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. This post is located in the Governing Bodies Unit of the Governance Affairs Office at the Nairobi duty station. Within delegated authority of the Director, and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director of the Governance Affairs Office, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Assists in the planning, coordination and supervision of the provision of secretariat services to the quarterly, subcommittee and annual subcommittee meetings of the Committee of the Permanent Representative (CPR)by: a) Coordinating with other UNEP divisions the preparation of the background documentation required for all the above meetings; b) Preparing the invitations, agendas, procedural scripts and background notes for the presiding officer for all the above meetings; c) Upon request, providing advice to the presiding officers as well as other elected officers on the organization of work, conduct of business, rules of procedure and the established practices for all the above meetings. d) Preparing the summaries of all the above meetings; e) Coordinating, in liaison with other UNEP divisions, the follow up on the implementation of the decisions and recommendations adopted by the Committee. 2. Ensures efficient relationship and communication with Permanent Representatives and Deputy Representatives to UNEP by: a) Providing major support to the Deputy Director of the Governance Affairs Office in enhancing UNEP’s relationship and communication with governments, ensuring the smooth and efficient preparation, conduct and follow-up of meetings of UNEP’s policy-making organs and their subsidiary bodies, including the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the Open-Ended Meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR) and the CPR. b) Following up on a variety of requests from Permanent and Deputy Permanent Representatives to UNEP on issues such as the implementation of UNEA decisions and UNEP’s programme of work, and advising the Deputy Director on specific follow-up actions; c) In consultation with the appropriate UNEP Offices, preparing official correspondence and online information to Governments, intergovernmental organizations and others on a variety of issues (e.g. programme areas, procurement costs, UNEP languages requirements). d) Supporting the Deputy Director in increasing the number of Member States becoming accredited to the CPR, whether based in Nairobi or outside of Nairobi, through targeted outreach. 3. Assists in the planning, coordinating and supervising the provision of secretariat services to the United Nations Environment Assembly by: a) Developing the invitation, agenda, structure for the open-ended meetings of the CPR (OECPR); b) Ensuring the timely and accurate submission and issuance of all pre-session, in-session, and post-session documentation (including draft resolutions, decisions and reports) for the OECPR; c) Coordinating, in liaison with other UNEP divisions, the preparation of the Secretariat technical notes upon submission of draft resolutions and draft decisions to be considered by UNEA; d) Ahead of the sessions of UNEA, coordinating the preparation of trainings and preparing background material for co-facilitators and UNEP technical focal points who will support the conduct of the negotiations on draft resolutions and draft decisions; e) Coordinating and providing inputs to UNEA follow-up actions, including highly complex and sensitive policy and programme issues; f) Performing other duties such as analyzing and summarizing for the Deputy Director comments, views and other substantive inputs from governments on UNEA resolutions and decisions. 4. Coordinating with the Deputy Director, the preparation of relevant briefings for UNEP senior management, including regarding official visits of the Executive Director (ED) to various Member States of the UN and government visits to UNEP and identifying follow-up actions based on the ED’s mission reports and providing inputs to ensure that necessary actions are taken. 5. Undertaking research on procedural and political issues at the request of the Deputy Director. 6. Representing the Deputy Director in his/her absence, at diplomatic functions organized by the UNEP governing organs. 7.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. 8. Carrying out administrative functions and perform other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Possesses sharp political awareness as well as diplomatic skills; knowledge of intergovernmental processes, including knowledge of relevant rules of procedure, mandates and other provisions, as well as past practice and precedent. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems relating to international governance. Ability to communicate clearly with representatives from governments, civil society and international organizations, including through online tools and official correspondence. Thorough knowledge of rules, procedures and practices of the United Nations systems or equivalent international organizations. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all “clients” and seek their point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships; identifies clients’ needs and provide solutions; monitors the clients’ environment and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timelines for delivery of products or services to clients.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, international relations, environmental law, international law or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in international relations, law, diplomacy or related area is required. Experience in liaison between governments and international inter-governmental organizations on sustainable development issues is required Experience in researching and drafting of official reports and correspondence for intergovernmental organizations is desirable. Experience in policies, programmes and governing structures of international organizations is desirable. Experience in the application of rules and protocols of international organizations 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 the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. 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 post is for a period of 364 days and may be subject to extension. 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. 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. 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 assignment 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. 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. 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. When completing the AP 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. 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. 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. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. 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.