Org. Setting and Reporting

Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), one of the three “Rio Conventions” is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The UNCCD provides the foundation for its 197 Parties to work together to combat desertification, land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought; maintain and restore land and soil productivity, and improve the living conditions for people. The Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Unit of the UNCCD links scientific knowledge and technological innovation with implementation, planning and policy development, with the aim to ensure that findings and opportunities produced by science are effectively channeled to benefit field activities to implement the UNCCD. The Capacity Building and Innovation sub-unit of the STI focuses on tools and mechanisms for the fulfilment of its mandate to facilitate the implementation of the Convention. Capacity building is one of the key doorways promoting interaction with UNCCD stakeholders and the public at large within the framework of the UNCCD process, as outlined in Article 19 of the Convention, and in the many relevant decisions adopted at various sessions of the Conference of the Parties (COP). Parties at COP 13 adopted a standalone decision on capacity building requesting the Secretariat to, inter alia, continue targeted capacity building to support the implementation of the Convention, including land degradation neutrality (LDN) by Parties. Subsequently, at COP 14 and 15, respectively, Parties adopted Decisions 2/COP.14, and 2/COP.15 with the aim of further enhancing the effectiveness of capacity building within the UNCCD process. Acknowledging that implementation of the UNCCD is taking place in an ever-changing world, innovation is increasingly becoming a key element for capacity building, development, knowledge-sharing and awareness-raising. Therefore, the central role that innovation plays in Sustainable Land Management (SLM) needs to be promoted and scaled-up. To ensure continuity of activities and to meet future demands within the secretariat’s capacity building and innovation sub-programme, the secretariat seeks to fill the position of Programme Assistant for its work. Additionally, the support staff will undertake daily tasks necessary to carry out its current work programme.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the STI unit, and direct supervision of the assigned officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties and: 1) Providing secretarial, administrative, and logistical support to meetings, committees, conferences, lecture series, etc., and where appropriate technical coordination, of sub-programme implementation activities undertaken by the secretariat, the Global Mechanism (GM) and the G20 Initiative. 2) Supporting the conceptualization, design, and implementation of capacity building, development and innovation initiatives at all levels (i.e., national, sub-regional, regional and global) and across sectors. 3) Supporting reshaping of the capacity building, development and innovation sub-unit by assisting in the identification of strategic areas of work focus, in particular innovation, and helping establish an updated work programme of the sub-unit. 4) In collaboration with the Communications, External Relations, and Partnerships (CERP) unit, ensuring regular updates and quality assurance of the Capacity Building Marketplace content, inter alia, assisting in the compilation of information and reference materials from various sources such as science communication products, reports, plans, studies, briefings, meetings/conferences, etc. 5) Supporting the organization of meetings of the forthcoming 22nd session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC22) scheduled to take place in December 2024 in Saudi Arabia, and for the 16th session of the Committee of Science and Technology (CST16), as appropriate. 6) Performing general administrative tasks including preparing and/or processing administrative requests/documents (e.g. preparation of TOR, consultancy requests, requisitions, purchase orders, travel requests, contracts, expenditure authorizations, visa applications, etc.). 7) Performing any other job-related activities required to achieve the goals and objectives of the sub-programme, the STI unit, and the secretariat.

Competencies

Professionalism Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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 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

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation, or a related area, preferably in the United Nations Common System or an international organization is required. The minimum year of relevant experience is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree of higher. Experience in drafting and proofreading official correspondence is required. Experience in drafting and proofreading official correspondence is required.

Languages

For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This is a temporary position initially available until 31 December 2024. Extension if needed will be based on the funds available and satisfactory performance. Appointment against this post is on a local basis. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take up the appointment.

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.