Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system’s designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Ecosystem Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This post is located in Marine and International Waters Unit at the Nairobi duty station. Under the supervision of the Chief, Marine and International Waters Unit the incumbent will undertake the following duties:
Responsibilities
1. Support the coastal and marine ecosystems management and the climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives in the technical coordination of the activities related to coastal and marine ecosystem, blue economy, climate finance and climate change as outlined in the work programme of UNEP, and emerging issues on ecosystem management and climate change sub-programmes: a) Analyze decisions taken by the Governing Council, the General Assembly, Conference of the Parties Meetings for regional seas conventions, other relevant Intergovernmental Meetings, and UNEP Senior Management Team decisions for issues related to coastal and marine ecosystem, blue finance and climate change; b) Assist in facilitating logistical arrangements in the preparation of inter-governmental meetings to ensure participation in climate change and marine networks and related activities by governmental and nongovernmental organizations; c) Follow-up and review reports from meetings of relevant partner institutions such as the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO; d) Participate and contribute effectively to climate change mitigation and adaptation networks, climate finance and environment fund workshops and assessment processes. 2. Compile data and information on the development and formulation of inter linkages between Marine Ecosystems management, small islands and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation activities: a) Provide support to the development of project activities under the UNEP Programme of Work; b) Draft responses to requests and inquiries from other organizations and the general public; c) Research and analyze the inter-linkages, overlaps between and among marine ecosystems, small islands and climate change programmes activities; d) Develop project proposal, mobilize funds and implement projects on change adaptation and mitigation, blue economy, climate finance, sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystem, under the programme of work; e) Draft UNEP legal instruments for implementation with partners, and manage reporting to donors; f) Participate in the Division/Unit meetings on the programme of work formulation and drafting of documents. 3. Establish joint information and outreach strategies among member states with relevant partners to enhance the visibility and impact of the marine and coastal ecosystem links to climate change and climate finance activities: a) Contribute to information and knowledge flow, dissemination and public outreach; b) Write and/or edit as appropriate, various marine and climate change communication outputs; c) Assist in maintaining synergies with the UNEP Communications Division; d) Establish and maintain a database of major partners, stakeholders networks and projects on marine and coastal ecosystems, blue economy and climate change in the regions and status of implementation; e) Compile and collate annual statements on current/emerging issues that are bound to attract policy and media attention on the ecosystem management and climate change sub- programmes of UNEP. 4.Collect and analyze 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.
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to marine and coastal ecosystem assessment and management, climate change impact assessment and coastal and marine mitigation and adaptation and linkages between ecosystem functions and climate change. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; 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 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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental economics, environment management, environment finance, environmental sciences, marine science, geography, climate finance or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted 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 five (5) years of relevant working experience in project or programme management in the context of Environmental economics, environmental management, climate finance, green and blue economy, marine, oceans or related fields at national, regional or international levels is required. At least three (3) years of experience in the field at international level is required. Experience in large-scale project design, management, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation in the fields of climate finance, blue and/or green economy, carbon finance in developing countries context is required. Experience working with different climate and environment funds such as GEF, GCF, GFCR, and other climate trust funds in a multicounty context is desirable. Work experience within UN or other international Organisations is desirable. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required, knowledge of French 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 for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. 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. Internal Applicants – 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. 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.