Ecosystem Approach Programme Officer

Volunteering Programme & Policy Communications & PR Environment

Overview

Provide project management support for EcAp MED PLUS in Athens.

You have:

• At least 1 year of experience in project/programme management and environmental policy coordination.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English is required.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets effectively.
• Experience in working with international organizations or NGOs.
• Understanding of the ecosystem approach and environmental issues in the Mediterranean area.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

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 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. This position is located in the Ecosystems Division, at the Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) in Athens duty station.

Under the overall guidance of the MAP Deputy Coordinator, and the direct supervision of the Quality Status Report (QSR) Programme Officer, the incumbent will provide project management services to the project: Supporting the Southern Mediterranean Contracting Parties in implementing ecosystem approach to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) (EcAp MED PLUS).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the QSR Programme Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Ecosystem Approach Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Coordination and Project Management • Coordinating and managing the EcAp MED PLUS project, working closely with UNEP/MAP components • Monitoring the delivery of outputs and progress of implementation of activities in accordance with the Project Document, partner agreements, and project workplan – ensuring the quality of outputs and achievement of desired outcomes. • Monitoring and assessing progress of implementation, identifying risks and proposing solutions and necessary amendments as required. • Coordinating and managing the project budget, • Preparing, coordinating and managing agreements with implementing partners, including providing oversight on their budgets and workplans. • Ensuring harmonization and coherence of all activities and project outputs together with the Project Steering Committee. • Executing Project Activities assigned to the MAP Coordinating Unit. • Preparing written outputs as required, e.g. draft background papers, analyses, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, as well as supervising their translation. • Informing and advising implementing partners through the Project Steering Committee of any issues likely to affect the financial resources or scope of foreseen activities. • Organizing the Project Steering Committee Meetings, including the preparation of documentation (agenda, progress reports, presentations, minutes/meeting reports), coordinating communication with the Project Steering Committee members (dissemination of invitations and documentation, support in preparation and during the meeting, and follow up.) • Developing and managing the performance of impact assessment system for the project, including defining measurable indicators, ensuring adherence to the project’s monitoring and evaluation framework as well organizing any external evaluations as required. • Disseminating the results of evaluations to all relevant partners for further review as a means to ensure the most effective implementation and results orientation of the project. • Developing TORs and managing the work of consultants in the context of the expected outputs of the project as required. • Handing administrative requirements of the project. • Maintaining and managing documentation, records, and communication related to the project. • Perform any other related duties as required.

2. Communication and Networking: • Collecting information on latest developments on ecosystem approach at regional and global levels, reviewing and analyzing issues and trends, to contribute to the policy development of UNEP/MAP. • Contributing to the organization of meetings, seminars, and/or public relations events that are required to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the overall Ecosystem Approach Roadmap and its activities including both substantive and logistical aspects of meeting organizations. • Seeking opportunities for creating networks with relevant initiatives, institutions, NGOs, scientific community, with special emphasis on synergies with EU MSFD work. • Coordinating and monitoring all the Communications activities of the project in collaboration with MAP Information Officer and respective MAP Components.

3. Any other duties as per the request of the office

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UNEP/MAP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNEP/MAP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including the following outputs: o Project activities are implemented in a timely manner. o Risks are identified early on and appropriate measures are taken to avoid/mitigate them. o Agreements with implementing partners are implemented in a timely manner. o Project Steering Committee is organized and held as planned. o The Donor, Coordinator, Project Steering Committee, and Implementing Partners are held abreast, as required, of developments on the project. o Progress reporting is prepared and submitted to the Donor on time.

• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.

• Professionalism: Ability to independently conduct research and analysis, formulate options and present conclusions and recommendations. 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.

• 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: Speaks and writes 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP/MAP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Project/programme management and environmental policy coordination and/or related field, including at least one (1) year at the international level on issues related to marine and coastal environment management.

UNV will be working in United Nations Environment Programme/ Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) office located in Athens, capital city of Greece. This is a family duty station. The incumbent will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances:

The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service. Contingent on specific eligibility criteria, location of the volunteer assignment and contractual type and category, the payment of allowances will begin from the date of Commencement of Service For more information on entitlements please read the Condition of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos). For information specific to your assignment please see below:

Please note that the amounts can vary according to fluctuations of the monthly post adjustment. Monthly Living Allowance (Per month): USD 2603.52 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 4000 Family allowance: $250 per month for one dependent. $450 per month for two or more dependents Exit allowance (for each month served, paid on completion of contract): USD 225 Medical and life insurance: Cigna Private Insurance

Leave entitlements: Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month Certified sick leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. Uncertified sick leave: 7 days for 12 months and 4 days for shorter assignments Learning leave: 10 working days per consecutive 12 months (shorter assignments are prorated) Maternity Leave: 16 weeks Paternity Leave: 10 days

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org