Position: Programme Officer (Chemicals and Wastes) UNEP Division of Environmental Law and Conventions, Bangkok (Deadline: Oct. 29, 2013)

Again, another program officer position, but education qualification can apparently be satisfied with a law degree in environmental law.

Job Title:  PROGRAMME OFFICER (Chemicals and Wastes) - ROAP, P4

Department/ Office:  United Nations Environment Programme

Duty Station:  BANGKOK

Posting Period:  30 August 2013-29 October 2013

Job Opening number:  13-PGM-UNEP-27457-R-BANGKOK (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) promotes the progressive development and implementation of environmental law, facilitates cooperation and coordination among multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and support their implementation. DELC also promotes collaboration between UNEP's programme and those of the relevant MEAs.  This position is located in the United Nations Environment Programme, Division of Environmental Law and Conventions at the Panama duty station, and is part of a team of outposted regional MEA Focal Points supporting the implementation of the chemicals and wastes related multilateral environmental agreements.  Under the strategic guidance of the Director, DELC, operational supervision of Chief, MEAs Implementation Support Branch, DELC, and the direct supervision of the Regional Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), the Programme Officer will:
		Responsibilities
	Support implementation of UNEP’s programme of work in the field of chemicals and wastes and act as regional focal point for UNEP’s Chemicals and Wastes Subprogramme, in particular as it relates to the provision of support to chemicals and wastes related MEAs: Identify and integrate  national and regional priorities in UNEP’s Chemicals and Wastes Subprogramme; Enhance cross-sectoral cooperation for integrated management of chemicals and of waste; Develop and support capacity-building; Assist in data collection and information gathering; Facilitate scientific assessment and knowledge networking; Facilitate the internalization of externalities through exchanges of commitments on various environmental issues; Identify emerging priorities, challenges and opportunities for UNEP's interventions in national and regional programmes and processes. Act as the regional focal point for chemicals and waste related MEAs: Facilitate a coordinated implementation of UNEP’s and the chemicals and waste related MEA’s programmes and facilitate the implementation of those MEAs in regions in tune with national and regional priorities; Serve as the UNEP focal point for the capacity building programme for implementation of those MEAs in  Asia and the Pacific countries; In collaboration with the Chemicals and Waste related MEA secretariats, assist national focal points of the respective MEAs on the issues to be discussed at forthcoming meetings of the governing bodies, such as the  Conferences of the Parties;  In consultation with the secretariats of the respective MEAs, support implementation of national and regional activities such as MEA related workshops, training programmes and capacity building activities in preparation for various MEA related events and processes; Support the mainstreaming of Chemicals and Waste related MEAs implementation into national development processes; Assist regional institutions and national governments, including relevant stakeholders: Support international environmental governance processes related to the chemicals and waste agenda at national and regional levels; Facilitate the provision of a forum for direct participation in problem identification and policy analysis; Assist Governments and relevant entities in their efforts to promote technology transfer and the adoption of best options suited to national conditions and encouraging innovative local solutions; Support resources mobilization to support UNEP’s activities in the region; Facilitate coordination with Governments and relevant organizations and stakeholders ;  Facilitate cooperation between the chemicals and waste related MEAs for supporting coordination for their implementation at national and regional levels; Develop and maintain a network for collaboration and partnerships within UNEP, UN organizations, governments and expert institutions and promoting the mobilization of resources for programme activities. Perform any other relevant duties assigned.
		Competencies
	• Professionalism: Good knowledge of the work of UNEP and the MEAs, in particular the chemicals and wastes related MEAs, and advanced technical knowledge of chemicals and wastes related policies and/or programmatic issues; Affinity with the United Nations and its policies, procedures and operations; Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, synthesize and generate quality products; General understanding of environmental issues, in particular as they relate to chemicals and wastes; Proven ability to develop and manage programme activities and projects; Proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues; Ability to review and edit the work of others; Ability to advice on problems with proven capacity to lead to fact-based and practical recommendations and creative solutions. • 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: Excellent drafting ability and communication skills, both oral and written; Ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of intergovernmental bodies; Proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; Ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. • Teamwork: Good inter-personal skills; Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of diverse national and cultural backgrounds; Ability to lead and gain assistance of others in a team endeavour.
		Education
	An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences, social sciences, environmental management, environmental law or in a related field is required.  A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
		Work Experience
	A minimum of seven years of working experience in environmental policy development and/or implementation, development and/or implementation of environmental law (including multilateral environmental agreements), or environmental project/programme development, administration, implementation and management, of which some should be at the international level, preferably within the UN system is required. Familiarity with regional issues, and experience in chemicals and wastes-related national and/or international law, is strongly preferred.
		Languages
	English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English 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 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.