UNEP Programme Officer (Project Post) Job

Job Title:             PROGRAMME OFFICER (Project Post), P4

Duty Station:      NAIROBI

Posting Period:  7 February 2011-9 March 2011

Job Opening number

11-PGM-UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME-18194-R-NAIROBI (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP's Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This post is located in UNEP/DEPI at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Chief, DEPI, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:

Responsibilities

Follow the operations of the Congo Basin Fund (CBF) and coordinate contacts and exchanges with all the key partners; Assist the high-level officials connect CBF; Participate in the formulation, organization andmanagement implementation of the substantive work programme of the UNEP Support Office to the Nobel Peace Laureate; Initiate and coordinate activities related to technical cooperation and assistance to support the Co-chair of the CBF; Participate in the organization and supervision of UNEP Support Office services and advise the Co-Chair; Follow the operations of the CBF and coordinate contacts and exchanges with all the key partners; Prepare analytical reports and papers on sensitive and high profile matters of concern for the UNEP Support Office; Ensure dissemination of progress reports/correspondences from the Co-chair to Heads of State, Government officials and partners; Identify potential donors and elaborate strategies to raise funds for the CBF; Liaise, build and develop strategic partnerships with governments, UN agencies, inter-governmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations; Contribute UNEP Knowledge Management strategy to enhance UNEP visibility in the initiative and coordinate UNEP activities in the Congo Basin; Maintain contacts with other UNEP thematic areas, regional and international organizations and governments on coordination and policy matters, brief representatives and provide suggestions and recommendations; provide up-to-date information to UNEP Executive Director and DEPI regarding substantive political emerging country or regional issues and make recommendations; Faciliate the implementation of various UNEP activities involving the various forums related to the Congo Basin initiative and act on their behalf; Participate in the staff planning and budget of the Unit; Perform any other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to complete researched studies on the three thematic areas, Ecosystem Management, Conflict and Disaster Management, Climate Change Adaptation and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems in the Congo Basin countries. Ability to relate various environmental programmes and perspectives to political, social, and economic programmes.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectiely; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Tailors language to audience especially to government officials at all levels and demonstrates openness in sharing information while observing confidentiality.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect, identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions, monitoring ongoing developments inside and outside clients' environment to keep information and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in Political Science, management, international relations, natural resources or related field.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Special Notice

1. 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. This position is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to an extension.

2. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.

3. If you do not receive an e-mail 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 send an email to recruitment@unon.org, quoting the job opening number in the subject header of your email.