ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

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UNECE - Economic Commission for Europe

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Thursday 21 Apr 2022 at 23:59 UTC

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Contract

This is a P-4 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 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 174,026 USD and 224,370 USD.

Salary for a P-4 contract in Geneva

The international rate of 90,970 USD, with an additional 91.3% (post adjustment) at this the location, applies. Please note that depending on the location, a higher post adjustment might still result in a lower purchasing power.

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.

More about P-4 contracts and their salaries.

Org. Setting and Reporting The position is located in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Geneva. Under the general supervision of the Director of the Environment Division and the direct supervision of the Chief, Transboundary Cooperation Section, the incumbent, who acts as secretary of the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention), is responsible for managing the Water Unit and its work in relation to transboundary water cooperation under the Water Convention and in relation to SDG indicator 6.5.2.

The broad aim of UNECE's environment activities is to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

- Supervises and coordinates the water unit. Plans and oversees the implementation of activities undertaken by the water unit, in particular the activities in the programme of work of the Water Convention and related to SDG indicator 6.5.2. Ensures coordination and coherence with activities under the National Policy Dialogues on Integrated Water Resources Management and activities under the Protocol on Water and Health. Assigns tasks and responsibilities and ensures the allocation of adequate time and human resources to achieve planned tasks. Monitors implementation and performance and ensures quality of outputs. Effectively manages assigned staff of the water unit, provides guidance, coaching and supervision, empowers staff to grow in their responsibilities. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the unit and across organizational boundaries. Carries out administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the unit, including recruitment of staff. Contributes to overall UNECE assessments, audits, evaluations, and internal coordination groups / task forces. Responds to requests by the UNECE Executive Secretary and the Director of the Environment Division.

- Acts as secretary of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention). Plans, organizes and follows up on the sessions of the Meeting of the Parties. Overviews the organization of meetings of subsidiary bodies to the Meeting of the Parties and of seminars, workshops, task forces and expert meetings and consultations. Assists Bureau members. Oversees and supports implementation of decisions taken by the Water Convention’s governing body. Supports monitoring and facilitation of implementation and overviews implementation of assistance projects. Maintains necessary contacts and correspondence. Overviews the preparation of a variety of studies, reports, background papers, etc. on a wide range of issues related to transboundary water cooperation. Ensures exchange of information and coordination of activities with other programmes of the UNECE secretariat - in particular the Committee on Environmental Policy and the other UNECE multilateral environmental agreements – and UN system organizations.

- Leads the work related to the co-custodian functions of UNECE for SDG indicator 6.5.2. Plans and oversees implementation of activities related to SDG indicator 6.5.2, in continuous coordination with UNESCO as co-custodians of the indicator. Coordinates activities with other custodians for SDG 6 indicators to ensure integrated delivery on the monitoring of the eleven SDG 6 indicators. Plans and oversees data gathering and data analysis. Plans and oversees the production of analytical reports and other material, including communication material. Submits inputs to the IAEG-SDGs and the Statistical Commission and to the regular reports of the Secretary-General on progress towards the SDGs. Plans and oversees activities to build capacity in reporting and to promote acceleration of efforts towards the achievement of SDG 6.

- Fundraises, manages donor relations, and manages relevant trust funds. Supports and actively participates in the efforts of Parties to raise funds for the activities under the Water Convention and fundraises for activities related to SDG indicator 6.5.2. Establishes sustainable donor relations. Prepares funding proposals and reports. Manages the relevant trust funds, arranges for the appropriate use of the funds and monitors expenditures and cash flows.

- Builds partnerships and engages in political advocacy for transboundary water cooperation. Establishes cooperation and develops long-term partnerships with key officials of national Governments, global and regional organizations, financing institutions and other actors, including UN-Water members. Advocates at the global level for the advancement of transboundary water cooperation and for the Water Convention and promotes accession to it. Initiates and coordinates outreach and communication activities. Represents the UNECE secretariat at various governmental and non-governmental meetings.

Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to transboundary water cooperation. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to manage and coordinate teams and programmes at the international level. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.

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.

Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in natural sciences, economics, social sciences, law, engineering or other relevant disciplines is required. A first-level university degree in the specified fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of 7 years of professional experience at the national or international level related to water or environmental issues is required.

Proven experience in managing teams is required.

Experience of transboundary water cooperation issues is required.

Work experience in fund raising and managing budgets is required.

Experience of multilateral environmental agreements (Conventions/Protocols) is desirable.

Experience in the identification and creation of strategic partnerships is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

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

Special Notice 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.

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.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 December 2021, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

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.

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org