Science Policy Specialist

Volunteering Environment

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International 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. This International UNV position is with the UNEP Office of the Chief Scientist. The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) provides strategic coordination of and input to the science and analytics that inform the organization's decisions, policies, interventions, and publications. This role would be engaged in all aspects of the work including provision of science advice, science administration, and preparation of materials to support the Office of the Chief Scientist.

Under the oversight of the UNEP Chief Scientist, and the direct supervision of the Senior Program Coordinator in the OCS, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

· Contributes to the work plan of the Office of the Chief Scientist as a whole, and in particular, carry out specific tasks related to scientific research, knowledge management, and science communication; · Support efforts to strengthen the science-policy interface; mobilizing the science and research community, in the service of key environmental challenges. · Researches and analyzes information on assigned topics; gathers information from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information products. · Reviews information to include in reports, briefings, newsletters, websites, etc. · Prepare, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts and/or sections articles and other inputs as required for inclusion in UNEP reports and materials. · Assist in the preparation of meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events, including but not limited to the preparation of briefing materials, remarks, background notes, presentations, and minutes; · Any other related tasks as may be required or 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.

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 her/his functions, including: - Working collaboratively with colleagues and key clients to facilitate the work of the Office of the Chief Scientist. - Contributing substantively to the development and establishment of key systems and processes related to the use and uptake of science across UNEP. - Drafting various written outputs, including but not limited to background papers, guidelines, communication materials, etc. · 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 operations 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;

· Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNEP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

· 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;

· Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

· 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;

· Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

· Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

· 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.

in related fields of which 2 years of experience in the field of nature and biodiversity.

At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national or international level in environment, international relations, public administration, or related area is required.

Experience with government agencies, non-governmental and/or international organizations working at the science-policy interface and preferably in environment/natural/climate/biodiversity science, sustainability, or a related field is required.

· Experience in providing scientific advice in a regulatory context or climate/biodiversity research is required. · Experience as a science writer is desirable.

Other Required Skills include:

· Excellent oral and written skills; excellent scientific drafting, formulation, reporting skills; · Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; · 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; · Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; · Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; · Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; · Sound security awareness; · Have affinity with or interest in the work of UNEP and environmental issues, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighboring Somalia, Ethio-pia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties. Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s popula-tion of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%. The country’s GNP per capita esti-mated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% an-nually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Ken-ya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO). Nairobi is a modern metro-politan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport. Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN person-nel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP. The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topo-graphic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate.

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Added 4 days ago - Updated 5 hours ago - Source: unv.org