Science Policy Specialist

Details

Mission and objectives

Since its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the 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’s mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP works through its divisions as well as regional, liaison and out-posted offices and a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence.

Context

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.

Task description

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