ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

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 171,387 USD and 220,969 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

This position is located in the Water Unit of the Transboundary Cooperation Section (TCS) in the Environment Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), based in Geneva, Switzerland.

UNECE Environment Division contributes to the overall objectives and mandate of UNECE as a multilateral platform facilitating greater economic integration and cooperation among its member States, and to the broad aim of the Environment subprogramme to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The P4, Environmental Affairs Officer will report directly to the P5, Chief of TCS, and is under the overall supervision of the D1, Chief of Service, Environment Division. Under the direct supervision of the P5, Chief, Transboundary Cooperation Section, as well as in close coordination with the P4, Secretary to the Water Convention / head of the water unit, the incumbent is responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring work under the Protocol on Water and Health, the work in relation to reporting on transboundary water cooperation under the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention) and on SDG indicator 6.5.2 and the servicing of the Water Convention’s Implementation Committee.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Environmental Affairs Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

(A) Acts as Co-Secretary to the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health: - Plans, organizes, and follows up on the sessions of the Meeting of the Parties; assists elected officers; oversees and supports the implementation of decisions taken by the Protocol’s governing body; supports compliance monitoring; prepares agenda, reports, and other documentation. - Oversees the organization of meetings of subsidiary bodies to the Meeting of the Parties and seminars, workshops, task forces, expert meetings, and consultations. - Reviews national policies and strategies; prepares a variety of studies, reports, background papers, etc. on a wide range of environmental and water, sanitation, hygiene, and health-related issues. - Promotes and communicates on the Protocol; builds partnerships and engages in political advocacy on water, sanitation, hygiene, and health; promotes accession to the Protocol; initiates and guides the development of information and communication efforts; prepares publications, press releases, and other media tools; representing the UNECE Secretariat at various governmental and non-governmental meetings. - Oversees the design and management of technical assistance and capacity-building projects under the Protocol on Water and Health to support its implementation, in particular in countries with economies in transition in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and South Eastern Europe; works in close cooperation with the ECE Regional Advisor on Environment and the Manager of the National Policy Dialogues on Integrated Water Resources Management; guides and coordinates governmental appointed experts as well as consultants to the secretariat, interns and other resource persons in the implementation of activities of the Protocol. - Fundraises for activities under the Protocol on Water and Health; prepares funding proposals and reports; establishes sustainable donor relations and manages them; manages the Protocol’s trust fund; arranges for the appropriate use of funds, prepares allotments, cost plans, and monitors expenditures and cash flows. - Ensures close coordination and cooperation with co-secretariat colleagues at the WHO Regional Office for Europe; jointly plans activities in the Protocol’s programme of work; arranges the distribution of tasks and ensures a continuous exchange of information and cooperation in implementation. - Maintains necessary contacts and correspondence; ensures the 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.

(B) Leads the work related to reporting on the advancement of transboundary water cooperation under the Water Convention and on SDG indicator 6.5.2, for which UNECE acts as co-custodian together with UNESCO: - Plans and oversees the implementation of activities related to reporting under the Water Convention and on SDG indicator 6.5.2, the latter in continuous coordination with UNESCO as co-custodians of the indicator, including data gathering and data analysis and the development and establishment of an online reporting system. - Coordinates activities with other custodians for SDG 6 indicators to ensure integrated delivery on the monitoring of the eleven SDG 6 indicators. - Plans, oversees, and contributes to drafting analytical reports, including reports to the Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention, inputs to the IAEG-SDGs and the Statistical Commission and to the regular reports of the Secretary-General on progress towards the SDGs, communication material and other documents and publications. - Plans and oversees activities to build capacity in reporting and to promote acceleration of efforts towards the achievement of SDG 6. - Fundraises for activities on reporting on the advancement of transboundary water cooperation under the Water Convention and on SDG indicator 6.5.2; prepares funding proposals and reports; establishes sustainable donor relations and managing them, in cooperation with other custodians for SDG 6 indicators, as relevant. Manages the related trust funds; arranges for the appropriate use of funds, prepares allotments, and cost plans and monitors expenditures and cash flows.

(C) Services the Implementation Committee of the Water Convention: - Prepares agendas, reports, other documentation, and Chairman's briefs for meetings of the Implementation Committee; services these meetings and assists the elected officers in the conduct of the meetings. - Follows up and oversees the implementation of decisions taken; prepares correspondence related to the work of the Implementation Committee. - Designs and organizes activities to share information about the mechanism. - Supports the achievement of the strategic objectives related to the work of the Implementation Committee and its further development.

(D) Manages staff responsible for the Protocol on Water and Health and for reporting on transboundary water cooperation and carries out other administrative and functional tasks: - Manages and guides staff supervised; assigns tasks and responsibilities; ensures the allocation of adequate time and human resources to achieve planned tasks. - Encourages the development of staff; fostering teamwork and communication among staff in the team and with colleagues at WHO Regional Office for Europe. - Carries out necessary administrative tasks, including evaluation of staff performance and recruitment. - 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.

Competencies

Professionalism: In-depth knowledge and understanding of environmental issues, with a particular knowledge on water-related issues. Proven ability to organize and service intergovernmental bodies and technical meetings. Ability to work with countries with economies in transition in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and South Eastern Europe in developing and implementing water-related projects. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. 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.

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

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

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in natural sciences, environmental sciences, economics, public administration, social sciences, law, engineering or other relevant disciplines is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree) in any of the above-specified fields of study in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

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

A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in servicing multilateral environmental agreements is required.

Work experience in fundraising and managing budgets is required.

Experience in managing people is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and Russian is a working language of ECE. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required and fluency in French or Russian is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 31 Oct 2023, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

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.

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.

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.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.