Programme Management Officer, Scientific Affairs

Contract

This is a P-3 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 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 105,404 USD and 138,019 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 objective of the UNCCD is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification around the world, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with the 2030 Agenda, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas.

The functions of the secretariat are, among others, (a) to make arrangements for sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and its Subsidiary Bodies established under the Convention and to provide them with services as required; (b) to compile and transmit reports submitted to it; (c) to facilitate assistance to affected developing country Parties, on request, particularly those in Africa, in the compilation and communication of information required under the Convention; (d) to coordinate its activities with the secretariats of other relevant international bodies and conventions.

The Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Unit serves the Committee on Science and Technology (CST) and the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC). It links scientific knowledge with implementation, planning and policies, with the aim to ensure that findings and opportunities produced by science are effectively channeled to benefit field activities to implement the UNCCD.

This position will be based in UNCCD HQs in Bonn, Germany.

Responsibilities Under the coordination of the Chief of the STI Unit, the incumbent will work on the following areas:

• Respond to decisions of the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP) as they relate to science and technology issues in the field of desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD), land degradation neutrality (LDN) and associated topics.
• Facilitate the work of the SPI through the organization of in-person meetings and teleconferences, and preparing related documentation (ie. briefing and information notes, agenda, presentations, meeting reports).
• Collect, analyze, synthesize, interpret scientific findings as well as quantitative and qualitative information pertaining to the nexus between land, water, climate, nature and people, particularly where these intersect with issues related to the strategic objectives of the UNCCD, as defined in the UNCCD 2018-2030 Strategic Framework.
• Prepare and assist the SPI in the production of various scientific and technical written outputs, (e.g., scientific writing, editing and peer review).
• Coordinate the publication and dissemination of secretariat and SPI science deliverables (i.e. technical reports and science-policy briefs).
• Coordinate science partnerships with other intergovernmental panels and bodies working on topics relevant to future UNCCD policy development (e.g., IPCC, IPBES, ITPS, UNEP IRP, UN Habitat GLII).

• Performs any other job-related activity required to achieve the goals and objectives of the unit, sub-unit, programme or the secretariat.

  Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to scientific research. Knowledge and understanding of the current status of scientific research relevant to the areas of land, biodiversity, water, food and health. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of scientific literature and other research resources, including electronic sources. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 the 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.

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in natural, social or interdisciplinary sciences or related field is required. A first university degree with a combination of two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible and relevant experience in natural, social or interdisciplinary sciences including experience in planning, designing, managing, implementing, and evaluating scientific programmes and projects and relevant work experience at the interface of science and policy is required.

Experience in conducting independent research and analysis, including use of scientific literature and other research resources is required.

Experience in the UNCCD initiatives, events and reporting process is required.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience acquired in the United Nations system or in a similar international or multilateral setting is desirable.

Experience in the organization of international workshops, meetings, trainings and events is desirable.

Confirmed skills in using methods and tools on the assessment of land degradation neutrality, sustainable land management, soil organic carbon would be an asset.

Languages For the post advertised, fluency in English and Russian language, both oral and written, is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

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.

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.