Position: Special Assistant in UNEP's Division of Environmental Law and Conventions (Deadline: June 10, 2013)

Very interesting opportunity; still requires experience, but looks like much more general than other positions posted here. Looks like it would be for work directly with DELC director Bakary Kante, and so should provide very high level exposure/interactions, not only within UNEP but also with environmental ministers other government officials from countries across the world.

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

Job Title:  SPECIAL ASSISTANT, P3

Department/ Office: United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station:  NAIROBI

Posting Period:  11 April 2013-10 June 2013

Job Opening number:  13-ADM-UNEP-27575-R-NAIROBI (X)

                                                    

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's 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 Division of Environmental Law and Conventions (DELC) identifies synergies and promotes the substantive collaboration among Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). DELC also encourages interlinkages between UNEP's programme and those of MEAs.  This position is located in the United Nations Environment Programme, Division of Environmental Law and Conventions at the Nairobi duty station.  Under the supervision of the Director, DELC, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

           

Responsibilities

1. Perform analytical tasks for the Director concerning institutional and administrative matters as well as undertake substantive work for the Division: a) Review and analyze policy papers, reports and other documents on environmental issues and prepare recommendations for consideration by the Director and UNEP senior management; b) Coordinate the follow-up functions for the Director and ensure that the required actions are taken, deadlines are met and quick responses are provided; c) Oversee necessary analytical administrative procedures, and ensure that the Director’s decisions and circulars are adhered to; d) Liaise closely with the Executive Office, Office of the Deputy Executive Director and the UNEP Special Assistants on issues relevant to the work of DELC. 2. Prepare, participate in, analyze and undertake follow-up to meetings for the Director: a) Participate in the organization of major workshops and meetings supported by the Division, including drafting of Memoranda of Understanding, liaison with Governments and other officials; b) Provide support to the preparation of documents for submission to the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum, the Committee of Permanent Representatives as well as other meetings and conferences, and take the lead in following up the decisions of these meetings; c) Coordinate the development and implementation of the DELC programme of work and keep the Director abreast of the status of implementation. 3. Responsible for all matters related to budget and personnel for the Division: a) Act as focal point for all Divisional issues related to the staff members and liaise closely with the Human Resources Management Service (HRMS) on all personnel issues; b) Be responsible for the development of vacancy announcements and act as the secretary in interview panels including finalizing all recruitments as required; c) Oversee the development of the biennial budget for the division and maintain an overview of expenditures and weekly brief the Director. 4. Perform other related duties as requested.

           

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrated professional competence in the field of programme planning, budgeting, financial management and other relevant administrative policies. Ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; familiarity with the experience in the use of various research methodologies and sources, including electronic sources such as the internet, intranet and other database; ability to apply good judgment in the context of given assignment. Communication: Good communication skills (spoken and written), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written reports, studies and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Tailors language, tone, style and format to march the audience. Planning and Organizing: Ability to organizes and plan work, requiring an in-depth understanding of its strategic direction and ability to integrate work of the Unit into the Division’s work programme; ability to organize and service intergovernmental bodies and technical meetings. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

           

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental, social or political sciences, business administration, environmental management or equivalent.  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 the field of sustainable development/environment related programmes/public administration/environmental policy development and implementation, of which some should be at the international level.  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 written and oral English and French 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.

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.