Programme Assistant to the Subregional Office for the Southern Cone of Latin America
Contribute to the operation of the UNEP Sub-Regional Office in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Overview
Contribute to the operation of the UNEP Sub-Regional Office in Montevideo, Uruguay.
You have:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, environmental sciences, international relations, or related field is required.
- Two (2) years of demonstrated general work experience performing administrative tasks in sustainable development or environmental related entities or projects is required.
- Work experience in the public sector and/or in the UN system entities or similar international organizations is desirable.
- Work experience in data collection, analysis and management is desirable.
- Fluent in Spanish is required.
- Fluent in English is desirable.
- Experience drafting and reviewing documents is desirable.
Contract
This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.
Result of Service
The consultant will contribute to the UNEP Sub-Regional Office for the Southern Cone of Latin America in the day-to-day operation of the office and its administration. Main activities will include operational tasks such as the coordination of schedule and institutional contacts with other actors, and other duties, such as the administrative collaboration to the operations of UNEP activities in the subregion and in the United Nations Country Teams. The consultant will perform the following activities, without prejudice to other activities that may arise for the satisfactory execution of the consultancy: - Perform administrative tasks and provide executive functions for the efficient operation of the office. - Give secretarial collaboration to the Subregional Head. - Contribute with administrative functions to ongoing environmental projects in the region. - Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with several organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g., recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, training /study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services. - Review and write documents and concept notes in English and Spanish. - Collaborate and follow up on the organization of regional, subregional and national seminars, events and workshops. - Collaborate with the administrative aspects of the implementation of UNEP´s activities in the subregion. - Collaborate with interdisciplinary work groups. - Collaborate with the head of the office on matters related to the actions of the UNCTs in the subregion (Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina). - Support to Finance Associate and Budget Officer to follow up budget execution and control of funds allocated to the subregion, as well as follow up on government contributions. - Assist to Finance Associate and Budget Officer to control of expenses related to Funding Authorizations. - Carry out relevant related procedures as an alternate security focal point and with the OMT of Uruguay. - Perform any other activities related to the position
Work Location
UNEP Sub-Regional Office for the Southern Cone of Latin America, Montevideo, Uruguay
Expected duration
5 months
Duties and Responsibilities
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 UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, Panama works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). UNEP´s Sub-Regional Office for the Southern Cone of Latin America (SCO), located in Montevideo, Uruguay, provides support to and coordinates efforts with the Governments of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Within its programmatic growth, the Sub-regional Office has increased its commitment to governments and other interested parties, to deepen its analysis of the environmental challenges and opportunities that the sub-region is currently facing. In this context, the focus is on the implementation of UNEP´s Medium-Term Strategy (2022-2025) that addresses the triple planetary crisis of climate change, loss of nature and pollution. The Sub-Regional Office is well positioned to inform UNEP's corporate policies and plans, through the experiences and lessons learned from working in the countries of the Southern Cone. To achieve its purposes and respond to the growing demands of governments and other key stakeholders, the Sub-regional Office requires a programme assistant to contribute the integral operation of the office. The Programme Assistant will work under the supervision of the Head of the Sub-regional Office for the Southern Cone of Latin America at the UNEP Sub-Regional Office for the Southern Cone of Latin America, Montevideo, Uruguay. The job requires full-time dedication of 40 hours a week, from Monday to Friday.
Qualifications/special skills
ACADEMIC: - Bachelor’s degree in business administration, environmental sciences, international relations, or related field is required PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE - Two (2) years of demonstrated general work experience performing administrative tasks in sustainable development or environmental related entities or projects is required - Work experience in the public sector and/or in the UN system entities or similar international organizations is desirable - Work experience in data collection, analysis and management is desirable - Work experience in project management is desirable - Experience drafting and reviewing documents is desirable
Languages
LANGUAGE: - Fluent in Spanish is required. - Fluent in English is desirable SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: - Capacity for technical administration and project management. - 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. - Tailored language, tone, style and format to match the audience. - Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. - Integrity and ethics according to United Nations standard values. - Abilities to understand and integrate positions from various disciplines, flexibility to change. - Effective negotiation and interpersonal skills. - Excellent oral and written communication skills - Cultural sensitivity, appreciation of diversity and willingness to promote gender equity. COMPETENCIES: PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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. TEAMWORK: * Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. 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.
Additional Information
Not available.
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.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a time when you successfully managed multiple administrative tasks at once. What was your approach? | The interviewer wants to assess your ability to prioritize and manage time effectively. | Share specific details about tasks, your planning process, and the outcomes. |
| How do you ensure clear communication when collaborating with diverse teams? | The interviewer is looking for your communication skills and adaptability to different audiences. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of a project you coordinated and the outcome? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have with budget management and financial controls? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a situation where you had to negotiate with stakeholders. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you handle stressful situations or conflicts within a team? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What techniques do you use to monitor and adjust project plans as needed? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Explain how you promote gender equity and cultural sensitivity in your work. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |