access to services in rural and coastal areas, and rising concerns about security in certain urban neighborhoods. The country has an efficient telecommunications network and broad internet access, which facilitates remote collaboration. Costa Rica is known for its welcoming culture, biodiversity, and strong civil society engagement, making it an enriching environment for volunteers working on sustainable development, human rights, and community-based initiatives.