This position is located in the Policy and Programme Division at the Nairobi Duty Station. Under the direct supervision of the Director and within delegated authority the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
Responsibilities
Provides policy advice to the organizations leadership, on conceptual strategy development and management of the implementation of overall strategies and intra and inter-divisional policies and procedures. Directs policy research papers, prepares corporate positions and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programme/projects. Provides direction and sound and innovative advice on a wide range of issues, including developing policy and strategies for issues on a long-term and large-scale basis to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of results that ensure the best interests of the organization, and/or client.
Delivers thorough, well-reasoned contributions, e.g., policy recommendations, complex papers, analysis, substantive sections of reports and studies, publications, etc. Implements corrective action with respect to operational issues.
Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts workshops, seminars, including to develop corporate positions, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
Carries out programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates.
Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization. Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks in the field of environment and development. Ability to generate and communicate links between the sub-programme, the political economy and the socio-economic environment. Demonstrated ability in programme and project management in a complex environment and/or development programmes and projects
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.
VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, law, public affairs, environmental science or a related field is required.
A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area, including at least 5 in an international setting, on both intergovernmental and inter-agency affairs is required.
Knowledge on a broad range of environment and sustainable development issues is required, understanding of the Agenda 2030 processes is an advantage.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
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