The Community Engagement Associate position with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Majuro, Marshall Islands is a full-time role under the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project. This project focuses on improving water security and resilience in 24 atolls and islands of the Marshall Islands, which are highly vulnerable to climate change.

Key Responsibilities:http://Community Engagement Associate – UNDP Majuro, Marshall Islands

1. Community Engagement & Outreach:
   • Work closely with local communities to ensure they understand and support the ACWA project.
   • Build relationships with community leaders, including Mayors, Members of Parliament, and Chiefs.
   • Conduct training sessions for local coordinators and community-based water committees.
2. Project Implementation & Coordination:
   • Assist in implementing activities like rainwater harvesting system installations and groundwater rehabilitation.
   • Work with technical teams to ensure project goals align with community needs.
   • Prepare reports on project activities and community feedback.
3. Stakeholder Coordination:
   • Maintain communication between the government, NGOs, community organizations, and residents.
   • Ensure transparency and accountability in all community interactions.
4. Monitoring & Supervision:
   • Oversee Site Coordinators who work directly in communities.
   • Guide and train them on reporting and monitoring tasks.
5. Grievance Redress Mechanism (Handling Complaints & Concerns):
   • Work with the Chief Technical Advisor to ensure community concerns and feedback are addressed.
   • Keep track of complaints and compile reports on how they are managed.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Education:
  • High school diploma + 7 years of relevant experience OR
  • Bachelor’s degree in social science or a related field + 4 years of experience
• Work Experience:
  • Experience in community engagement, development, environmental management, teaching, or stakeholder facilitation is required.
  • Experience working in remote islands is strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of climate change issues is desirable.
• Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Word & Excel.
  • Experience handling web-based information management systems.
• Languages:
  • Fluent in English & Marshallese (both written and spoken).

Contract Details & Benefits:

• Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7)
• Duration: 1 year (with a possibility of extension)
• Location: Majuro, Marshall Islands
• Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

Why This Job is Important?

This role plays a crucial part in ensuring water security for rural communities in the Marshall Islands, which are facing severe climate change impacts. By working closely with communities, the Community Engagement Associate helps implement sustainable solutions that improve access to clean water, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience.

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Detailed Overview of the Community Engagement Associate Position (UNDP, Majuro, Marshall Islands)

Introduction@vacancyspaces.com

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a key international organization dedicated to addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and governance. In the Marshall Islands, the UNDP is actively working on a crucial project called Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA). This project is designed to enhance water security, climate resilience, and sustainable water governance across 24 atolls and islands that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.

The Community Engagement Associate role is a full-time position under this project. It is an integral role aimed at fostering community participation, ensuring smooth project implementation, and strengthening local capacity in dealing with water-related climate challenges. The position is classified under the National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7) and has an initial contract duration of one year with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.

This job is ideal for individuals who have experience working with communities, especially in remote and rural areas, and who are passionate about climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and community-driven development.

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Background of the ACWA Project

The Marshall Islands (RMI) is a small island developing state (SIDS) located in the Pacific Ocean. The nation consists of 24 inhabited atolls and islands spread over two million square kilometers of ocean with a total land area of only 182 square kilometers. This geographical layout presents significant environmental and logistical challenges, particularly in terms of water security.

Challenges Addressed by the ACWA Project

• Limited Freshwater Sources:
  The Marshall Islands lack rivers, streams, and lakes, with only a few small surface ponds available. Most of the population relies on rainwater harvesting and groundwater sources, both of which are vulnerable to climate change.
• Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels:
  With an average elevation of only 2 meters above sea level, the Marshall Islands are at significant risk of flooding, seawater intrusion, and water contamination due to climate-induced wave overtopping.
• Remote and Isolated Communities:
  The 24 atolls and islands are geographically dispersed, making it difficult to implement infrastructure projects, deliver resources, and ensure sustainable water management.
• Limited Local Capacity in Water Governance:
  Many communities lack the technical knowledge and institutional support needed to develop long-term, sustainable water management practices.

Objectives of the ACWA Project

The ACWA Project aims to improve water resilience in the Marshall Islands by focusing on three core areas:

1. Water Security:
   • Strengthen rainwater harvesting and storage systems to increase the availability of clean water in 77 rural communities (representing about 28% of the country’s population).
   • Target communities currently at risk, including 7,630 women (49% of the total beneficiaries).
2. Water Resilience:
   • Secure groundwater resources by protecting them from seawater contamination due to flooding and wave overtopping.
3. Water Governance:
   • Strengthen the technical capacity of local institutions and community stakeholders to integrate climate change risks into water governance policies.
   • Ensure that water management strategies are effective, inclusive, and sustainable for the long term.

This project aligns with the Government of the Republic of Marshall Islands (GoRMI)’s climate policies and is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in collaboration with UNDP.

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Role and Responsibilities of the Community Engagement Associate

The Community Engagement Associate will play a crucial role in ensuring that local communities actively participate in the ACWA project. They will work closely with government officials, NGOs, local leaders, and community members to facilitate engagement, provide training, and ensure the smooth implementation of project activities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Community Engagement and Relationship Building

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local communities, particularly in the 24 targeted atolls and islands.
• Work closely with Mayors, Members of Parliament, Paramount Chiefs, ranking chiefs, and elders to gain their support and involvement in the project.
• Conduct community meetings, awareness campaigns, and workshops to educate local residents about the ACWA project’s objectives and methodologies.
• Act as the primary liaison between project teams and community stakeholders, ensuring transparent and effective communication.
• Conduct household visits and community assessments to understand the unique needs, concerns, and priorities of different communities.

2. Project Implementation and Coordination

• Assist in implementing key project activities, such as:
  • Technical Design Surveys and disclosure meetings.
  • Delivery and installation of rainwater harvesting systems.
  • Groundwater rehabilitation initiatives.
• Work alongside Area Coordinators and Site Coordinators to monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and report findings.
• Ensure that project activities are aligned with climate adaptation strategies and local water governance frameworks.
• Prepare progress reports, case studies, and success stories to document community impact.

3. Training and Capacity Building

• Organize and conduct training sessions for:
  • Site Coordinators and local field staff.
  • Community-based Water Committees to enhance their knowledge of water safety management, climate adaptation, and disaster risk reduction.
  • Local leaders and residents on gender equality, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
• Promote the involvement of women and marginalized groups in decision-making processes related to water management.

4. Grievance Redress Mechanism (Handling Community Feedback & Complaints)

• Work with the Chief Technical Advisor and Site Coordinators to ensure that community concerns, suggestions, and requests are properly handled.
• Set up transparent, accessible mechanisms for communities to report grievances related to water security.
• Document and compile reports on community feedback and the actions taken to address concerns.

5. Monitoring, Supervision, and Reporting

• Supervise and oversee the work of Site Coordinators, ensuring that they fulfill their duties effectively.
• Guide and train Site Coordinators in monitoring techniques and reporting procedures.
• Submit bi-weekly reports to the Project Manager and Area Coordinators, summarizing community engagement efforts and project progress.

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Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• High School Diploma with at least 7 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science, Community Development, Environmental Management, or a related field with at least 4 years of experience.

Work Experience:

• Prior experience in community engagement, stakeholder facilitation, environmental management, or rural development.
• Experience working in remote island communities is strongly preferred.
• Experience in training, teaching, or customer service is beneficial.
• Understanding of climate change issues and their impact on water security is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel.
• Familiarity with web-based information management systems.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Marshallese (written and spoken) is required.

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Conclusion

The Community Engagement Associate position is a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about climate resilience, sustainable development, and community empowerment. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that communities across the Marshall Islands have access to safe and sustainable water resources in the face of climate change.

If you have experience in community engagement, training, and project coordination, this position offers a rewarding and impactful career opportunity in the Pacific region.

Comprehensive Job Overview of the Community Engagement Associate Position

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Majuro, Marshall Islands

Introduction to UNDP and the Marshall Islands Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization dedicated to promoting human development, sustainable growth, and addressing pressing environmental challenges. UNDP operates in more than 170 countries and territories, focusing on poverty alleviation, democratic governance, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. UNDP’s presence in the Marshall Islands is part of a broader initiative to support the country’s efforts in adapting to the impacts of climate change and ensuring water security.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a small island developing state (SIDS) located in the central Pacific Ocean. The country is composed of 24 atolls and islands spread across more than 2 million square kilometers of ocean. However, the total land area amounts to only 182 square kilometers, making it one of the most geographically isolated and environmentally vulnerable nations in the world. The Marshall Islands faces significant climate-related threats, including sea level rise, storm surges, and water scarcity. The country has no rivers, lakes, or streams, and its freshwater resources rely primarily on rainwater harvesting systems and groundwater sources. Due to the lack of fresh water reserves and the environmental threats posed by climate change, the Marshall Islands is facing severe water security issues.

The ACWA Project

In response to these challenges, the Addressing Climate Vulnerability in the Water Sector (ACWA) project was launched in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (GoRMI) and UNDP. The project aims to increase the resilience of water supply systems across the country, particularly in the most vulnerable regions: the outer islands and atolls. The ACWA project is designed to:

• Improve water security through initiatives like rainwater harvesting, storage system upgrades, and groundwater contamination prevention.
• Strengthen water resilience by protecting existing freshwater sources from the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and saltwater intrusion.
• Build capacity within local institutions and communities to better manage water resources in the context of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

This project is co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with technical support from UNDP. The project’s scope is focused on improving climate resilience for rural communities in 77 outer islands and atolls, which account for about 28% of the nation’s population. A significant portion of the target communities includes women and marginalized groups who are especially vulnerable to the impacts of water insecurity and climate change.

The Community Engagement Associate position plays a pivotal role in facilitating the community involvement necessary for the successful implementation of this project. The position is designed for an individual with experience in community development, climate change adaptation, and stakeholder engagement to work alongside the project team, which is led by a Project Manager and supported by technical experts, engineers, and local officials.

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Role and Responsibilities of the Community Engagement Associate

The Community Engagement Associate will serve as the primary liaison between the ACWA project team and the local communities. The main objective of this role is to ensure that community members are actively involved in the implementation of project activities, and that their feedback, concerns, and priorities are effectively integrated into the project planning and execution process.

The role requires the Community Engagement Associate to engage with local leadership, community-based organizations (CBOs), and women’s groups to promote the project’s goals and encourage community-driven solutions. They will ensure that all project activities are conducted in a participatory, inclusive, and transparent manner.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Community Engagement and Relationship Building

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local communities in 24 atolls and islands, ensuring that all members, including vulnerable groups, are informed about the project.
• Build close working relationships with local leaders, such as Mayors, Members of Parliament, Paramount Chiefs, ranking chiefs, elders, and other influential figures within the communities.
• Facilitate and organize community meetings, workshops, and focus group discussions to promote project goals, raise awareness of climate change issues, and solicit feedback from community members.
• Ensure that women and marginalized groups are actively included in all community engagement activities, and encourage their participation in decision-making processes related to water governance and climate resilience.
• Establish effective communication channels within the community to keep residents updated on the project’s progress, upcoming activities, and opportunities for involvement.

2. Project Implementation and Coordination

• Oversee and assist in the implementation of technical activities, such as:
  • Surveying and disclosure meetings for technical designs related to rainwater harvesting systems and groundwater rehabilitation.
  • Coordinating the delivery of materials and the installation of infrastructure in remote communities, ensuring that all work is done efficiently, on schedule, and in compliance with safety and environmental standards.
  • Conducting on-the-ground training sessions for Site Coordinators and community-based water committees on water safety, climate adaptation, and disaster risk management.
• Ensure coordination between national and community-level stakeholders, ensuring that activities align with local needs and are carried out in a way that respects local culture and priorities.
• Support monitoring and reporting efforts, preparing progress reports for Project Managers, and Area Coordinators to track the success of engagement efforts.

3. Training and Capacity Building

• Conduct capacity-building activities and training sessions on key topics related to:
  • Water safety management, including the maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems and groundwater quality protection.
  • Climate change adaptation, focusing on how communities can mitigate the impacts of climate-related water challenges.
  • Disaster risk reduction techniques to safeguard water sources and manage water systems during extreme weather events.
• Empower local communities to independently manage and maintain the water supply systems, ensuring sustainability beyond the duration of the project.
• Provide ongoing support for Site Coordinators and Community-Based Water Committees, enhancing their ability to coordinate efforts and report accurately on project outcomes.

4. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM)

• Support the Chief Technical Advisor and Site Coordinators in handling community grievances and concerns related to project activities.
• Ensure that the Grievance Redress Mechanism is easily accessible to all community members and that concerns are addressed in a timely, transparent, and accountable manner.
• Document complaints, concerns, and the corresponding actions taken to address them, ensuring that the feedback loop is closed and that communities feel heard and respected.

5. Supervision and Reporting

• Provide direct supervision of the Site Coordinators, ensuring they are effectively managing day-to-day project activities and reporting accurately on the progress of the work.
• Compile bi-weekly reports on community engagement activities, project implementation progress, and community feedback to submit to the Project Manager and Area Coordinators.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits to targeted communities to assess project progress, gather feedback, and ensure activities are being implemented according to the work plan.

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Required Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Education:

• Secondary Education with 7 years of relevant professional experience OR
• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Community Development, Environmental Management, or a related field, with 4 years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience (if holding a high school diploma) or 4 years of experience (if holding a Bachelor’s degree) in community engagement, development projects, environmental management, or a similar field.
• Previous experience in remote island settings or small island developing states (SIDS) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments and with diverse stakeholders.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other basic software tools.
• Knowledge of web-based information management systems is an asset.
• Experience in facilitating community-based workshops, trainings, and meetings.
• Ability to work independently and in teams with a flexible, positive attitude.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Marshallese (both written and spoken) is required to communicate effectively with both international teams and local communities.

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Conclusion

The Community Engagement Associate role with UNDP in Majuro, Marshall Islands, is a critical position aimed at ensuring that vulnerable communities in the Marshall Islands have access to safe and sustainable water resources in the face of climate change. The individual selected for this role will have the opportunity to work in a highly impactful capacity, fostering community-driven solutions and ensuring the long-term success of the ACWA project.

The position offers a rewarding opportunity for someone