Chief of Section, Programme Management (6 months)

Contract

This is a P-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 10 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 204,886 USD and 256,769 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

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.

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between states. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP and is located in Geneva, Switzerland. This post is located in the CITES Secretariat at the Geneva duty station.

As Head of Unit the incumbent is responsible for the development and effective implementation of all of the programmes of the Governing Bodies Unit (GBU). The Mission of the GBU is to liaise with the CITES Management Authorities; provide support services for meetings of the Conference of the Parties and the Standing Committee and any other Convention bodies as required; maintain, update and publish all official CITES reference documentation and associated data management needs including meeting registration system; collect, compile, update and publish country-specific information of relevance to CITES, including national authorities and focal points, reporting status, country-specific measures and compliance status, maintain appropriate records of meetings and track progress on the implementation of the decisions and resolutions of the Parties (Secretariat programme of work).

The incumbent will perform the following functions:

Responsibilities 1. To be responsible for the proper maintenance of Resolutions and Decisions including the interpretation thereof and for the interpretation of the Convention:

a. Provide advice to Parties and non-party States, the secretariat and others on the proper interpretation of the intention of Resolutions and Decisions of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its subsidiary bodies; b. Review new Resolutions in relation to those that already exist, where necessary prepare papers to present to the COP or the Standing Committee to propose the deletion of those no longer useful or which have been overtaken by new Resolutions or to propose changes to those to be retained to provide for clearer interpretation or changing situations; c. Review new Decisions in relation to those that already exist and where necessary propose to the Secretary-General the amendment of existing Decisions to take into account changing circumstances and prepare documents for presentation to COP to amend existing Resolutions or proposed new ones; d. Monitor follow-up of the implementation of Resolutions and Decisions to ensure that such matters may be properly reported upon at future meetings.

2. To direct, coordinate and supervise all matters related to the preparation, organization and management of meetings:

a. Prepare the programme and calendar of meetings, supervise the preparation of cost estimates, determine the number and qualification of local personal required for meetings held away from Geneva; b. Schedule, coordinate and review the processing of all documentation for the sessions and meetings and intervening with offices in the CITES secretariat as necessary to ensure that content meets the requirements of the secretariat and conform to requirements of Resolutions and Decisions; c. At meetings ensure that all necessary advice and assistance is provided to the Rapporteurs to enable them to discharge their responsibilities in relation to the drafting and finalization of Resolutions and Decisions and the final records of the meetings; d. Provide proper custody of documentation and records of the COP and its subsidiary bodies and arranging for the dissemination of documents electronically and in hardcopy.

3. To be responsible for the implementation of the secretariat's regional coordination work in one or more of the six CITES regions within the Unit:

a. Establish contacts with the Management Authorities and act as the CITES focal point and provide direct assistance or guide them to the appropriate Unit, to the Management Authorities, in particular regarding documentation or information relevant to CITES implementation; b. Identify, assess and advise on CITES problems relevant to the CITES Management Authorities; c. Provide advice, or secure advice from other Units, to facilitate the identification of needs of Parties, such as training, enforcement and legislation, relevant projects and, within the secretariat, communicating and cooperating with the other relevant function units to ensure provision of appropriate assistance; d. Establish close professional links with permanent missions in Geneva regarding activities carried out in the countries; e. Provide assistance to Parties in the identification of infractions and in the follow-up of infractions; f. Participate in relevant fora to inform countries about CITES and its mission and attends regional CITES meetings, providing input into the organization of such meeting as necessary.

4. To manage and be accountable for the programmatic, human and financial resources allocated to the Unit:

a. Keep under continuous review the evolution and execution of work programmes in the GBU to ensure their conformity with the priorities established by the Conference of the Parties; b. Develop work plans and implement the Performance Management system, discuss and develop performance indicators with staff, ensure that deadlines are met for completion; c. Prepare the Unit's programme and budget and monitor the financial resources available for the execution of the work programme and ensure optimal use thereof with full adherence to UN rules and regulations; d. Ensure the proper establishment and maintenance of databases related to the work of the Unit; e. Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.

5. Other duties as assigned such as:

a. Representing CITES at meetings and report back to the Secretariat management team.

Competencies Professionalism: The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

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.

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.

Judgement/decision making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in natural environment, natural resource management and environmental science or a related area is required.

A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of of relevant qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Work Experience A minimum of ten (10) years relevant of progressively responsible experience in a natural resource management and environmental science of which four (4) to five (5) years should have been in an international environment is required.

Experience in dealing with procedures, policies and practices of intergovernmental bodies of an international organization such as the UN is required.

Experience in provision of advice to presiding officer/Bureau of an intergovernmental body is desirable.

Experience in preparation/coordination of intergovernmental meeting is desirable.

Experience in preparation/coordination of intergovernmental documentation is desirable.

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency English is required. Knowledge of French and Spanish or other UN official languages are desirable.

NOTE: ''Fluency'' equals a rating of ''fluent'' in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ''Knowledge of'' equals a rating of ''confident'' in two of the four areas.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice This position is temporarily available from 01 March 2023 for an initial period of (6) months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

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.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Internal Applicants – When completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. 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. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

United Nations Considerations According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.