Environmental Governance and Policy Expert

Result of Service The expert is expected to contribute to the successful implementation of project activities in which she/he will be engaged, in particular, the Italian portfolio on the Western-Balkan region and contribution to the Alpine - Carpathian Partnership, and contribution to project development, implementation, and reporting in the framework of Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded projects with special focus on South- Eastern Europe.

Work Location Vienna

Expected duration 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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.

The UN Environment / GEF Western Balkan portfolio and the Italian Cooperation portfolio UN Environment – Vienna Programme Office is the entity responsible for activities in the South Eastern Europe (SEE), through a strong local presence and a capillary network of partners is implementing an increasing number of projects and activities in the Western Balkan region (WB). The ultimate aim is to provide assistance and guidance to national governments at various levels, by actively engaging in and facilitating the ongoing dialogue between the civil society, the private sector and governmental authorities, on environmental issues.

Under the supervision of the Head of UN Environment - Vienna Programme Office, the expert will perform the following activities and services in the framework of UN Environment's project portfolio:

Management and coordination tasks related to the Italian portfolio

• Management, coordination and implementation of the Italian portfolio;
• Establish / Maintain regular communication with the relevant parties and stakeholders;
• Reviews relevant documents and reports;
• Identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions;
• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources;
• Provides administrative and substantive contribution to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.;
• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.;
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

Advisory services

• Identification of new funding opportunities, identification of relevant calls, development of new project proposals with a specific focus on the EU funding opportunities;
• Contribution to the Alpine - Carpathian Partnership, facilitation of communication with the Permanent Committee of the Alpine Convention, its Presidency, and the National Delegations;
• Contribution to the project development, implementation, and reporting in the framework of Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) funded projects with special focus on South-Eastern Europe;
• Contribution to the management of cooperative relationships between UN Environment and national and international partners, including national ministries and international organizations (OSCE, UNDP, WHO);
• Representing UN Environment – Vienna Programme Office in relevant meetings, advocating for the agency's position, and preparing and presenting outreach materials;
• Facilitate the organization of workshops and meetings and maintaining quality communications with international organizations, national stakeholders, academia and Civil Society Organizations.

Technical support

• Monitor the developments in climate environmental law/policy, EU and international law/policy as appropriate;
• Provide technical or policy services upon request and as appropriate in areas relevant to the assignment;
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. drafting legal acts, background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities;

• Develop networks and relationships with international and national organizations working with climate and environmental policy with specific focus on pollution prevention and control mechanisms.

  Qualifications/special skills A Master’s Degree in International Relations, Law or Political Science is required. Working experience in the field of international affairs and multilateral environmental cooperation is required. Working experience with institutional donors, as well as in coordination and drive communications with international partners and manage operational activities with relevant stakeholders. Experience in the management and implementation of EU funds is desirable. Working experience with organizations in the Western-Balkan region is desirable.

  Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required

  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.