Programme Assistant - Nairobi Convention Secretariat at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The Nairobi Convention Secretariat is the Regional Seas Convention for the Western Indian Ocean region and administered by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) within the Ecosystems Division. The secretariat is responsible for the coordination, development and implementation of the Nairobi Convention’s Programme of Work. 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. The overall objective of the UNEP's Ecosystems Division is to support countries in conserving, restoring and sustainably managing their terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, the biodiversity they contain and the products and services they provide for human wellbeing and prosperity. It addresses the environmental causes and consequences of disasters and conflicts. It helps countries reduce pollution from land-based activities, increase resilience to climate change and reflect linkages between poverty and the environment in their development planning. The position is located in the Nairobi Convention Secretariat. The national UNV will provide technical support in the implementation of the project on Capacity building related to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries - Phase 111 - (ACP-MEA's) in the Nairobi Convention area, in synergy with related projects of the Nairobi Convention.

Task description

• Under the direct supervision of the Head, Nairobi Convention Secretariat, the national UNV will undertake the following tasks:
• Providing support to the Nairobi Convention in tasks related to the implementation of the EU funded project entitled “Enforcing Environmental Treaties in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Countries (ACP-MEA Phase III)” focused on capacity building and reinforcing the Nairobi Convention governance frameworks and associated protocols, including the current work programme of the Nairobi Convention,
• Contribute to preparation of briefing notes, concept notes and presentations on the ACP-MEA Phase III project in synergy with related projects of the Convention,
• Assist to prepare legal agreements such as Small Scale Funding Agreements (SSFA) and Project Cooperation Agreements (PCA) with partners for implementation of project activities and processing through the UN Environment Partnership Portal,
• Assist to keep track of legal agreements for the ACP-MEA Phase III project and related projects and follow-up on their deliverables, associated payments and closure,
• Support organization of meetings and contribute to preparation of meeting agendas, meeting concept notes, identifying participants, preparation of background and working documents, meeting reports and where appropriate, handling logistics and preparing mission reports,
• Create and maintain an experts and institutional database on ocean governance and marine spatial planning, database on the Protocol concerning protected areas and wild fauna and flora in relation to coastal and marine ecosystems health and indicator monitoring, database on ocean acidification in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, database on marine litter in the WIO region,
• Upload project data into the Nairobi Convention clearinghouse mechanism, undertake data analysis and trends, visualization of scenarios and identify emerging issues,
• Draft and/or contributing to quarterly, mid-year and annual reporting on the progress in implementation of the ACP-MEA Phase III project,
• Represent the Nairobi Convention at various partners’ meeting and make presentations on the Nairobi Convention’s work and its linkages to other initiatives in the Western Indian ocean region,
• Contribute to technical reporting on project activities and global reporting on activities related to marine and coastal management, as well as reporting on progress in attainment of relevant sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) arising from the activities of the Nairobi Convention,
• Contribute to development of new projects to promote project sustainability through preparation of project ideas and proposals,
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• 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 IVD.;
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
• 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

Required experience

• 3 years of experience in coastal and marine conservation and management Experience on ocean governance will be an added advantage

Languages

• English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

• Bachelor degree or equivalent in marine sciences, environmental studies specialising in marine and coastal environment or discipline related to the work of marine biology and/or coastal ecosystems, or related area
• Post-graduate university degree is highly desirable.
• Additional technical training in marine science is an advantage.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNEP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

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