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Programme Officer, P4 UNEP

United Nations Environment Programme

Geneva, Switzerland

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. The overall objective of the UNEP's Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (DTIE) is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The post is located in the Geneva Duty Station. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Economics and Trade Branch and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, the incumbent will perform the following functions.

Responsibilities

1. Advise Branch Chief, Division Director and Senior Management in the development of strategies and policies. Assist the Branch Chief in preparing the work programme of the Branch; Consult with international, regional and national institutions to consolidate needs, opportunities and requirements on behalf of the branch; Coordinate and oversee the preparation of reports for presentation to inter-governmental bodies; Lead and supervise the organisation of meetings, seminars and workshops on substantive issues;

2. Foster partnerships with Multilateral Environmental Agreements and other UN programmes, regional economic commissions, regional development commissions, regional development banks, expert institutions and businesses; Participate in international, regional or national meetings.

3. Promote outreach and raise visibility of the substantive outreach activities; Develop and promote use of internationally recognized tools and methods; Develop and promote analytical methods to elaborate and monitor the contribution of innovation to a green economy translation; Contribute substantively to the establishment of an international framework.

Competencies

Professionalism – Proven technical and project management expertise in the field of environmental economics; Ability and experience in working with Governments to provide technical advice on economy-environment integration in planning, budgeting and policy formulation processes; Shows pride in work and in achievements; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; has knowledge of UN processes and operations, both at the global and national levels.

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.

Teamwork – Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance.

Communication – Effective written, oral and presentation skills, including the ability to draft and edit reports, studies and other documents; ability to effectively chair meetings and develop consensus; defend difficult issues and positions to senior officials; ability to provide advice and guidance.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics or related subject matter, ideally with a specialization in environmental economics or resource economics. 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 years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme implementation in the area of economics, including producing policy analysis and advice is required. International experience as well as country level project implementation in developing countries is required.

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 French and Spanish is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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