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. The incumbent will co-ordinate the strengthening of the science policy interface for the North America Region, building on strategic partnerships within the scientific community and key stakeholders, and assist in delivering the science policy programmes, ensuring that UNEP’s international and regional activities and priorities in North America are well-coordinated with the Headquarters (Nairobi) and regional offices and the Office of the Chief Scientist. The Chief Scientist Office provides leadership and strategic coordination of the Science that informs UNEP’s priorities and all aspects of the work programme, particularly in the context of strengthening UNEPS capacity for Strategic Foresight and the Science-Policy Interface to inform decision-making. The position is located in the Office of the Chief Scientist, within the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), at the Washington D.C. duty station. The Programme Officer will report to the Senior Programme Officer within the Office of the Chief Scientist, with a secondary reporting line to the Director of the Regional Office for North America and will be responsible for the following duties:
Responsibilities
• Develops, implements and evaluates plans for enhancing science-based activities for North America assigned programmes/projects; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions. • Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the Office of Chief Scientist and North America Office, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing action plans, a client will use to manage change. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Coordinates policy development in the area of Science Technology and Innovation and contributes to Strategic Foresight by ensuring that key regional and global findings. and science-related outputs are fed into decision-making in the region; contributing to the development of key flagship, spotlight and institutional publications and assessments ; coordinating UNEP’s engagement with the Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation for the SDGs; and strengthening the roll-out and up-take of scientific assessment products and services at country and regional levels, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. • Generates survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares situation reports to the international community, and develops region and country-specific recommendations. • Leads and develops a science network to support UNEP’s efforts to enhance dissemination of its science knowledge products in North America and to support implementation of the global science program as required. • Organizes and prepares written outputs, draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, and coordinates regional inputs into UNEP’s programming related to the foresight and horizon scanning, science-policy interface and environmental assessment. • Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. • Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; promotes inter-agency partnerships and cooperation on a range of science-related matters; conducts training workshops and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions and facilitates collaboration and exchange of information with UN officials, scientific bodies, and the science community in the region, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries. • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget. • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to project or programme management, administration or related area. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems and communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. 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 various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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
An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in environmental science, natural resources, climate science, industrial ecology or environmental health or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be acceptable in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in preparing and coordinating reports, such as scientific publications and strategy papers related to the environment and sustainable development is required. Experience in partnership building on environment related issues is required. Experience with interagency coordination is desirable. Experience working on environmental and scientific issues at the global and regional level is desirable Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable Experience in research and analysis in environment, sustainable development or a related field as demonstrated through authored, peer-reviewed publications is desirable. Experience with the United Nations or other similar international entities is desirable
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language 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
Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) 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 and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. When completing the Candidate Profile 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. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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.