| Description |
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. UNEP's Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This post is located in UNEP/DEPI at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, DEPI, the incumbent will: 1. Supervise and Coordinate UNEP's role in the follow up strategy to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA): Build and improve the knowledge base on the links between biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, services and human well being; Strengthen country capacities to operationalize methods and tools for integrating the MA approach and findings and recommendations; Disseminate the findings of the MA and its conceptual framework, tools and methodologies; Improve capacity of developing countries to undertake Sub-Global Assessment and to participate in policy forums to advance the MA; Raise awareness on the relationships between ecosystem services and human well-being; Establish and maintain external contacts; Enhance UNEP's leadership and coordinate efforts undertaken by other agencies and governments on the implementation of the MA follow up strategy. 2, Coordinate UNEP's efforts in improving the science policy interface on biodiversity and ecosystem services: Provide UNEP's focal point in support of the process on a Science-policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES); Organize, lead and conduct regional workshops and coordinate discussions in support of the IPBES process; Oversee the development of documentation for negotiations; 3. Coordination of UNEP Life Web Initiative: Provide overall coordination and leadership of the UNEP Life-Web Initiative; Oversee the policy, strategic and project elements; Organize inter-divisional work and ensure its relevance and delivery; Monitor project development in the terrestrial and marine protected areas; Monitor and report on project outputs and outcomes. 4. Coordination and liaison work: Advise on the formulation of policies, strategies in the area of biodiversity and provide policy advice; Analyze developments at the national regional and international levels; Lead, organize and/or participate in substantive discussions, meetings and conferences; Enhance inter-linkages among UN bodies; Design and lead technical support activities and action plans in support of the Secretariats of biodiversity related conventions; Develop critical policy advisory services, on the formulation and implementation of strategies; Formulate and provide scientific inputs in promoting biodiversity assessments; Provide direction, supervision and guidance to project staff; Provide representation of the division, both within and outside the UN system; 5. Resource mobilization: Develop and implement projects for funding in support of the biodiversity related activities; Prepare biodiversity reports for presentation to inter-governmental bodies. 6. Perform any other duties assigned. Competencies Professionalism: Ability to understand complex issues pertaining to biodiversity and ecosystem management, analyze them and develop solutions; ability to work under pressure and to use limited time and resources effectively; flexibility to adapt rapidly to changing situations; ability to ensure that the highest possible quality outputs are produced; ability to provide senior level advise on diverse issues and problems; completely conversant in fundraising approaches and, project document formulation, budgeting and reporting; understanding of the operational structures of strategic donors. and ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines. Communication: Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively; ability to communicate effectively with audiences of various levels of seniority and technical knowledge, tailoring language, tone, style and format appropriately; sound working knowledge of media networks; ability to communicate with various stakeholders in politically sensitive situations with diplomacy and tact. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with professional and technical staff at senior and junior level from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Planning and Organizing: Ability to identify priorities, work to tight deadlines, handle concurrent projects and coordinate the work of others. Leadership; Provide leadership to the work of the Unit to empower others and translate vision into results; and be proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and support; take responsibility for ensuring equal participation of men and women in all areas of work. Perform any other duties assigned. |
Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to understand complex issues pertaining to biodiversity and ecosystem management, analyze them and develop solutions; ability to work under pressure and to use limited time and resources effectively; flexibility to adapt rapidly to changing situations; ability to ensure that the highest possible quality outputs are produced; ability to provide senior level advise on diverse issues and problems; completely conversant in fundraising approaches and, project document formulation, budgeting and reporting; understanding of the operational structures of strategic donors. and ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines. Communication: Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively; ability to communicate effectively with audiences of various levels of seniority and technical knowledge, tailoring language, tone, style and format appropriately; sound working knowledge of media networks; ability to communicate with various stakeholders in politically sensitive situations with diplomacy and tact. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with professional and technical staff at senior and junior level from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Planning and Organizing: Ability to identify priorities, work to tight deadlines, handle concurrent projects and coordinate the work of others. Leadership; Provide leadership to the work of the Unit to empower others and translate vision into results; and be proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and support; take responsibility for ensuring equal participation of men and women in all areas of work. |
QUALIFICATIONS |
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in natural resources or environmental sciences. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. |
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management and/or related environmental field, five years of which should be at the international level and three years in a supervisory capacity |
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 other United Nations languages an asset. |
Other Skills
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, email, internet) are required. |
|
