Environment and Health Project Officer

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 Industry and Economy Division works with international and nongovernmental organizations, national and local governments, business and industry to develop and implement policies, strategies and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs, use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable the implementation of conventions and international agreements. This Volunteer position is located in Nairobi in the Pollution and Health Unit, Chemicals and Health Branch of the Industry and Economy Division. More information about the work of the Branch is provided here: https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/chemicals-waste/what-we-do/environment-health-and-pollution

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Environment and Health Project Officer will:

1. Support the implementation of chemicals, environment, and health programmatic efforts, as part of UNEP’s broader pollution and health portfolio.

a. Support project/programme implementation, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation b. Support the development and review of project documents and funding proposals, including budget tables c. Support the preparation of internal and donor reporting d. Support steering committee and coordination meetings and related documentation e. Support the organization of meetings and of written consultation efforts with internal and external implementing partners, including UNEP Divisions and Regional Offices active in implementing pollution and health projects f. Support the project planning and tracking efforts making use of the New Integrated Planning, Management, and Reporting Solution of UMOJA (IPMR) g. Support the development of TORs and processes for the recruitment of consultants and for initiative partnership agreements h. Support efforts to make information and knowledge generated through the implementation of project available online.

2. Support substantive chemicals, environment, and health activities, including:

i. Support the coordination of studies on issues related to chemicals and their relation to the environment and health j. Support the preparation of written inputs to briefing notes, publications, meetings’ agendas, and powerpoint presentations on issues related to chemicals and health k. Support internal and external outreach efforts and communities of practice meetings.

3. Support other substantive and programmatic efforts of the Unit

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

providing support for project management; Knowledge of chemicals, environment and health issues.

Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with database management and project management and collaborative digital tools.

Excellent oral communication skills and excellent drafting and analytical skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills, culturally and socially sensitive, 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.

Experience working in the UN or other international organization is an asset.

Basic knowledge of French or another UN language is an advantage.

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.