Information Assistant

Result of Service The incumbent will support implementation of the Secretariat’s knowledge management programme and maintenance of information systems and services to enable the Secretariat staff, Parties and stakeholders to access and share knowledge and information resources support the effective implementation of the Convention and its Protocols.

Work Location Montreal

Expected duration Six (6) months.

Duties and Responsibilities Organizational setting:

The United Nations Environment Programme 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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. The Convention on Biological Diversity was opened for signature in Rio in 1992. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by United Nations Environment Programme. Its main tasks are to arrange for and service meetings of the Conference of the Parties, including preparation of pertinent documentation, operation of the central node of the clearing-house mechanism, liaison and coordination with other international bodies and processes and, in close collaboration with these partners, the provision of technical support for the effective implementation of the Convention.

Duties and responsibilities:

The individual contractor will report to the Knowledge Management Information Officer, Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Unit, Implementation Support Division.

The incumbent will assist with: - Processing and maintenance of information resources and records in the virtual library, including cataloguing and indexing of materials as well as digitization; - Issuing of ISBN numbers for new CBD publications; - Responding to requests for information and e-publications from users and keep the user requests and distribution records; - Updating of bibliographic and documents database records in the central portal of the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM); - Further development and update of common formats and classification systems; - Identification of broken links and taking appropriate actions; - Implementing Standard Operation Procedures for the SCBD publications process; - Organizing regional Knowledge Management for Biodiversity (K4B) Challenges; - Updating information on relevant communities of practice and knowledge networks; - Performing administrative and general support duties, as requested.

Qualifications/special skills Competencies:

Professionalism – Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence in providing e-library and information services; Demonstrates good knowledge of library science/archiving.

Planning and Organizing – Able to plan and undertake activities that are consistent with agreed goals and strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; Monitors and adjusts plans and priorities as required; Handles concurrent requests and manage conflicting priorities; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Uses time efficiently; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.

Client Orientation – Considers all those to whom library and information services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from their point of view; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks; and Meets timelines for delivery of services to clients.

Skills: Database, Office - including Word and Excel, Good organization.

Academic Qualifications: High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of work experience in administration or in a related field is required.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other United Nations languages is desirable.

Additional Information SPECIAL CONDITIONS Applicants must be Canadian residents or citizens or have permission to work in Canada.

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.