Position: Associate Programme Officer in UNEP Interim Secretariat (in Geneva) for Framework Convention on Protection of Marine Environment of Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention) (Deadline: May 26, 2013)

Looks like this might be as close to an entry-level position as one might get.

Job Title:  ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME OFFICER, P2

Department/ Office:  United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station:  GENEVA

Posting Period:  26 April 2013-26 May 2013

Job Opening number:  13-PGM-UNEP-27812-R-GENEVA (E)

Org. Setting and Reporting

Under the supervision of the Head of the Interim Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention) and the manager of the related UNEP project, the Associate Programme Officer will assist in coordinating the implementation of teh Programme of Work of the Convention and its Protocols as well as in the management of the budget of the Convention and the related UNEP project(s). In that context, he/she will, inter alia, liaise with the Contracting Parties, UNEP staff and stakeholders, contribute to the advancement of policy and law, undertake promotional work, and assist in information exchange, outreach, and fundraising.

           

Responsibilities

Working with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of the Ministerial Statements and Decisions, the Tehran Convention PoW activities and related UNEP project(s):

a) Serving as the focal point for matters concerning the implementation of the Aktau Protocol within the Tehran Convention (interim) Secretariat;

b) Monitoring and analyzing specific aspects of the development and implementation of the Tehran Convention PoW activities;

c) Drafting of legal agreements for implementation and/or cooperation activities;

d) Reviewing of relevant documents and reports and revising as required;

e) Identifying problems and issues to be addressed and recommending corrective actions;

f) Liaising with relevant parties;

g) Identifying and tracking follow-up actions;

Assist in coordinating activities related to budget funding (PoW, UNEP programme/project preparations and submissions, progress reports to relevant donors, financial statements, etc) and preparing related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.), preparing allotments, ensuring appropriate expenditures, reviews, analyses and assisting in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, as well as assisting in fundraising activities within the international donor community.

Contributing to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, websites etc. and carrying out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities.

Undertaking outreach activities by:

a) Supporting the development of training workshops, seminars etc.

b) Participating in and helping with the preparation and delivery of presentations on assigned topics/activities;

Providing administrative and substantive support to consultative or other meetings, conferences, workshops by:

a) Proposing agenda topics;

b) Identifying and proposing participants;

c) Assisting in the preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics etc.

Participating in field missions with substantive staff, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection etc. 

Providing substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions by:

a) Reviewing and analyzing emerging issues and trends;

b) Participating in evaluation or research activities and studies;

           

Competencies

Professionalism - Knowledge of policies/procedures in the area of programme management; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and contribute to the solution of problems/issues; familiarity with and in the use of various research methodologies and sources and sound judgement. Planning and organizing - Strong organizational skills including proven ability to effectively plan and coordinate own work as well as that of others. Communication - Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft policy and technical reports, studies and other communications to various counterparts and to articulate ideas in a clear and concise manner. Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnership and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender in organization and management of meetings and in project implementation.

           

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental studies, Law, Business Administration, economics or related field. 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 two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management  at the international level is required. Experience with the UN or other international organizations is an asset.

           

Languages

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

           

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

           

Special Notice

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.

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 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 seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

           

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.

           

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.