| 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. 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 in UNEP/SCBD at the Montreal duty station.
|
| |
|
| |
Responsibilities
|
| |
|
| |
Under the supervision of the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the incumbent performs the following duties:
1) Coordinating the development and implementation of the Protocol’s Biosafety Clearing-House: a) Contributing to formulating and implementing short, medium and long-term strategies for information-management under the Protocol; b) Liaising with staff of the Biosafety Unit and the Convention’s clearing-house mechanism, as well as national government officials to ensure that the development of the Biosafety Clearing-House facilitates the implementation of the provisions and decisions of meetings of the Parties; c) Contributing to the development of common formats for reporting information under the Biosafety Protocol to ensure they meet global regulatory needs; d) Designing, developing and maintaining the central portal and central databases of the Biosafety Clearing-House to ensure that they are accessible, user-friendly, searchable, and understandable; e) Assisting governments in the use of the Biosafety Clearing-House central portal, to ensure their information-sharing obligations are met. 2) Collaborating with relevant organizations in the development of information-exchange protocols: a) Collaborating and maintaining close working relationship with a network of global, regional and national institutions on relevant issues to facilitate the development of consistent global standards in information sharing; b) Consulting and establishing effective means of collaboration with key organizations and institutions, including preparation of memoranda of understanding and cooperation with partners; c) Promoting the optimum flow of information gathered from Parties, Governments and diverse organizations and institutions through electronic and paper form; d) Participating in meetings and conferences organized by organizations on behalf of the Secretariat on issues of relevance to information-exchange and knowledge management. 3) Contributing to the preparation for, organization and servicing of meetings: a) Providing support to the meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COP) serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on issues related to scientific and technical information, including compilation of synthesized technical papers and reports and preparation of other relevant background documentation on information-exchange, and servicing the COP and COP/Meeting of Parties (MOP); b) Organizing and servicing subsidiary bodies or technical advisory bodies and other inter-governmental meetings under the Biosafety Protocol and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), related to Biosafety information exchange; c) Contributing to the preparation of training materials and providing training and demonstrations of the operation of the Biosafety Clearing-House at meetings organized by the SCBD or other bodies 4. Any other relevant duties assigned.
|
| |
|
| |
Competencies
|
| |
|
| |
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to resource mobilization, including for large-scale projects, and with the financial mechanism, the Global Environmental Facility. Experience working with implementing agencies and liaising with donors, including high-level officials. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations.
• Communication: 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
|
| |
|
| |
Education
|
| |
|
| |
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in natural resources management, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, biological sciences, biotechnology, forestry, environmental economics or other relevant topic is required. A first level university degree, in combination with two additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
|
| |
|
| |
Work Experience
|
| |
|
| |
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental field, including at least three years at the international level is required. Experience in project management and oversight as well as in project development is required. Working experience with any of the UN agencies or other large development organisation, including working experience in developing countries is an asset.
|
| |
|
| |
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 French and other UN languages would be an asset.
|
| |
|
| |
Assessment Method
|
| |
|
| |
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
|
| |
|
| |
United Nations Considerations
|
| |
|
| |
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
|
| |
|
