| Description |
Senior Scientific Affairs Officer (Project), P-5
| | DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: | 28 Nov 2009 | | DATE OF ISSUANCE: | 29 Oct 2009 | | ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: | United Nations Environment Programme | | DUTY STATION: | Geneva | | VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: | 09-SCI-UNEP-422853-R-GENEVA |
| 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. This position is funded for an initial period of 24 months and may be subject to extension. |
| | | Remuneration
Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
More Info
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United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
| Responsibilities
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. This post is located in the UNEP/DTIE, Chemicals Branch in Geneva. Under the overall supervision of the Director and Deputy Director, DTIE , the incumbent will: 1. Provide high quality scientific advice to the Director and Deputy Director, DTIE/Chemicals Branch, to other United Nations Bodies, and to governments in relation to chemicals management including dioxins, furans and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs). 2. Plan and implement scientific related training and capacity building programmes aimed at assisting governments in the management of dioxins, furans and other POPs. 3. Undertake workshops on dioxins, furans and polycholinated biphenyls (PCBs) in various regions. 4. Develop tools for countries to identify sources of dioxins and furans and measures for their safe disposal. 5. Support Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects in the preparatory phase and serve as lead staff member in the full GEF POPs projects of the DTIE/Chemicals Branch. 6. Address communications and outreach, strategies in particular for dioxins, furans and other POPs as part of the overall Hazardous Waste and Harmful Substances communications strategy. 7. Perform other duties as assigned. |
Competencies
Professionalism: Advanced scientific knowledge of national capacities and capabilities in relation to chemicals management including dioxins, furans and other persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Strong scientific knowledge of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is required. Ability to develop and implement information, mechanisms tools and methodologies through national and regional networks/centers/modes and other authorities. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Show persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges and remain calm in stressful situations. Take accountability toward goals and challenges. Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identify priority activities and assignments and adjust priorities as required. Allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work and foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning. Monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary and takes a client orientation approach. Creativity: Offer new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promote and persuade others to consider new ideas and take an interest in new ideas and ways of doing things. Judgment/decision-making: Good judgment and ability to take initiative, be resourceful, and objective in decision-making and problem-solving. Leadership: Demonstrated managerial/leadership skills. Proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff. Ability to take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work and commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing. |
QUALIFICATIONS |
Education
Advanced university degree in environmental issues, physical sciences (chemistry, biological sciences, etc.) or an equivalent degree in a related field. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced degree. |
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the field of chemicals, some of which, at the international level. Experience in developing programmes, managing the use of dioxins, furans and other POPs is required; experience with diplomatic negotiations is an asset. Managerial experience 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. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. |
Other Skills
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet) are required. | | |
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