Position: Associate Programme Management Officer, UNEP Convention on Biological Diversity (Deadline: Nov. 1, 2014 Montreal, Canada)

https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=35266&

            

Posting Title:   ASSOCIATE PROGRAMME OFFICER (Project Post), P2

           

Job Code Title:            Associate Programme Management Officer

           

Department/ Office:   United Nations Environment Programme

           

Duty Station:   MONTREAL

           

Posting Period:            2 October 2014-1 November 2014

           

Job Opening number: 14-PGM-UNEP-35266-R-MONTREAL (E)

This is a Project post.  The position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.   Applications must be in English.  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.
	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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Convention establishes three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. This post is located in Montreal, Canada. Under the overall guidance of the Executive Secretary, and under the direct supervision of the designated programme officer, the staff member will contribute to the implementation of the programme of work for Article 8(j) and related provisions, as well as the programme of work of the Nagoya Protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their utilization, by carrying out the following functions:
	Responsibilities
	1.Support the implementation of the programme of work for Articles 8(j): a). Contribute to the preparation and facilitation of the ad hoc open-ended inter-sessional Working Group(WG8j) including the preparation of information documents and related working documents; b). Prepare and manage at least five (5) partnership side events and other events at WG8j meetings. c). Contribute in the preparation and facilitation of the participation of indigenous and local communities at the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) and other subsidiary bodies of the Convention; d). Follow-up the decisions of COP, including research related to indigenous and local communities (ILCs) and traditional knowledge and assist in developing draft decisions for future Conference of the Parties meetings (COP).  e). Contribute to the implementation of the Plan of Action (VII/16 E, Annex) with a focus on capacity building to assist Parties and ILCs in improving their participation in the national update of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans  (NBSAPs) and to prepare for Conference of the Parties (COP; f). Prepare training materials for capacity building in order to implement a train the trainer methodology; g). Contribute advice and input on article 8 (j) and related provisions as a cross-cutting issue to the Aichi Targets and other areas of work of the Convention; h). Support, manage and assist with fund-raising for the voluntary funding mechanism under the Convention to facilitate the participation of ILCs, drafting proposals and reports for donors.  2.Outreach in support of Aichi Targets, knowledge and customary sustainable use of biological diversity: a). Promote the role of the National Focal Point on Traditional Knowledge (TK) and ILC organizations from Latin America and Caribbean region including through regular communications and promotion of information on the CBD. b). Develop strategic MOUs and other partnerships in order to maintain and grow relationships with other entities that can assist in the work of 8(j) and achieving the goals of the Convention. c). Contribute to improving the 8j web page and TK portal of CBD, and other related webpages and tools including for the SCBD-UNESCO joint programme of work on the linkages between biological and cultural diversity.  3. Support the Nagoya Protocol process (Aichi Target 16), including through outreach and capacity-building of indigenous and local communities and servicing workshops and meetings as required, through: a). Providing advice to the Nagoya Protocol Unit regarding ILC issues, particularly in the LAC region. b). Provide input on issues related to TK and ILCs to the Nagoya Protocol Unit, as required, and assist with workshops, meetings and capacity building as required. Contribute to and advance with UNESCO, the joint programme of work on biological and cultural diversity, to identify the links between biological and cultural diversity in support of related Aichi Targets.  4. Contribute to the World Indigenous and Local Community Land and Sea Managers Network (WIN) and the Equator Initiative as tools for effective promotion and implementation of articles 8(j), 10(c) and related provisions: a). Co-manage, develop and finalize the web-page, web-tools and publications concerning the linkages between biological and cultural diversity. b). Assist the Programme Officer of Article 8 (j) manage and fundraise the WIN Network and provide advice on issues relevant to the LAC region, including on strategic directions in support of mutual goals.  5. Support the Executive Secretary, senior officers and the Secretariat in representative duties and with strategic advice: Contribute to the draft speeches, statements and articles; Contribute to Task Forces including enhanced engagement, Capacity building and Post 2015 Development agenda and representative duties as may be required.
	Competencies
	Professionalism: Ability to understand complex issues, analyze them and develop solutions; ability to work under pressure and to use limited time and resources effectively; flexibility to adapt rapidly to changing situations; ability to ensure that the highest possible quality outputs are produced.  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.  Communication: Ability to speak and write 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 the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and  keeping people informed.
	Education
	Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in indigenous affairs, public policy, environmental law, education and/or biodiversity related area is required.  A first-level 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  2 years’ progressive work experience in indigenous issues and/or environmental issues at an international level. Experience at the domestic levels is also an advantage. Experience in capacity building, adult education, training and/or issues related the Convention on Biological Diversity is desirable.
	Languages
	English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.  For the post advertised, English and Spanish are required.  Working knowledge of French or another UN language is desirable.
	Assessment Method
	Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position will include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
	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.