Current Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation of corporate strategy and policy related to the organization's strategic objectives and programmes, including Medium Term Strategy and Programme of Work, liaising with Member States, partners and other stakeholders as appropriate, ensuring that relevant programme strategies and related instruments are developed in a coherent and cohesive fashion, are of the highest quality and in line with priorities approved by Member States.
• Coordinate the integration of UNEP’s activities across Divisions, Regional Offices and environmental conventions, as appropriate; coordinate the periodic review and reporting of corporate performance against the strategic objectives, as well as the formulation of strategic performance indicators and targets and their measurement. Lead UNEP’s efforts to promote a culture of results including by enhancing UNEP's reporting and communication on results as well as by increasing the use of data; lead’s UNEP’s efforts to strengthen results-based management.
• Develop capacity in the various operational units of the organization: establishing and communicating quality standards, and providing advisory services related to project design, implementation, monitoring and reporting. Provide guidance to the Project Review Committee secretariat that reviews project concepts and documents and provides guidance on how they can align to corporate goals.
• Contribute to UNEP’s corporate decision making and the Senior Management Team's policy and strategic discussions; coordinate and supervise the preparation of policy analyses, formulation, contributions, in collaboration with the Executive Office, the relevant Divisions, Chief Scientist and UN entities as appropriate.
• Oversee the formulation of overall strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting as required in an advisory capacity to the Executive Director. Lead UNEP’s positioning vis-à-vis the UN Development System reforms, including by providing overall guidance on optimal modes of service delivery in support of the new generation of UN Country Team and reinvigorated Resident Coordinator system; coordinate UNEP’s position setting vis-à-vis the inter-agency and inter-government activities carried out through the New York Office; lead the integration of UNEP’s programme and policies on the 2030 sustainable development agenda; contribute to the preparations of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the UN Environment Assembly, the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly, and other inter-agency coordination and policy making organs as required; support and provide guidance to the organization's corporate policy advocacy work. Coordinate and identify the strategic engagement opportunities for UNEP with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), as well as with the with key financial institutions and global funds.
• Provide leadership and act as an incubator and "docking station" for strategic initiatives on key global and cross-cutting issues, in coordination with relevant divisions and regional offices and support negotiations with donors, partners and supporters, as appropriate. Lead UNEP’s engagement in South-South and Triangular Cooperation and provide strategic support to Regional Offices and Divisions in engaging with relevant partners, including diverse development banks.
• Oversee ongoing efforts to incorporate and mainstream cross-cutting issues, inter alia, gender, environmental and social safeguards, and poverty; facilitate the collaboration and interactive process of programme formulation and implementation between Divisions and Regional Offices. Perform other related duties as requested by the Executive Director.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of the global and national environment, corporate strategy and policy related to the organization's strategic objectives and programmes and engagement with UN system entities and related system–wide strategies, including the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development; Excellent knowledge of the institutional mandates, policies and procedures of the United Nations; Ability to provide policy advice on a range of managerial and political issues. Strong analytical skills and proven ability to develop policy options and strategies; ability to establish and maintain contacts at all levels. Sound political judgment and diplomatic skills. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. 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.
• 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.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, Development, Economics, Environmental Management, or other relevant fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of political affairs, international relations, policy analysis and formulation on global political, development or environmental issues, environmental management, development, programme management or related area is required. Ten (10) years' experience at a senior management leadership position in an international and/or multicultural organizations is required. Experience in managing programmes with global partners and stakeholders is required. Experience within the international environment governance system is required. Experience in public and governmental institutions is desirable. Experience in politically complex environment is desirable.

Deadline : Apr 8, 2024

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Responsibilities

• Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate assigned programmes/projects in the field of emerging or frontier issues in environmental law; directs subordinates in programme/project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. Directs research and programme review in the field of emerging or frontier issues in environmental law and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Coordinates legal and policy development for enhanced implementation of environmental law, goals, targets and objectives; reviews the assessments of issues and trends in the field of environmental policy and law, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies. Undertakes survey initiatives among various stakeholders targeted by UNEP initiatives in the field of emerging or frontier issues in environmental law; reviews and analyzes responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications. Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars in the field of emerging or frontier issues in environmental law to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, makes presentations on assigned topics/activities in the field of environmental law and governance.
• Leads technical assistance missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (work programme, programme budget).
• Establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization to enhance programmes and activities in the field of emerging or frontier issues in environmental law and policy in general. Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; guides, evaluates and mentors staff.
• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need. Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of international environmental negotiations, and emerging or frontier issues in environmental law. Ability to identify key strategic issues in the field of international environmental law, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization's strategy and the work unit's goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. 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. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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.
• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in general international law, international and national environmental law, international relations, environmental management, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of relevant 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.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management in the field of environment is required. Experience in development, implementation and enforcement of international and national environmental law is desirable. Experience in international and national environmental governance is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

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Specific tasks and responsibilities:  

• Conduct comprehensive reviews and analysis of relevant prior ocean-related initiatives and strategies.
• Offer technical assistance to contribute to the formulation of policies and strategic approaches.
• Identify and meticulously document both international and national principles pertinent to the theme, while researching global best practices.
• Provide support for research endeavors, produce input papers, and articulate tangible outcomes.
• Play a pivotal role in coordinating and documenting meetings and workshops, ensuring efficient communication facilitation.
• Undertake supplementary assignments as directed, adapting to evolving requirements within the framework of the specified theme.
• Support drafting and preparation of the final G20 Outcome document related to ECSWG priority theme 3: Ocean.
• Support drafting of final recommendations related to ECSWG priority theme 3: Ocean for the overall G20 Ministerial Declaration.

Qualifications/special skills

• Bachelor’s degree in sustainable development, oceanography, geography, environmental sciences, economics, public policy, public administration, finance, natural resources management, engineering, law, social sciences or related field is required.
• A Master’s degree in related fields is desirable.
• A minimum of 5 years in the field of oceans and coastal planning and/or management is required. Demonstrated experience in research and development of written documents, policy papers, advocacy projects related to environmental and climate issues.
• Experience in organizing and facilitating international official events and meetings, encompassing preparation, execution, and documentation, is desirable. Experience working with an international organization or/and government is desirable

Deadline : Apr 8, 2024