Administrative Specialist

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

This UNV position is in UNEP’s Ecosystems Division, Marine and Freshwater Branch/Freshwater Ecosystems Unit reporting to the Chief, Freshwater Ecosystems Unit at the Nairobi duty station. Ecosystems Division 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. Within the Ecosystems Division, the Freshwater Ecosystems Unit (FEU) supports and advocates for improved water resources management and the protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems worldwide. It provides Member States and other stakeholders with accurate information on the current state of their freshwater ecosystems and develops tools and programs that support the monitoring, management, protection and restoration of freshwater

Under the overall guidance and supervision of Chief of Unit of the Freshwater Ecosystems Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:-

• Assistance to the Chief, Freshwater Unit; • Maintain the supervisor's calendar and schedule appointments; • Maintain and share information in support of the regular meetings and administrative processes of entire FEU unit, including through MS Teams and shared folders; • Proactively manage and maintain the preparation of Programme of Work and budget processes for the Freshwater Unit, including setting up the new Freshwater Project Document into UNEP’s online systems; keeping under review and ensuring that project information is up-to-date in UNEP online systems (e.g. project team composition, upload of supporting documents, project implementation timeframe etc) • Keep weekly track of budget overviews, review and process payments for legal agreements and report on the Freshwater Unit's projects and donor funds, in regular communication with FEU, administrative and finance colleagues at UNEP; • Draft memos, keep track of administrative and finance processes, start and move forward administrative and finance processes for the FEU; • Compile inputs, support the procurement of goods and services and prepare reporting on programme delivery for the Freshwater Unit biennially into electronic systems and update the status of activities; • Undertake searches for information from electronic databases, internet, library and other sources of information for the preparation of papers and briefs as needed; • Compile publications, mission reports for inclusion in UN Environment reports and/or report on the implementation of Governing Council and Environment Assembly decisions; • Prepare travel authorizations for official missions and ensure security clearance has been obtained; • Compile mission files, briefing notes and ensure all relevant meeting documentation are included; • Assist in improving time and management efficiency by serving as a direct contact with staff in the Freshwater Unit, relay directives and instructions for and on behalf of the Chief of the Freshwater Unit to other staff. Keep abreast of the Chief's schedule;

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UNEP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNEP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Improved project lifecycle and knowledge management • Access to up-to-date documents through Freshwater Ecosystems Teams.

• Accuracy and professional in document production and editing • Prior experience with UN online systems (PIMS, UMOJA, Inspira) is an asset • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness.

Business Administration, Finance or equivalent experience. Familiarity with UMOJA ERP would be an added advantage. • At least 3 years at the national level or 2 year at the international level in implementation of environmental related programmes, projects and activities is required. • Excellent computer skills, proficiency in Ms word, excel and power point various Microsoft office packages are required. • Excellent oral and written skills • Have affinity with or interest in environmental matters volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighbouring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO).

Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP.

The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate.