Organization Mission

UNDP”s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Bangladesh ever since its birth and through its remarkable journey from a war-ravaged economy to a middle-income country. It remains a catalyst in Bangladesh’s journey from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UNDP assists in building institutions and helps strengthen institutional capacities through people-centric, pro-poor, inclusive and sustainable policy making and development governance.

Context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)DPHE funded Solid Waste Management and WASH improvement initiative being implemented by UNDP Bangladesh in Cox’s Bazar. The host agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is mandated to support countries in achieving sustainable development through capacity building, governance strengthening, climate resilience, and community-focused development interventions.

The project aims to enhance safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) services and strengthen solid waste management systems in underserved communities of Bahar Chara Union under Teknaf Upazila. Key stakeholders include UNDP, ADB, local government institutions (Union Parishad and Upazila administration), implementing partners, and community groups. The intervention focuses on improving WASH infrastructure, promoting hygiene behaviour change, MRF and developing environmentally sustainable waste management facilities. The WASH Engineer will support project planning, field monitoring, reporting, and coordination with stakeholders to ensure timely and effective implementation of project activities.

UNDP has received funding to implement a project titled “Solid Waste Management and Healthcare Support Project in Rohingya Camps and Host Communities, Cox’s Bazar” The project is a response to the host communities in Bangladesh and the resulting pressing need for SWM in the host communities at Bahar Chara Union under Teknaf Upazila, Cox’s Bazar.

Key Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Solid Waste & Catchment Management Analyst, the Community Engagement Assistant will have the following scope of work:

• Support the Project Team by coordinating and facilitating consultations and dialogues with local government institutions (Union Parishads, Municipalities), WATSAN committees, scrap dealers, school committees, implementing partners, and beneficiaries in Teknaf to strengthen solid waste management activities.

• Maintain regular communication and advocacy with Union and Municipal authorities, community groups, and other local stakeholders to promote waste segregation at source, recycling initiatives, composting activities, and sustainable waste practices. Identify community engagement needs in SWM activities and provide technical inputs to address them in coordination with the project management team.

• Assist in the planning and budgeting of field-level solid waste management activities aligned with the project’s annual workplan and outputs.

• Contribute to the planning and implementation of workshops, trainings, cleaning campaigns, awareness-raising activities, and other outreach events for community groups, households, local market actors, and scrap dealers on the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Recover) and sustainable solid waste management.

• Provide technical support in developing outreach content such as awareness-raising materials, success stories, posters, case studies, and communication products promoting sustainable waste management practices.

• Assist the stakeholders in documenting and managing issues, challenges, risks and grievances related to community mobilization and report to the project management team, while offering actionable solutions based on field-level monitoring insights.

• Support the project team in preparing beneficiary and stakeholder databases, event reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, and assisting in the documentation of project activities as required.

• Support organizing events for UNDP and donor visits and high-level field missions in Teknaf, including logistical arrangements and coordination with local authorities and communities.

• Assist consultants in communication with local representatives, organizing meetings, and facilitating field data collection in support of project activities.

• Assist in monitoring the performance/engagement of scrap dealers’ associations, WATSAN committees, and other local stakeholders supported by the project, ensuring accountability, effective use of resources, and sustainability of project benefits.

• Assist the project team in gathering and analysing field-level data to assess the effectiveness of solid waste management initiatives and contribute to reporting, learning, and future project design.

• Perform other related duties within the functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Solid Waste Management Support Project.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience with bachelor”s degree in dealing with field-level implementation of environmental and/or solid waste management/WASH related project and working in the UN or other international development organization.

• Excellent oral and written skills; good drafting, formulation, reporting skills;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Good computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;

Desirable:

• Local language/Chittagongian;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in Sustainable Environment and Public Health, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development,

Desired additional skills and competencies:

• Experience of working in Cox’s Bazar is an advantage
• Experience of working with National, District government, and Local government (preferably with Municipalities, Union Parishads) in coordinating meetings, FGDs, workshops and other activities.
• Proven ability to negotiate and troubleshoot relationships with local government authorities and communities.
• Proven ability to coordinate with community members, organize awareness and behavior change campaigns preferably in the field of Solid Waste Management/environmental conservation.
• Experience of working with government and various stakeholders (e.g., development partners, CSO/NGO, indigenous community, academia) would be highly desirable
• Experience of working with the UNDP and/or other UN agencies is desirable
• Knowledge and experience to draft letter correspondence with local government and local various stakeholder (e.g., development partners, CSO/NGO, indigenous community, academia) would be highly desirable

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living Conditions

Cox’s Bazar is a coastal district in southeastern Bangladesh, known for its long beach and vibrant local communities. The duty station offers a unique and enriching work environment, especially in humanitarian and development contexts, but also requires cultural awareness, adaptability, and resilience.

The security situation is generally stable, although fieldwork may involve travel to remote or congested areas, requiring caution and adherence to UN security protocols. Access to Cox’s Bazar is possible via air travel from Dhaka, as well as by road, though travel times can vary due to road conditions and traffic. The climate is tropical, with hot, humid summers and a monsoon season; appropriate clothing and precautions are necessary.

Cost of living is moderate, with availability of basic commodities, local markets, and limited international-standard services. Accommodation options range from UN-provided housing, guesthouses, or local rentals. Access to potable water, electricity, and food is generally available, though intermittent disruptions may occur in some areas. Medical facilities are available locally, with district hospitals and clinics, and more specialized care can be accessed in Chittagong. Banking, mobile network coverage, and internet services are available in urban areas.

Cox’s Bazar offers a rewarding and meaningful work environment but may involve challenging conditions, including travel to remote locations, long working hours, and field exposure. Flexibility, stamina, and commitment are essential for effective work in this context.

Full entitlements at the duty station can be checked at UNV Calculator, and the complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service are available at UNV COS.