Environmental Affairs Officer, P4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Espoo Convention in the Environment for Europe Section of the Environment Division of the Economic Commission for Europe, based in Geneva, Switzerland. The broad aim of UNECE’s environment activities is to safeguard the environment and human health, and to promote sustainable development in its member countries in line with Agenda 21. The incumbent will report directly to the P5, Chief of Section and be under the overall supervision of the D1, Chief of Service.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief, Environment for Europe and Sustainable Development Section, the incumbent will be responsible for the planning, implementation and monitoring of the programmes on environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA). This function will include serving as Secretary to the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Environmental Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Conventions) and its Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment, and the related subsidiary bodies. The incumbent will also manage and report on related trust funds, prepare substantive reports, draft recommendations to be undertaken by relevant intergovernmental bodies, liaise with other international organisations and supervise the team including consultants and interns.

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Serves as Secretary to the Meetings of the Parties to the Convention on EIA in a Transboundary Context and its Protocol on SEA, and their subsidiary bodies, prepare for, service and follow-up meetings both in administrative and substantive terms including:
  • drafting of pre-session documentation and of meeting reports;
  • assistance to elected officers and the Convention’s Bureau in the pre-session preparations and conduct of the meeting;
  • elaboration of draft decisions, recommendations for action and proposals for new activities to be undertaken by above intergovernmental bodies;
  • reviews of national policies and strategies;
  • analytical studies in the fields of EIA and SEA;
  • compliance and implementation monitoring;
  • preparation of publications, press releases, public relations bulletins and other media work; and maintaining the necessary contacts and correspondence.
• Prepares for, service, and follow-up seminars, workshops, task forces, expert meetings, and consultations including:
  • organizational support to host authorities;
  • coordination of consultants, rapporteurs and government-designated experts;
  • drafting reports of meetings and minutes.
• Mobilizes resource contributions; Manages relevant trust funds of multilateral agreements, monitor expenditures, and provide regular detailed financial reporting to the donors;
• Coordinates activities for which the incumbent is responsible for in consultation with other ECE programmes, other UN bodies, other international organizations and institutions, and represents the ECE secretariat at intergovernmental and non-governmental meetings in the incumbent’s field of competence;
• Manages, guides, and coordinates Secretariat staff and outside experts, consultants and interns in relation to the above areas, and provides support to the team and the division on substantive and administrative issues.

Competencies

• Professionalism: In-depth understanding of environmental issues, with a particular knowledge on environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment. Proven ability to organize and service intergovernmental bodies and technical meetings. 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 degree) in environmental sciences, economics, international law, 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 degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in government and/or international organizations concerned with environmental policy, law or practice is required;
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in drafting of policy documents is required;
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in servicing multilateral environmental agreements is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and Russian is a working language of ECE. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Russian and French is desirable.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net