Special Assistant to the Executive Director, P5 Job Vacancy: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Closing date: 12 Jan 2010

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.

This post is located in UNEP/Executive Office (EO) at the Nairobi duty station.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director (ED), the incumbent will undertake the following duties:

1. Support and advise the ED on programmatic, policy and managerial issues: Coordinate strategic prioritization of all communications addressed to the ED, review and comment, suggest courses of action, monitor progress of preparation; Finalize documents reflecting UNEP policies; Monitor and identify emerging policy and managerial issues in consultation with UNEP senior management; Prepare background briefing material for the ED

2. Maintain liaison with UNEP Divisions and serve as a contact between the ED, EO, senior management and UNEP Regional Offices: Establish and maintain effective liaison with senior management on policy as well as programmatic issues relevant to the ED’s functions and responsibilities;

Liaise closely with the Deputy Executive Director (DED), Chief of Staff and EO team, keeping abreast of key developments on strategic issues; Manage the ED’s day-to-day commitments; Ensure prompt and efficient communication and coordination between the ED and UNEP Divisions and Offices; Review communications prepared for signature of the ED together with the Chief of Staff;

Draft correspondence for and on behalf of the ED, including confidential correspondence, in close liaison with the UNEP's Divisions and relevant staff; Coordinate, plan, and prepare for the ED’s travel; Accompany the ED on missions and keep in close contact with EO with regard to the substantive and logistical preparations.

3. Advise and support the ED to maintain close contact with governments, delegations, senior officials of the UN, UN system organizations and non-governmental organizations: Facilitate effective communication and contacts between the ED and these bodies/organizations; Bring to the attention of the ED, DED and Chief of Staff issues relevant to UNEP’s bilateral relations with governments and inter-agency cooperation; Receive and review confidential communications from governments and draft correspondence for and on behalf of the ED

4. Coordinate and manage the ED’s meetings and communication: Coordinate the ED’s meetings, including the quarterly and monthly meetings with Division Directors, arrange the agenda and coordinate follow-up actions; Coordinates the activities of UNEP-related participation in international conferences; Support the ED on internal and external communication of UNEP in close collaboration with the Spokesperson and UNEP's Division of Communications and Public Information; Keep abreast of follow up from Senior Management Team meetings together with the Chief of Staff;

5. Undertake ad hoc assignments at the request of the ED.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrated professional competence in the field of sustainable development and multilateral relations; Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze complex political issues; High degree of flexibility; Willingness to travel extensively and work long hours; Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Team work: Experience and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; Proven record in working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor; Ability to build trust through operating with transparency and creating an open and positive environment.

Planning and organizing: Proven excellent organizational and planning skills; Ability of identify priority activities and assignments and make necessary adjustments as required; Foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning; and ensure timely delivery of results.

Leadership: Managerial and leadership skills; Ability to collaborate with others to achieve results; Experience in building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment; Proven ability to transfer knowledge to senior officials and staff at all levels;

Ability to establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Proactive approach in developing strategies to accomplish the objectives of the ED, OED, and UNEP as a whole. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work and commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in political science, economics, law, environmental science or public administration. A level first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: A minimum of 10 years of relevant working experience in environmental programme management and sustainable development. Experience in international and multilateral relations is required. Experience with the United Nations, United Nations common system as well as familiarity with the United Nations activities and organizational structure is an advantage.

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 is desirable. 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 Professional Positions)

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