SPECIAL ASSISTANT, ADMINISTRATION (Filled from Roster)

Contract

This is a P-4 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 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 171,387 USD and 220,969 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 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 implements legislative mandates of the United Nations Environment Assembly and the United Nations General Assembly, ensuring coherent delivery of its programme of work. Its mandate is to, among others, coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of the governments and the international community for action.

This position is located in the UNEP New York Office (UNEP-NYO) at UN Headquarters and operates within the overall guidance and supervision of the UNEP Executive Office at Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), Head of UNEP NYO, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities- Provides dedicated support and assistance to the ASG in the discharge of her/his responsibilities as Director of UNEP New York Office and Secretary of Environmental Management Group (EMG), including coordinating support to ensure UNEP's involvement in the formulation, monitoring and communication of strategies across the UN system; supporting the implementation of corporate tasks and priorities related to UNEP's Medium Term Strategy (MTS) and Senior Management Team (SMT)-activities; assistance in liaising with counterparts within the United Nations system, Permanent Missions, other international organizations, academic and research institutions and other stakeholders; ensures a smooth information flow within the NYO and between the NYO and UNEP's Divisions/ Regional Offices/ Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). - Provides support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, EMG meetings, etc., identifying participants, supporting the preparation of documents and presentations, with focus on supporting the ASG in the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budget Questions, Committee for Program Coordination, Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly and other policy making organs, as appropriate, and interagency mechanisms, as appropriate; - Consolidates and keeps track of priorities identified by UNEP's Governing Bodies in Nairobi and ensures support to the ASG and the NYO to plan and coordinate suitable follow-up actions with Member States missions in New York, in coordination with UNEP's Headquarters (HQs). - Oversees the ASG's schedule, missions and participation to high-level meetings through coordination with UNEP's HQs and other stakeholders, as needed; ensures a timely preparation of quality briefing packages, notes, reports and other background documents for the ASG's meetings. - Supports the preparation and review of relevant written documents and reports on issues for ASG ensuring a broad consultative process with UNEP where required, and quality and timeliness of all required follow-up; drafts or supervises the drafting of substantive correspondence for the ASG's signature, including material of a confidential nature. - Provides support and coordination to the ASG and UNEP's Senior Staff in preparation to UNEP's participation and contribution to intergovernmental bodies such as the High- level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Economic and Social Council, and the General Assembly, and interagency mechanisms, as appropriate. - In coordination with the communication officer, assist the ASG and Senior Leaders in outreach actives of reports and other substantive work of UNEP with relevant counterparts in New York. - Liaises with UNEP HQs and UNEP New York staff to assist the ASG in reporting to intergovernmental bodies on budget/program performance or on programmatic and substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and or annual reports. - Keeps abreast of developments relevant to UNEP's mandate and portfolios within the UN system, MS Regional Groups, Major Stakeholders Groups, and other stakeholders in coordination with colleagues in the NYO/ dedicated focal points at UNEP HQs. - Performs other duties as required.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of UN processes and operation, including those of UNEP. 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.

TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, 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.

Education Advanced university degree(Master's degree or equivalent) in international relations or public administration, business administration, environmental science or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of seven (7) years of experience preferably in sustainable development and/or environment related issues is required.

At least four (4) years experience at an international level preferably related to sustainable development and/or environment related issues is required.

A minimum of five (5) years of experience in front office or coordination office, supporting senior level managers or cross functional teams is desirable.

Work experience within the United Nations context or similar organization is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

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

Special Notice Initial appointment against this post is for a period of one year and may be subject to extension.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Internal Applicants – When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

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.