Closing date: 11 Dec 2009
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
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 Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA) is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and promote international cooperation and action on the environment.
Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Division of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA), and within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following:
1. Branch Management:
a. Formulate the substantive programme, work and budget of the Branch in coordination with the other Branches of DEWA and other UNEP Divisions, determining priorities and allocating resources;
b. Coordinate the work carried out by the different Sections/Units in the Branch, as well as the work of the Branch with that of other UNEP Divisions and/or bodies of the UN system;
c. Oversee budget expenditures and report on Branch performance;
d. Mobilize additional resources;
e. Recruit, manage, guide, mentor and supervise Branch staff; evaluate staff performance;
f. Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Branch, within the Division and across organizational boundaries; ensure communication with Sub-programme coordinators and divisional focal points for joint programming activities;
2. Programme Implementation:
a. Implement the work programme of the Branch, ensuring that programmed activities are implemented timely;
b. Ensure that outputs produced by the Branch maintain high-quality standards, both technically and scientifically;
c. Initiate, strengthen and maintain strategic partnerships, institutional agreements, processes and procedures with specialized and relevant centres and institutions, including other UN agencies and programmes and non-governmental organizations;
d. Report to inter governmental bodies such as the UNEP Governing Council and the UN General Assembly on programmatic and substantive issues as required;
e. Lead and supervise the organization of meetings, seminars and workshops on substantive issues;
f. Participate in international, national and inter-agency meetings and working groups relevant to the work of the Branch; provide programmatic and substantive inputs; hold programmatic/substantive and institutional discussions with stakeholders and partners;
g. Review data and information on the global environment and related development trends as a basis for the identification of early warning signs, trends and events of possible global and sub-global significance;
h. Mainstream Earth observation products and services into UNEP’s Programme of Work; bring UNEP’s perspectives and client needs to the attention of international Earth observation systems and processes and related fora;
i. Ensure that UNEP’s early warning functions are integrated across UNEP sub- programmes.
Competencies
Professionalism: Expert knowledge in the areas of early warning of environmental emerging issues and monitoring, data and information management in support of environmental assessments and decision making. Broad knowledge of environment and development issues and ability to develop and direct development of new approaches and technologies. Proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues; ability to review and edit the work of others and to implement and supervise programme activities.
Communication: Excellent oral and written communications skills; ability to defend and explain difficult issues with respect to key decisions and positions to staff, senior officials and members of inter-governmental bodies; proven ability to communicate complex concepts orally; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful; Strong negotiating skills, particularly for the purpose of engaging other UN agencies and strategic partners in supporting joint programme activities.
Leadership - Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and tasks. Proven track record of excellent management and technical leadership skills and ability to delegate appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment. Commitment to incorporate gender perspectives and balance into various aspects of substantive work and staffing.
Managing Performance: Ability to lead and supervise staff, mentor, develop and evaluate staff and design training/skills Capacity to motivate staff and encourage good performance, to co-ordinate and monitor the work of others, in a multicultural environment.
Qualifications
Education: Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in the area of environmental science, natural resource management or related field. A level first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience: Minimum of 15 years of working experience, including at least five years at international level in the areas of environmental monitoring, data and information management, geographic information systems and spatial data image processing, environmental change analysis, assessment and reporting, including related capacity building and networking.
In addition, progressive responsibility for the management of programmes/projects and supervision of staff in a multicultural setting, and a mixture of working experience in developed and developing countries is required. Experience in results based management and a track record of resource mobilization desirable.
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. Knowledge of other United Nations languages an asset.
Other Skills: Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet) are required.
How to apply
www.unep.org/vacancies
(See Director Positions)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Chief, Early Warning Branch, D1 Job Vacancy: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
