ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS OFFICER - (Carbon Markets and Nature Based Solutions

Overview

Undertake analysis, design and dissemination of policies related to biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions.

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Economics, Political Sciences, International Relations, Natural Resources Management, Biodiversity Conservation, or a closely related field is required.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as environmental management, biodiversity conservation, land and marine ecosystems management, green and blue economy, natural capital, carbon and biodiversity credits, and sustainable development is required.
• Experience supporting environmental policy processes, including engagement with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), climate and biodiversity frameworks, or sustainable development policy initiatives, is desirable.
• English and French are the working languages. For this job opening, either English or French is required.

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 107,345 USD and 140,560 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

ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa informed by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. The mission is guided by ECA's five strategic directions which are: Advancing ECA's position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent's problems and take local solution to the continent; developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; contributing solutions to regional and transboundary challenges, with a focus on peace, security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; advocating Africa's position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. The Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resource Management Division is headed by a director and is accountable to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programme). The Division is responsible for enhancing climate resilience, achieving food security and advancing inclusive and sustainable development by harnessing land, natural resources and the green and blue economies. It is divided into two main sections: Climate Change; and Natural Resources and Food Systems Section. The position is located in the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Under the overall direction of the Director, Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resource Division, the Environmental Affairs Officer - (Carbon Markets and Nature Based Solutions) reports to the Chief of the Climate Policy Section.

Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority, the Environmental Affairs Officer - (Carbon Markets and Nature Based Solutions) will be responsible for the following duties: • Undertakes analysis, design and dissemination of policies, strategies, guidelines and other tools relating to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and nature-based solutions. • Conducts research and technical studies and prepares analytical reports and position papers on biodiversity, ecosystems, and related socio-economic and environmental dimensions. • Develops technical and institutional capacity for biodiversity management, ecosystem restoration and conservation, natural capital and sustainable development in ECA member States. • Supports member States in catalyzing finance for biodiversity conservation through market-based instruments, including biodiversity credits, while promoting environmental integrity, social safeguards, transparency, sustainable development, and equitable benefit-sharing. • Provides technical and policy support to ECA member States on the conservation, sustainable use and restoration of marine and blue ecosystems, including coastal and marine biodiversity, in support of integrated ocean governance, blue economy strategies, and the achievement of SDG 14. • Supports ECA member States in engaging with and implementing outcomes of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), including decisions of the Conference of the Parties (COP), and in the development, updating, implementation and monitoring of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), in alignment with regional and global biodiversity frameworks. • Contributes to the formulation, coordination and promotion of coherent African common positions on biodiversity-related issues in regional and global forums, including CBD COP processes, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, AMCEN and other relevant regional stakeholders. • Promotes synergies between biodiversity conservation and circular economy approaches by supporting policies and initiatives on sustainable production and consumption, resource efficiency, and circular value chains that reduce biodiversity loss while contributing to inclusive and sustainable development. • Contribute to ECA’s technical and related support to COP32 Presidency. • Performs any other duties as required by the supervisor or the Director of the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division.

Competencies

Professionalism: Expert knowledge in ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, natural capital, or related fields. Proven ability to conduct research, produce analytical reports, develop policies and tools, and deliver capacity development. Ability to apply technical expertise to complex issues. Shows pride in work, demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments and achieving results, 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. Knowledge in the African context. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate time and resources; foresees risks and allows for contingencies; monitors and adjusts plans as necessary; uses time efficiently. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and Honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, Economics, Political Sciences, International Relations, Natural Resources Management, Biodiversity Conservation, or a closely related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying 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 an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in areas such as environmental management, biodiversity conservation, land and marine ecosystems management, green and blue economy, natural capital, carbon and biodiversity credits, and sustainable development is required. This experience should be gained through research, policy analysis, programme/project support, or capacity development at national, regional, or international levels Experience supporting environmental policy processes, including engagement with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), climate and biodiversity frameworks, or sustainable development policy initiatives, is desirable. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English or French is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

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LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIFrenchUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is available on a temporary basis until the end of February 2028. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process, including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. Pursuant to section 5.9 of ST/AI/2010/4/Rev.2 Interns, consultants, individual contractors and gratis personnel may not apply for or be appointed to any position in the Professional and higher categories or positions at the FS-6 or FS-7 levels in the Field Service category within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. This restriction does not apply to associate experts (Junior Professional Officers) appointed under the Staff Rules. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, 7.11 .... Selected candidates shall be required to serve for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment before being eligible to apply to another 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.

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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.

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