Chief of Service, Programme Management

Contract

This is a D-1 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 15 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 197,050 USD and 248,657 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 leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

UNEP's Early Warning and Assessment Division (EWAD) is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and promote international cooperation and action on the environment.

Under the overall guidance of the Director, Early Warning and Assessment Division (EWAD) and within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties.

Responsibilities

Programme Management:

l. Manage the relevant sections of the Big Science Branch (BSB) and provide strategic directions to accomplish the mandated functions and approved objectives: a) Analyze the assessment programme mandates, particularly as stated in General Assembly (GA) and United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) decisions, and translate the mandates into strategic programme directions, policies, outputs and concrete work programmes including budget allocations and the UNEP Medium Term Strategy. b) Integrate the work programme of the Branch with other programmes of the division and as well as those of other UNEP divisions. c) Secure approval of the work programme by the UNEP's Project Review Committee (PRC). d) Consult, negotiate and develop cooperation with appropriate assessment programmes within the UN system, such as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Governments and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) etc. and relevant national, regional and international organizations and secure agreement on collaborative mechanisms. e) Develop, direct and coordinate the different projects of the Big Science Branch related to thematic and integrated assessment, and Global Environment Outlook (GEO). f) Coordinate the development of policy relevant summaries and forecasts based on the findings of the major scientific assessments and the identification of emerging issues of potential international importance and organize their effective and targeted dissemination: including United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA), other relevant UN bodies and governments. g) Develop and direct the implementation of strategies and frameworks for the integration of scientific assessments and reports produced at global and regional levels or in thematic areas and their integration with national and regional activities. h) Report on programme performance to appropriate authorities in the organization and to UNEA e.g. through the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) and the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA). i) Undertake regular analysis of the EWAD assessment mandate and activities and propose, as required, policy options and recommendations for modification and change in the overall implementation of the work programmes.

Programme Implementation:

2. Direct and coordinate the implementation of activities and projects of the Branch work programme so as to ensure that the approved goals and objectives are met and outputs delivered in a timely fashion; a) Discuss ongoing and planned assessment and reporting activities of the Branch with other divisions of UNEP and ensure that these are incorporated into an integrated programme of work for the division and for UNEP. b) Identify and discuss potential assessment and reporting activities with other divisions of UNEP, negotiate and coordinate the development of joint activities with UNEP divisions and external partners and oversee the implementation of the identified joint activities. c) Undertake regular monitoring of progress of the Branch programme of work and the individual projects and activities, assess the effectiveness of the results achieved and develop proposals to enhance performance as appropriate. d) Develop and direct the development of new approaches, procedures, methodologies and tools for UNEP's assessment and reporting activities. e) Evaluate procedures, methodologies and approaches used by national and regional institutions and international organizations to assess environment and development interactions and support informed decisions. f) Analyze alternative approaches and methodologies and their global, regional and thematic relevance in function of targeted user communities or policy and decision-making processes. g) Coordinate the establishment and implementation of international cooperative agreements and mechanisms to develop appropriate procedures to implement UNEP's mandated assessment and reporting functions and ensure their international scientific validity and acceptability. h) Promote the acceptance and use of appropriate assessment and reporting approaches, procedures and methodologies by UNEP and relevant national and international organizations.

Policy Advice and Guidance:

3. Act as the principal advisor in the area of integrated scientific assessments and reporting. a) Conduct high level technical and policy related consultations on matters related to the programme with policy makers and directors of institutes and international assessment programmes. b) Develop policy initiatives on programme issues for intergovernmental and interagency meetings of minister and other high-level officials. c) Provide regular updates and briefs to the Director, EWAD, Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director on issues related to policy servicing and planning in the context of programme implementation. d) Provide technical advice and appropriate support to governments and assist in organizing and convening intergovernmental meetings of policy makers and technical experts to formulate, adopt and implement global, regional and national assessment programmes. e) Represent EWAD and/or UNEP at external meetings, as requested by the EWAD Director and/or the UNEP Executive Office. (f) Ensure that UNEP's BSB functions are integrated across UNEP Sub-programmes. (g) Carry out additional tasks from time to time as requested by the Director of EWAD.

Programme Budget and Supervisory Responsibilities:

4. Serve as the principal head of the Branch. a) Provide supervisory leadership to professional and general service staff of the Branch, setting objectives and targets with them, inculcate in them, UN and UNEP ethical values and principles, monitor and appraise their performance, ensuring compliance with performance Appraisal System, identify their training needs and facilitate an environment of teamwork and high productivity. b) Manage all non-human resources matters of the Branch in the most effective and efficient way. c) Review human and financial resource requirements for programme implementation and determine priorities for budget allocation. d) Liaise with the Budget and Fund Management Service and Division of Administration Services of UNON on financial, personnel and administrative matters. e) Monitor financial performance of the activities and projects to ensure cost effective implementation of the work programme.

5. 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.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Excellent knowledge of the institutional mandates, scientific assessments, policies and procedures of the United Nations; Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

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 & 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.

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 improvements; 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.

JUDGEMENT AND 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in natural and environmental sciences, natural resources management, economics or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work 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 desirable.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Minimum 15 years of relevant working experience delivering and managing scientific assessments and network of scientists including at least five (5) years at the national, regional and global levels is required.

Experience with the operation and requirements of the UN or similar International organization particularly with regard to developing countries is required.

Progressive working experience in the management of programmes/projects and supervision of staff in a multicultural setting is desirable.

A mixture of working experience in developed and developing countries and training in scientific assessment tools, methods and processes is desirable.

Experience in diverse areas and pertaining to different aspects of environment and development 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 in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is 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

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension.

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.

Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

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.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

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.