Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Environmental-Economic Accounts Section (EEAS), Environmental Statistics and Geospatial Information Branch (ESGIB), Statistics Division (SD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The position is to support the planning, implementation and monitoring of the project work programme. The incumbent of the post reports to the Chief of the EEAS. The “Monitoring Framework for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)” project (hereafter Project) aims to support the implementation of the Monitoring Framework for the GBF and therefore improve international environmental governance, focusing on the GBF monitoring framework indicators that are related to the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA).

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of EEAS and the overall guidance of the Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Plan and contribute to the work programme of the Project and liaises with project partners and countries. • Carry out day-to-day project management tasks and prepare progress reports and other technical documentation for the Project. • Initiate and co-ordinate the development of appropriate methods for obtaining relevant data to inform the indicators of the GBF. • Ensure the quality of collected data for accuracy, consistency and comparability. • Plan and conduct analytical programmes of work on environmental-economic accounting and biodiversity. This may include: identifying projects, conducting analysis and participating in technical advisory activities for national capacity building under the Project. • Supervise and contribute to the development of relevant databases, web publishing tools and other software for collection, storage and distribution of statistical data, including ARIES for SEEA, for the purposes of compiling and disseminating the indicators under the GBF. • Undertake methodological research with regard to standards on concepts, definitions and classifications on environmental-economic accounting and biodiversity to assist project countries in strengthening their statistical development for the compilation of indicators under the GBF. • Develop new or improved statistical methods, guidelines and quantitative models for environmental-economic accounting related to biodiversity. • Provide guidance and advice to other departments, field experts, etc., in the planning, operation and evaluation of statistical programmes and projects. • Plan and co-ordinate seminars, workshops, expert meetings, etc. on environmental-economic accounting and other relevant issues under the Project. • Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of statistical programmes to analyze and evaluate complex data. Ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches with respect to statistical development. Sound technical knowledge of environmental economic accounting, and in particular of ecosystem accounting. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. • 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. • Planning & 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 statistics, mathematics, economics, ecology or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistical data or related area is required. Experience with environmental-economic accounting is required. Experience with managing large geo-spatial data is desirable. Knowledge on ecosystem modelling is desirable. Experience in managing and implementing projects in statistics, biodiversity or related field is desirable. Experience in working with international organizations, governments and stakeholders is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This is a Project-funded post. The post is temporarily available starting as soon as possible for 364 days with a possibility of extension subject to extension of the project and availability of funds. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • 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. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

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.