Environmental Affairs Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

• Coordinate one UN Common Approach to Early Warning for Environment;
• Develop annual workplan framed by the Environment Early Warning Services strategy within the overall Early Warning and Assessment Division and the Big Data Branch portfolio of Early Warning Services and Data and Analytics and Foresight;
• Proactive coordination and action to ensure budget constraints are addressed adequately;
• Improve the strategic approach based on validation with stakeholders and the evolution of the UNEP Programme of Work (PoW) and Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) and the implementation of UNEA 5 Ministerial Declaration and Resolution 4/23;
• Planning, co-coordinating and mobilizing resources to implement programme and working with partner institutions and networks of experts that will enhance the scientific credibility of data that supports early warning services.
•  Partnership building and engagement with UN agencies, Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEA) and relevant Stakeholders;
• Liaise with the UN agencies and with other international and non-governmental organisations and national focal points with respect to Environment early warning services activities of slow onset hazards, focused environmental assessment programmes and outputs, capacity building and broker partnerships and collaboration;
• Prepare and organize, inter and intra-agency and expert meetings required to implement the work programme;
• Participate in international scientific advisory groups and speak at seminars, symposia and other meetings;
• Oversee and contribute to the preparation of outputs and reports;
• Oversee the preparation of project documents, Memoranda of Understanding, identify and supervise consultants, United Nations Volunteers and interns in support of the above.
• Engagement with private sector, civil society and academia;
• Develop and co-ordinate global and regional technical and scientific co-operation networks comprising: scientific institutions, governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations in UN system;
• Initiate and maintain agreements, processes and procedures with specialized scientific institutions as well as governmental and inter-governmental structures involved in environmental early warning services management;
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Capacity Development and Training; As necessary and appropriate, provide technical advice to governments in line with UNEA 3/7 to build the capacity of local government to better Environmental early warning services.
• In close cooperation with UNEP Divisions and offices, MEAs, strategic partners and relevant national, international organizations and programmes, develop synergies to co-create and co-implement targeted interventions for Environment early warning management.
• Communication and Outreach;
• Communication and Outreach within the UN agencies, MEAs and relevant stakeholders on Early Warning for Environment;
• As necessary and appropriate, to prepare high-level events at UN main activities and with partners;
• To increase the visibility of Early Warning for the Environment with member states, civil society, academia and private sector and raise awareness of Early Warning Service on slow onset hazards for vulnerable communities.
• Knowledge Management: Coordinate and manage programme-related best practices, knowledge products and lessons learned systematically used to inform to general public on Early Warning for Environment Programme delivery within the UN systems, MEAs, member states, civil society and relevant stakeholders.
• 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
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

• Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc.
• Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations.
• 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.

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 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master͛s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Sciences, International Relations, Communication, International Development or a similar related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with an additional two (2) 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.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in project or programme management, communication, networking, partnership building, or related area is required.
• Demonstrated project management experience, especially in strengthening meaningful partnerships and collaborations with excellent communication and management of the Environment Early Warning Services within UN systems and MEAs is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in working with the UN system 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 other UN official languages 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