Programme Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

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.

UNEP’s Policy and Programme Division consolidates the policy, programme, monitoring, gender, and social safeguards functions of UNEP as well as its engagement with the United Nations system and key global processes such as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals and other landmark global policy decisions in the environmental field.

The Strategic Planning Unit of the Policy and Programme Division leads the development of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)’s strategic plans – the medium-term strategy and, programme of work, and its overall project portfolio. The unit also leads and supports organizational transformation and

This UNV assignment is part of the Strategic Planning Unit, supporting the unit with programmatic and administrative tasks, ensuring quality control, tracking outputs and results, reporting internally and externally, and supporting all areas of work for the Strategic Planning Unit workflow.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the head of the Strategic Planning Unit or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Programme Assistant will:

· Assist in research, compile, analyze, synthesize, and present information/data on a wide range of strategic and programmatic topics informing the delivery of UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2025 and Programme of Work and the development of the new MTS 2026-2030. · Support the preparation of policy briefs and other briefing materials, presentations, talking points, relevant documentation, and contributions for SPU’s involvement in planning and resource allocation processes. · Develop and maintain a resource allocation database, including tracking proposal submissions, revisions, and evaluations as well as the implementation of allocated resources. · Assist in generating reports and extracting data as needed to facilitate resource allocation decision-making processes. · Assist in analyzing and visualizing data, including research on current and emerging trends that can support strategic planning, implementation, and communication of UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy and the biennial Programmes of Work · Provide assistance to monitoring and undertaking quality control of the Unit’s work and its communication internally across the Division as well as other PPD units, and externally to other divisions, Member States, partners, and other stakeholders. · Provide effective day-to-day programmatic, administrative, and operational support to the Strategic Planning Unit. · Provide flexible and ad hoc support to the unit in various duties, as and when required, and perform any other related tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

· Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). · Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. · Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities. · Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. · Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. · Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

14. Results/expected outputs:

· As an active UNEP team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNEP and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of his functions, including: · Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment: · A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of themes relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

· Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues.

· Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.

· Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UNEP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

sustainable development field; experience with programmatic-related work is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization. a professional work experience at the national and/or international level.

· (required) Demonstrated ability to perform in a team and deliver on time. · (desired) Good writing skills and knowledge of statistics, project cycle management, and results-based management is an asset. · (desired) Ability to understand and analyze information and derive relevant findings; understanding of the science underpinning a broad range of Environmental issues and their possible policy implications; familiarity with data and indicators, outreach, and communication an advantage. · (desired) Ability to identify client needs, and work with them to develop programme solutions and meet timelines for service and product delivery. · (desired) Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development. · (required) Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management and visualization tools; and office technology equipment. · (desired) Have affinity with or interest in UNEP’s work especially on climate action, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services are available locally at reasonable cost. The city is at a high altitude, with sunny days and cooler nights. There is a short rainy season before Christmas, and longer rains fall from March to May. November to February is generally warm. There are several transportation options in Nairobi, including taxis, buses, mini-buses, and mobile applications for transport. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both UN HABITAT and UNEP, and as the UN Regional Hub for the East and Horn of Africa region. Safety and security in Nairobi varies depending on different neighbourhoods, and it is important to become familiarized with safety recommendations for the city. Telecommunication system in Nairobi is generally sufficient. Internet access is generally reliable.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.