Head of the Interim Secretariat for the Science Policy Panel

Overview

Lead the preparation and coordination of science-policy initiatives

You have:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in chemistry, industrial or chemical engineering, environmental or physical sciences, sustainable development-related or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A minimum of fifteen (15) years relevant work experience in programme/project management in fields related to chemicals and/or waste management is required.
• Experience in fund-raising is required.
• Experience in intergovernmental processes is required.
• Experience leading technically diverse teams of experts is required.
• Experience working in the UN system or similar international organization is desirable.
• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

Contract

This is a D-1 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 15 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 181,348 USD and 228,843 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 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.

The overall objective of the UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive.

At the fifth session of UNEA (2022), member states in the resolution entitled “Science Policy Panel to contribute to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution decided to establish a Science-Policy Panel to contribute to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. It was decided an ad hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) would be convened to commence its work in 2022 and conclude by the end of 2024 UNEP was requested to provide a secretariat for the OEWG and to prepare the analytical and summary reports necessary for its work. The position is located in the Industry and Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch in Nairobi, Kenya duty station. The Chemicals and Health Branch works closely with governments, industry, and civil society organizations around the world to develop mainstream solutions for the sound management of chemicals and waste.

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Chemicals and Health Branch, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Responsibilities 1) Lead the Secretariat team in charge of enabling the work of the hoc open-ended working group (OEWG) and its preparatory process to configure a science-policy panel (OEWG 2 and 3), by: a. Leading the substantive framing of the panel’s focus on the science-policy interface of chemicals, waste and prevention of pollution; b. Providing options and lessons learned on the establishment of an independent panel; c. Making sure there is no overlap but rather synergy with related science policy panels; d. Identifying and presenting to the OEWG information and guidance to focus the panel’s scope of work; e. Undertaking fundraising efforts as required.

2) Lead the design, implementation and monitoring of a preparatory process that is credible and gains ownership of governments and the respect of scientific communities and civil society, by: a. Engaging with partners and relevant institutions to lead the Secretariat in designing its work programme and convening of experts and governments, and in mobilizing the resources for the Secretariat’s functioning and that of the OEWG; b. Designing the process to identify and select experts; coordinate background papers to inform the OEWG in its deliberations; c. Organizing regional meetings/consultations to prepare for the OEWG process;

3) Design and oversee the implementation of preparatory work for the ad hoc OEWG and the intergovernmental meeting for the purpose of considering the establishment of a science-policy panel, by: a. Drafting a scenario note indicating the operating procedures for this first meeting, consideration of the rules of procedure, the organization of work and the timelines suggested for discussion; b. Formulating and articulating intersessional work between OWEG 1 and OEWG 2 and between OEWG 2 and OEWG 3. c. Providing the final report of the outcomes of the OEWG process.

4) Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches related to chemicals and waste management; Ability to interpret and incorporate relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management; 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.

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 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.

LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands; Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work and commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing.

EMPOWERING OTHERS: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; Encourages others to set challenging goals; Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; Genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise; Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), in chemistry, industrial or chemical engineering, environmental or physical sciences, sustainable development-related, or related field is required.

A first-level university degree, in combination with (2) two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable

Work Experience A minimum of fifteen (15) years relevant work experience in programme/project management in fields related to chemicals and/or waste management is required.

Experience in fund-raising is required.

Experience in intergovernmental processes is required.

Experience leading technically diverse teams of experts is required.

Experience working in the UN system or similar international organization is desirable.

Experience working in the private sector is desirable

Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

NOTE: ''Fluency'' equals a rating of ''fluent'' in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ''Knowledge of'' equals a rating of ''confident'' in two of the four areas.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include substantive assessment, such as a written test and/or a competency-based interview.

Special Notice - This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, 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.

• 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.

• On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

  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.

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.

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