Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This position is located within the Africa Office, UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the general supervision of the Director and Regional Representative, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
Responsibilities
Coordinate Secretariat of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN): In collaboration with President of AMCEN, Bureau, and host governments, organize ordinary and special sessions, Bureau, and consultative meetings of AMCEN, including preparation of background documents; Develop work programmes, draft policies, strategies and decisions for consideration and approval by AMCEN; Ensure follow-up and implementation of decisions and work programme of AMCEN in close collaboration with Bureau, governments, substantive units of UNEP and other partners; Coordinate and integrate implementation of AMCEN programme in the work of Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment of African Union Commission; Coordinate implementation of AMCEN programme with other activities and programmes undertaken by other organizations in Africa; Coordinate joint programmes with regional organizations such as AUC, NEPAD-AUDA, ECA, AfDB, RECs and other relevant ministerial fora to promote collaboration and synergies; Ensure effective communication to promote AMCEN programme, its objectives and activities; Manage AMCEN Secretariat, programme and budgets; Prepare project proposals and documents following approved recommendations by AMCEN Conference and Bureau; Develop and implement, in close collaboration with substantive units of UNEP, projects and activities in context of the AMCEN programme; Promote cooperation between African countries in the context of AMCEN Programme especially in global negotiation processes on climate change, biodiversity and desertification; Coordinate and support AGN on climate change and AGN on biodiversity, and facilitate their engagement in global negotiation processes; Ensure coordination between AGN on climate change, AMCEN and Committee of African Heads of State on Climate Change; Select consultants required to assist in implementation of AMCEN programme, prepare their TORs, follow up on their tasks and evaluate their performance and outputs; Prepare reports for various organs of AMCEN (Conference, Bureau) and other stakeholders (AUC, African Diplomatic Corps); Organize review and evaluation of AMCEN programme and activities; Undertake AMCEN, HESA and AGN resource mobilization and in coordination with UNEP’s Resources Mobilization unit, follow-up with African countries for their contributions to AMCEN Trust Fund;
Coordinate UNEP’s engagement in the implementation of Health and Environment Strategic Alliance (HESA) in Africa: Act as focal point for UNEP’s engagement in the implementation of HESA in the context of Libreville Declaration on Health and Environment in Africa; In collaboration with World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, and other stakeholders, organize inter-ministerial conferences and related meetings on health and environment in Africa, including preparation of relevant background documents; Follow-up on implementation of outcomes of the inter-ministerial meetings in close collaboration with relevant substantive units of UNEP, WHO and other partners; Organize and participate in meetings of the Joint Task Team for implementation of Libreville Declaration on Health and Environment, ensuring linkages with priorities of AMCEN; Prepare documents, provide inputs and facilitate implementation of various activities in Africa with different stakeholders in the context of HESA; Participate and provide substantive inputs in development and review of project concepts, funding proposals and implementation of projects within the framework of HESA and the 10-year strategic action plan; Provide substantive inputs in preparation of policy briefings and updates of UNEP’s engagement in implementation of HESA; Undertake resource mobilization efforts for implementation of activities in the context of HESA and the strategic action plan.
Facilitate UNEP’s-Africa Office engagement with African countries in UNEA-Processes: Provide support during UNEA and Open-ended meetings of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR), including supporting the Africa group for their participation in UNEA and OECPR; Provide technical support to the technical group of the Africa Diplomatic Corps (ADC) for their participation in AMCEN in preparation for UNEA; Assist in compilation and analysis of priority issues of significance and provide substantive inputs in the preparation of briefings and updates on progress of UNEP’s engagement in Africa.
Support other activities related to the UNEP’s – Africa Office work in the African region: Work with Africa Office-Regional Coordination Officer to ensure consideration of outcomes of AMCEN as well as health and environment meetings into the Regional Coordination Mechanism and UNDAFs; Provide support for the organization of the expert meetings for Africa in preparation of the Conference of the Parties to UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD, CITES and others; Support the organization of the Africa Environment Partnership Platform meetings in collaboration with NEPAD and other partners; coordinate South-South and Triangular Cooperation activities in the Africa Office in collaboration with other units of UNEP; and perform any other tasks required by the Regional Director/ Deputy Regional Director, Africa Office.
Competencies
Professionalism: Strong interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships and develop partnerships with different stakeholders. Excellent coordination skills with ability to work under pressure and handle multiple activities. Ability to work independently and to participate in a team based environment. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication: Strong communication skills with ability to work with multi stakeholder partners, including sister UN agencies, development partners, governments, academia, private sector, NGOs and civil society. Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education
Advanced university degree in environmental policy/science, development or related field is required or the equivalent combinations of education and experience in a related area. A relevant first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of professional working experience of which three should be at the international level, including knowledge of the UN system is required.
Relevant experience in UN engagement and interaction with Member states in developing regions of the world in particular Africa is desirable.
Experience in environmental management and sustainable development with knowledge of policy setting in the Africa region is desirable.
Experience and ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships and develop partnerships with different stakeholders is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English required. Knowledge of French language is an added advantage.
NOTE: “fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write,speak, understand) and “ Knowledge of” equals a rating of “ confident” in two of the four areas.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.
Individual contractors and consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions and their applications will not be considered.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.
If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.
United Nations Considerations
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
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careers.un.org
