Programme Officer UNEP

Job Title: PROGRAMME OFFICER, P3
Department/ Office: United Nations Environment Programme
Duty Station: GENEVA
Posting Period: 31 January 2012-31 March 2012

Job Opening number: 12-PGM-UNEP-22030-R-GENEVA (X)

Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP’s Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition (http://www.unep.org). The post is located in DEPI in the Joint UNEP/ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Unit in Geneva.

Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Head, OCHA, UNEP/OCHA Joint Unit in consultation with the Coordinator, Conflict and Disaster Management Branch, (CDMB), the incumbent participates in planning, development and implementation of the delivery of environmental emergencies programme aimed at minimizing the adverse effects from environmental emergencies and natural disasters. The incumbent also responds to government requests for assistance in developing national policy to ensure national responses to environmental emergencies consistent with international norms. Specifically, the incumbent will perform the following:

1. Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects; Monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation; Review relevant documents and reports; Identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; Liaise with relevant parties; Identify and track follow-up actions.

2. Perform consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.

3. Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources; Prepare various written outputs.

4. Assist in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies.

5. Undertake survey initiatives; Review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions.

6. Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings and conferences.

7. Undertake outreach activities; conduct training workshops and seminars; make presentations on assigned topics/activities.

8. Participate in or lead field missions; Provide guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties; Draft mission summaries.

9. Coordinate activities related to budget and funding and prepare related documents/reports.

10. Perform other duties as required.

Competencies
1. Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to environmental emergencies and natural disasters. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

2. 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.

3. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

4. 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.

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, social science or environmental management or a related field. 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental project or programme management, administration or related area. Experience in national and/or international organizations in the area of environmental emergency and/or crisis management is required'. Experience with UN, national government or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including knowledge of the organization and function of UNEP and OCHA is essential

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

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

Special Notice
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.

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 e-mail 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
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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