| Description |
Senior Water Resources and Climate Specialist, P-5
| | DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: | 04 Dec 2009 | | DATE OF ISSUANCE: | 04 Nov 2009 | | ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: | Economic Commission for Africa | | DUTY STATION: | Addis Ababa | | VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: | 09-ECO-ECA-422009-S-ADDIS ABABA |
| This is a project post and extension of appointment is subject to availability of funds and the life span of the project. |
| | | Remuneration
Depending on professional background, experience and family situation, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.
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United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
| Responsibilities
This post is located in the African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC) at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Under the overall guidance of the Director of Food Security and Sustainable Development Division (FSSDD) and the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC), the incumbent performs the following duties: Provides effective leadership, functional and technical advice on climate change and water resources interactions; Leads analytical studies and policy analysis in a wide range of issues relevant to climate change and the water resources sector in Africa, including the assessment of vulnerability and risks of water resources to the impacts of climate change and the development and implementation of effective adaptation policies, strategies and measures in the water resources sector; Promotes understanding of the ecosystems approach in regard to climate change adaptation and mitigation in the water resources sector in Africa; Leads the production of reports, books and other resources on climate change and water resources in Africa; Undertakes analytical studies on climate change and water resources relevant to climate change negotiations and advices African climate change negotiators and policy makers on the same; Contributes to estimating the cost of climate change impacts and required response/adaptation measures in the water resources sector in Africa; Contributes to integrating climate change/water resources perspectives into ACPC programmes, projects and activities; Contributes to the preparation of the analytical content of ACPC publications, reports and studies, in close collaboration with other ACPC discipline specialists; Works effectively with other ACPC discipline specialists and staff of ECA to assess the interactions between climate change/water resources vis a vis other sectors in order to mitigate negative interactions and harness synergies; Contributes to collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, packaging and disseminating data and information on climate change and water resources for effective utilization by end-users; Establishes communities of practice and promotes knowledge networking on climate change/water resources issues; Identifies and disseminates best practices relevant to climate change and water resources development and management; Delivers training and capacity-building programmes for planners, policy makers and other stakeholders in climate change adaptation and mitigation in the water resources sector; Plans and co-ordinates seminars, workshops and expert meetings; Assists member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other regional organizations in building consensus and articulating common positions and strategies on climate change mitigation and adaptation in the water resources sector; Liaises and collaborates with other ECA Divisions, sub-regional offices, and external partners in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation in the water resources sector; Fosters regional integration and harmonization of policies, laws, regulations, codes, standards and practices on climate change mitigation and adaptation in the water resources sector; Supports regional networks of institutions and experts and delivers advisory services to member States, African regional and subregional organizations and institutions, transboundary river/lake basin organizations, on climate change/water resources policy issues; Ensures that interventions are in line with the Africa Water Vision 2025 and other programmes and strategies of the African Union and its NEPAD Programme; and Performs other duties as assigned. |
Competencies
PROFESSIONALISM: In-depth knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, approaches and practices relevant to policy analysis and programme management as they relate to water resources development and management; good grasp of climate change and water resources interactions; Strong analytical and modeling skills; Demonstrated ability to prepare project documents and funding proposals ensuring that the quality of the project design and their implementation meets all partners’ expectations; Practical experience in programme/project development, management, monitoring and evaluation; Excellent analytical skills and problem identification and solving skills; Ability in modeling and developing integrated approaches to water resources development and management is required. Highly desirable if modeling skills include those relevant to climate change and water resources interactions. Skills in inter linkages approaches for managing connectivity between climate change, water resources and other sectors for sustainable development are required. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a diverse multidisciplinary and multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits inputs by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; and places team agenda before personal agenda. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors 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. 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. 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. |
QUALIFICATIONS |
Education
Advanced university degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in water resources economics, water resources development and management or related field is required. A PhD is desirable. A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. |
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years progressively responsible experience in the development and management of water resources at regional or country level in the context of Africa is required. This should include at least three years of experience in research/analytical work on the relations between climate change and water resources. Experience with working with RECs, transboundary river/lake basin organizations or other international organizations is an advantage. |
Languages
English and French are the working Languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English or French is required. Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. |
Other Skills
Well-developed computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, database management and power point presentation are required. |
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