Position: Program officer, UNEP's Division of Environmental Policy Implementation, in Quito (Deadline: looks like May 24, but could also be April 24, 2013)

The status of this position is a little unclear.  In the ad below, it states that the application period closed April 24, but on the UNEP vacancy webpage, it indicates a May 24 closure of application period.

For weblink to UNEP vacancy announcement, see this link  http://unep.org/vacancies/default.asp?vac_level=P

Job Title:  PROGRAMME OFFICER  (PROJECT POST), P3

Department/ Office:  United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station:  QUITO

Posting Period:  25 March 2013-24 April 2013

Job Opening number: 13-PGM-UNEP-27153-R-QUITO (E)

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.  A Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Team has been established within DEPI to develop a UNEP-wide strategic approach and project portfolio for forests and climate change as part of and to advance the implementation of the UN-REDD Programme (www.un-redd.org).  This post is located in the Terrestrial Ecosystems Unit of UNEP/DEPI, Regional office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) at the Quito duty station.  Under the supervision of the DEPI/ROLAC Senior Programme Officer (SPO) for the UNEP UN-REDD team, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

           

Responsibilities

1.  Provide coordination and supervision of UNEP activities in REDD+ Ecuador; Assist in private sector engagement in REDD+, particularly in terms of financing for implementation of REDD+; Support the compilation and dissemination of case studies and lessons learned on policy incentives and disincentives; Assist in the development and implementation of Tier 2 activities (a new funding modality under the UN-REDD Programme) in the region; Support the application of tools and methods to capture and monitor multiple benefits of REDD+; Assist countries in providing information on how safeguards are addressed and respected in national REDD+ programmes; Support the organization of public-private policy dialogues at national,regional and international levels; facilitate South-South cooperation and partnerships on areas of UNEP/REDD work; In areas of her/his expertise, provide technical advice for the support of investment options and strategies for REDD+; In areas of her/his technical expertise, provide advice and technical support for addressing drivers of deforestation and forest degradation in the context of a green economy.

  2.  Assist with overall programme formulation, implementation and supervision in existing and new countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC); Review and comment on inputs provided by partner agencies, government representatives and involved stakeholders; Participate as required in UN-REDD Programme missions, teleconferences, workshops and meetings; Assist with the development of communication and knowledge sharing materials; Assist the SPO for UN-REDD in LAC with other duties related to the programme. 

3.  Perform other related duties as required.

           

Competencies

Professionalism:  A clear understanding of the challenges of implementing REDD+ and sustainable forest management at national level in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related agencies and units.  Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients.  Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues.  Shows pride in work and in achievements; remains calm in stressful situations.

Planning and 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.

Communication: 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.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

           

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in areas of economics, social studies, environmental studies, agronomy or forest management.  A first university degree with a combination of two years professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

           

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in areas related to social and environment issues in the rural sector of Latin America, particularly the forest sector, preferably with at least 2 years working in an international context.  Experience in the United Nations would be an asset.  Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognised by the United Nations.

           

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English  and Spanish is required.  Working knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.

           

Assessment Method

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

           

Special Notice

Staff members are subject to the authority of 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 extension.

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.

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.

           

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.