Job Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme

Responsibilities

• Directs the further development and operation of knowledge management systems at the Division to generate, collect, maintain and disseminate information on environmental law and governance, including MEAs.
  • Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex publication information management initiatives in the field of environmental law and governance, including MEAs (e.g. global promotion initiatives, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.); in close collaboration with the Communications Division and other relevant Units/Divisions, develops ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and product
• Contributes to the formulation of overall policies, procedures, objectives and guidelines affecting the development and maintenance of the Division’s non-current records and archives and delivery of reference services, archival description and systems management.
  • Takes the lead in compiling information from various knowledge repositories and web resources.
  • Manages publications programme; produces materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media.
  • Coordinates preparation of material for newsletters, periodicals, reports and books and edits drafts.
  • Builds partnerships and information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on UNEP as they relate to environmental law and governance, including MEAs; plans and develops outreach activities in close collaboration with Communications Division.
• Manages the day-to-day operation of the team responsible for knowledge management and communication at the Division, including participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the team, interpreting and disseminating policy, providing procedural advice, improving reporting systems, handling operational and administrative queries, preparing budget submissions, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results.
• Evaluates applications and cost-effectiveness of services in relation to technology options and prepares data and recommendations for decision-making.
• Develops project proposals and identify sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns.
• Act as a focal point between the Communication Division and all MEAs on all communication needs and activities
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. 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.
• CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, international relations, international law, public administration, environmental policies/management or information and knowledge management. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public information management and/or communication of environmental law, sustainable development and/or environmental policies/management is required.
• Experience working at an international level is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN working language is an asset.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to
achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 1. 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.
2. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/ Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, 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.

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 professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions. and their applications will not be considered.

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.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.

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The incumbent will report to the Director, Law Division, and will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical tasks for the Director and provide strategic and policy support to the Division Director:
• Review and analyse policy papers, reports and other documents on environmental issues and prepare recommendations for consideration by the Director;
• Support the Director in drafting policy papers on issues related to the work of the Division, in particular, Environmental Conventions and emerging environmental issues;
• Prepare substantive reports and briefing notes for the Director for use at conferences and meetings;
• Organize independently and participate in the organization of major workshops and meetings supported by the Division, including drafting of Memoranda of Understanding, liaison with Governments and other officials;
• Draft, review and finalize policy statements and speeches on environmental issues for use by the Director, and UNEP Senior Management;
• Participate in meetings during the absence of the Director and prepare briefing notes for him/her as well as decide which issues need his/her immediate attention;
• Coordinate the follow-up functions for the Director and ensure that the required actions are taken, deadlines are met and quick responses are provided;
• Provide recommendations to the Director on the handling of emerging policy issues;
• Oversee necessary analytical administrative procedures, e.g. on travel, to ensure that the Director's decisions and circulars are adhered to.
• Participate, as appropriate, in missions undertaken by the Director and/or undertake missions on behalf of the Director.
• Provide support to the Director in the Management of the Law Division:
• With regard to the decisions and responsibilities of the Director, provide support to the preparation of documents for submission to the UN Environment Assembly, the Committee of Permanent Representatives as well as other meetings and conferences, and take the lead in following up on decisions of these meetings;
• Act as Secretary in divisional management meetings, as well as other meetings convened by the Director, including the organization of the meetings, circulation of agenda, drafting and finalization of minutes of these meetings as well as follow-up on decisions taken;
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the Law Division Programme of Work and keep the Director abreast of the status of implementation;
• Coordinate and ensure timely submission of reporting requests and bring issues related to lack of implementation to the attention of the Director.
• Undertake administrative and institutional activities related to the work of the Law Division:
• Review, draft and finalize letters, memoranda, and other written communications and reports for signature of the Director, the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director;
• Liaise closely with Executive Office and other UNEP Special Assistants on issues relevant to the work of the Law Division;
• Review incoming correspondence to the Division, process the same in line with procedures and ensure that appropriate follow-up is taken;
• Review all outgoing correspondence for signature by the Director and ensure that the highest quality is maintained.
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Director.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. 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.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• 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 (Master's Degree or equivalent) in environmental law, social or political sciences, business administration, environmental management or a related field. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of sustainable development or environment-related programmes, or public administration, including at the international level.
Work experience with UNEP is an advantage. Knowledge of UNEP policy, activities and programmes as well as sound knowledge of the UN and UNEP Rules and Regulations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN working language is an asset.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to
achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 1. 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 email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/ Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, 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.

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 professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions. and their applications will not be considered.

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.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.

go to method of application »

Under the overall supervision of the Executive Director, and the direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Director, the incumbent will carry out the following duties:
Responsibilities

• Lead UNEP’s communications strategy: - Lead and support UNEP’s global strategic communications; - Lead the development and implementation of a strategy to raise the profile of UNEP and of environmental issues among Governments, stakeholders, the media and the broader public; - Support the Execuive Director in articulating UNEP’s strategic messaging; - Identify emerging strategic communications challenges and opportunities.
• Provide leadership and oversight to UNEP’s communications capacities: - Oversee and manage the UNEP’s Communication Division, formulate and implement its substantive activities and projects, determining priorities, mobilizing and allocating resources; - Coordinate a network of regional and national information officers to ensure unity of messaging and that UNEP’s communication resources are strategically managed; - Oversee and manage UNEP's relations and cooperation with the rest of the UN system as it relates to communications and public information;
• Serve as UNEP’s spokesperson alongside the Executive Director: - Support the Executive Director’s role as spokesperson of the Organization, including by speaking on behalf of the Executive Director and for UNEP on all matters relating to the Organization; - Identify and respond to global, regional and national issues relating to the environment and UNEP's areas of interest that arise in the media and public domain; - Provide strategic guidance and direction to UNEP’s global media relations; - Guide the development of key press releases, supervise and direct the production of other communication outputs to ensure veracity, accuracy and news-worthiness;
• Serve as UNEP’s lead editor, publisher and executive producer: - Develop and oversee UNEP’s global campaigns with a view to advance the implementation of UNEP’s Programme of Work; - Ensure that special days, such as World Environment Day, enjoy considerable public participation and widespread attention globally and that the Champions of the Earth awards attract global attention and impact the environmental agenda; - Ensure that UNEP’s digital platforms support the implementation of UNEP’s mandates through coherent, evidence-based digital communication approaches that effectively leverage partnerships and UNEP’s network of influencers and prominent personalities. - Ensure that publications meet UNEP standards and are distributed to target audiences in all six UN languages; - Ensure relevant promotional materials meet high and evolving standards of design and messaging;
• Perform other related duties assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of stakeholders, concepts and approaches relevant to environment; practical experience in programme/project management and administration; problem-solving skills, including ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given; ability to write speeches and/or guide writers. 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.
• COMMUNICATION: The incumbent must have strong corporate communication skills, ability to convey and create awareness of key environmental issues to the global audience; ability to communicate and understand environmental policy and scientific issues. Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to other, 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 keeping people informed.
• LEADERSHIP: The incumbent establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Drives for change and improvement and does not accept the status quo; Is pro-active in developing strategies to accomplish objectives.
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: The incumbent delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. He/she actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff and appraises performance fairly. 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.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Take ownership of responsibilities and honour commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; Operate in compliance with Organizational regulations and rules; Support 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism/communications is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
 

Work Experience

• A minimum of Fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in public information and communication is required.
• Experience at the international level handling strategic communications is required.
• At least five years of experience in a senior management position are required.
• Managerial experience dealing with the media and communications campaigns is required.
• Professional experience dealing with sustainable development and/or environmental issues is highly desirable.
• Relevant experience in human resources, management, administration, logistics and financial management is desired.
• Experience in partnership building is an asset.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required including highly specialized language. Knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is open for recruitment for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Internal Applicants – when completing the PHP, 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.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. 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.

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 professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions. and their applications will not be considered.

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 email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" 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.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.