Programme Manager, LEAD Secretariat (International Consultant)

Duty Station: UNHQ, New York

I. General Information
In January 2011, the United Nations Global Compact will launch a new platform for corporate sustainability leadership – Global Compact LEAD.

The companies that participate in Global Compact LEAD will be challenged to implement the Blueprint for Corporate Sustainability Leadership, which was developed in close consultation with a large number of corporate participants and stakeholders and widely endorsed by business, governments, and civil society at the Leaders Summit in New York in June 2010.

The launch of this new platform is a reflection of the essential role that leading Global Compact participants have already played in the field of corporate responsibility and sustainability. At the same time, Global Compact LEAD responds to the critical need for leading companies to step up and reach new levels of performance and impact in order for the world to meet today’s social, environmental and economic challenges.

Global Compact LEAD will be deeply integrated into other UN Global Compact engagement opportunities – including, notably, the approximately 90 Global Compact Local Networks; the six global working groups as well as the Caring for Climate and CEO Water Mandate initiatives. Further, strong linkages will be built between Global Compact LEAD and the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes collaborating with the private sector, as well as with the Global Compact’s two sister initiatives – the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).

The first two years of Global Compact LEAD (2011-2012) will be considered a pilot phase in order to allow for members of LEAD to help shape the platform and refine its services and programmes. The programmes and projects of LEAD, while aimed primarily at companies, will include the active involvement on non-business contributors, including UN entities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other interests.

II. Supervision
Name and title of the Supervisor:
Mr. Gavin Power: UN Global Compact Deputy Director
Mr. Ole Lund Hansen, Senior Advisor, Global Compact Office

III. Duties and responsibilities
Under the guidance of the Deputy Director of the Global Compact Office and the Senior Advisor, Global Compact Office the main functions assigned are the following:

Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of Global Compact LEAD, the Global Compact’s platform to support leading participants in their efforts to achieve higher levels or corporate sustainability performance and thereby serving the wider community of participants by providing new inspiration and knowledge on corporate sustainability strategies and implementation.
Develops and implements projects and initiatives focused on assisting and supporting the implementation of the Blueprint for Corporate Sustainability Leadership by LEAD participants. This includes, but is not limited to, leading the organization and content development of demand-driven LEAD symposiums and working groups to explore solutions to challenges and opportunities related to components of the Blueprint.
Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of action-oriented initiatives involving leading companies, UN entities, governments and NGOs to address challenges and dilemmas in the area of sustainable development.
Develops all LEAD activities in coordination with the UN Global Compact’s existing working groups and issue platforms to ensure maximum integration across all areas.
Leads the organization and content development of at least two annual high-level Global Compact LEAD events which bring together CEOs, Heads of State and Executive Directors from across the UN-System to explore how the private sector can make a greater contribution to UN goals.
Supports Global Compact Local Networks in taking forward this work at the country-level. Measures progress made and undertakes reports, advocacy and awareness-raising activities in order to respond to new issues and challenges.
Brokers relations between LEAD participants and the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes to explore individual opportunities for engagement and partnership.
Strengthens links between Global Compact LEAD and the Global Compact’s sister initiatives – ie, the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
Delivers speeches and presentations representing the Global Compact at various international and national events aimed at further engaging the private sector in the work of the UN.
Prepares and contributes to various reports and publications on Global Compact LEAD.
Assists in the organization of Global Compact conferences including developing agendas, identifying speakers and participants, preparing background documents and reports.
Coordinates activities related to budget and funding of projects and initiatives. Develops progress reports and prepares related documents and reports for the Foundation for the Global Compact, Global Compact Trust Fund donors and the Global Compact Board.
Results Expected
Develops, implements, monitors and evaluates all assigned projects. Provides thorough, well-reasoned written contributions including background papers, analysis, reports, studies and inputs to publications. Develops and maintains effective working relationships among all Global Compact stakeholders – the private sector, civil society organizations and the UN System. Develops and promulgates coherent policies, and consistent adherence to these by Global Compact stakeholders. Efficiently uses resources.

Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to corporate sustainability and how to leverage the competencies and resources of the private sector toward the goals of the United Nations. Ability to identify critical issues and trends, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis both across the UN System and across the private sector, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources. Ability to apply judgment in the context of all assignments, manage conflicting priorities and multiple projects in parallel. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of UN-business collaboration and the role of the private sector in contributing to sustainable development. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Motivated by professional 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 the initiative.
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.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve the Global Compact’s 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; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Planning & Organizing: Develops clear strategies and goals consistent with agreed objectives for the UN Global Compact; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and opportunities and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Client Orientation: Considers all Global Compact stakeholders to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with all Global Compact stakeholders by gaining their trust and respect; identifies their needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments to keep all stakeholders informed of progress; meets deadlines.
Qualifications
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) in economics, political science, international relations, public administration or related fields.
Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management. Solid experience and understanding of corporate sustainability especially as it relates to sustainable development.
Language: Excellent communications and drafting capabilities in English. Knowledge of another UN official language is a strong advantage but not a requirement.
Application Process
Email cover letter and resume in PDF format to lead at unglobalcompact.org, Subject: Application for Programme Manager position
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
Eligibility and Duration
Prior work authorization for the United States is not necessary
Initial contract will be for nine (9) months with opportunity for extension