| Description |
| The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level (www.unep.org). 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. At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for 'sustainable development'. One of the key agreements adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Convention establishes three main goals: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of genetic resources. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) is located in Montreal and is administered by UNEP. This post is located at SCBD, Montreal duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the incumbent will perform the following duties: |
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Responsibilities |
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1). Formulates and implements the substantive work programme and projects relating to the mandates of the Secretariat in the area of science and technology. Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensures that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas within the Division, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate.
2). Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and its subsidiary bodies, particularly the Subsidiary Body of the Convention on Scientific, Technical and technological Advice (SBSSTA).
3). Reports to intergovernmental bodies on substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in approved programme of work for the biannual. Provide in-depth advice to the Executive Secretary as well as the COP and its SBSTTA on science and technology policy issues/questions by gathering and assessing relevant studies and reports undertaken by intergovernmental, regional, national government or non-government institutions.
4). Ensures that the outputs produced by the Division maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Develop concepts, policies and guidelines within the overall objectives of the Convention on behalf of the Secretariat relating to scientific, technical and technological issues; prepare and edit technical reports, conference papers and other documents to be submitted to the Conference of the Parties (COP), its Bureau and its subsidiaries bodies.
5). Assists the Executive Secretary in preparing the work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
6). Undertakes the programmatic tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of programme activity budgets, reporting on programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting; guides, develops and trains staff in the Division; Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries.
7). Participates in international, regional or national meetings and provides substantive expertise on an issue and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. Develop contacts with UN bodies, governments, NGOs, academic and research institutions, and private sector relating to furthering (direct and/or indirect) support for, interest to and action on behalf of the Convention of Biological Diversity relating to issues of science and technology.
8). Represents the Executive Secretary when requested; at international, regional or national meetings. |
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Competencies |
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Professionalism: Knowledge of the substantive field of work in general and of specific areas being supervised including international natural resource-related issues/projects and in dealing with members of the scientific community; Knowledge of the implications of legal, economic and policy decisions on the scientific and technical aspects of the Convention. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
•Communication: Writing ability as manifested by a consistent publication record in scientific and technical outlets is desirable; Demonstrated negotiation skills and ability to be a strong advocate on behalf of governments; 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.
•Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable
•Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
•Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidences in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to theirs; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately. |
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Education |
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Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in environmental sciences or related area, sciences, natural resources management, environmental and international law or related fields. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. |
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Work Experience |
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At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience, including in the field of environment and sustainable development or related area is required. Profound management experience, including human and financial resource management as well as experience in programme and project planning and analysis is required. Experience in strategy setting and implementation, international negotiations is required. Work experience in senior officer assignments in an international organization is highly desirable. |
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Languages |
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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. |
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Assessment Method |
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A written and oral assessment interview will be used for this position. |
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Special Notice |
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This post is for a duration of two years and is renewable.
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.
1. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.
2. 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 send an email to recruitment@unon.org, quoting the job opening number in the subject header of your email. |
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