Background:
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 Technology, Industry and Economics (DTIE) works with international governmental and
non-governmental organizations, national and local governments, business and industry to develop and
implement policies, strategies and practices that are cleaner and safer, incorporate environmental costs,
use natural resources efficiently, reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment, and enable
the implementation of conventions and international agreements. This post is located in the International
Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) in Osaka, Japan within the DTIE and is the only UNEP office in
Japan. The ETC mandate is to encourage the use and the transfer of environmentally sound technologies
to developing countries and countries with economies in transition, by means of providing training, carrying
out research, collecting and disseminating related information with a special focus on the prevention of
environmental disasters, reconstruction of damaged sites and waste management in the context of the 10
year framework on sustainable consumption and production.
Duties and Responsibilities:
In support of IETC’s project development and oversight in the area of environmentally sound
Technology Transfer, under the direct supervision of the IETC Director, the incumbent is
responsible for the following duties:
1. To reinforce and maintain amicable and beneficial relationships for IETC in Japan and Asia and
the Pacific:
a) To maintain close contracts with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the
environment, and explore possible cooperation with other Ministries and Agencies in Japan;
b) To liaise with Osaka Prefecture, City of Osaka and Shiga Prefecture;
c) To liaise with IETC’s supporting foundations, GEC and ILEC;
d) To secure increased support from NGOs (financial support fund, equipment);
e) To identify key opinion setters, decision makers within and outside the Japanese Government, and
develop a strategy for increasing their support to IETC;
f) To identify and liaise with donors, including but not limited to, donors in Asia and the Pacific with special
emphasis on Japanese donors.
2. To promote public and governmental awareness of IETC within and outside Japan:
a) To develop a strategy for promoting public and governmental awareness of IETC within and outside
Japan;
b) To produce and update information materials such as publications and video tapes on IETC’s activities;
c) To identify opportunities to promote IETC through the press and other media; workshops, seminars,
festivals, etc. and representing IETC;
d) To organize awareness raising events on environmentally sound Technical Transfer in the region,
specifically Japan, in close cooperation with the UNEP Regional Office;
e) To be responsible for content of IETC website, publications and other information materials, including
coordinating Japanese translations.
3. To manage the IETC project portfolio in the area of environmentally sound Technology Transfer:
a) Responsible for IETC wide project database management;
b) Oversee and direct the preparation and timely submission of donor specific reports;
c) Prepare IETC annual report;
d) Identify and liaise with project partners, and, as required, negotiate cooperation agreements.
4. Perform other duties assigned.
Competencies:
Professionalism:
Planning and Organizing:
Communication: Excellent communication and writing skills. Ability to convey messages/ideas in a clear,
concise style, both orally and in writing to various audiences. Ability to develop networks at all levels is
desirable.
Creativity: Innovative thinking, to develop tools and action plans to assist governments in the formulation of
environmental policies for sustainable environmental management practices.
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 and Experience:
Education:
Advanced university degree (Masters’ or equivalent) in environmental management, social sciences, law,
international relations or a related field. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience
may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience:
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in managing high level
contracts with media, NGOs, government officials, international institutions, business groups. Demonstrated
experience in public relations and as a manager of a communications team.
Languages:
English and French are the official languages of the UN Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral
and written English and Japanese is required. Knowledge of French of other UN official languages is an
asset.
Other Skills
Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Project, e-mail, internet) are required.
Excellent inter-personal and coordination skills are required.
Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and
benefits package is offered. See UN website
http:www.un.org/Depts./OHIRM/salaries allowances/index. html
