Job Title:CHIEF, Early Warning Branch, D1
Department/ Office:United Nations Environment Programme
Duty Station:NAIROBI
Posting Period:8 April 2013-7 June 2013
Job Opening number13-ADM-UNEP-26618-R-NAIROBI (X)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
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 Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA) is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyze and promote international cooperation and action on the environment. This post is located in UNEP/DEWA at the Nairobi duty station. Under the overall guidance of the Director, DEWA, the incumbent will carry out the following functions:
Responsibilities
1. Branch Management: Formulate the substantive programme, work and budget of the Branch determining priorities and allocating resources; Coordinate the work carried out by the different Sections/Units in the EWB with that of other UNEP Divisions and/or bodies of the UN system; Oversee budget expenditure, and report on Branch performance, in the context of results-based management; Mobilize additional resources; Recruit staff taking into account geographical and gender balance; Manage, guide, mentor and supervise Branch staff; evaluate staff performance (PAS); Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Branch, within the Division and across organizational boundaries; ensure communication with sub-programme coordinators and divisional focal points for joint programming activities. 2. Programme Implementation: Implement the work programme of the Branch, through results-based management; Ensure that outputs produced by the Branch maintain high-quality standards both technically and scientifically; that reports are clear, objective and based on sound scientific and comprehensive data, complying with relevant mandates; Initiate, strengthen and maintain strategic partnerships, institutional agreements, processes and procedures with specialized and relevant centres and institutions, other UN agencies and programmes and non-governmental organizations; Report to intergovernmental bodies as the UNEP Governing Council and the UN General Assembly on the programmatic and substantive issues; Lead and supervise the organization of meetings, seminars and workshops on substantive issues; Participate in international, national and inter-agency meetings and working groups; provide programmatic and substantive inputs; hold programmatic/substantive and institutional discussions with stakeholders and partners; Review data and information on the global environment and related development trends as a basis for the identification of early warnings signs, trends and events of possible global and sub-global significance; Mainstream Earth observation products and services into UNEP’s Programme of Work; bring UNEP’s perspectives and client needs to the attention of international Earth observation systems and processes, and related fora; Ensure that UNEP’s early warning functions are integrated across UNEP sub programmes. 3. Represent DEWA and/or UNEP at external meetings; Carry out additional tasks as assigned.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to direct and coordinate implementation of work programme activities and projects. Proven ability to analyze and integrate diverse information. Broad knowledge of environment and development issues and ability to develop and direct development of new approaches, scientific disciplines and methodologies and tools for UNEP's early warning reporting activities. Ability to facilitate contribution from other entities in UNEP, while contributing to overall management of the division.
- Leadership: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and tasks. Demonstrated innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operations. Evident tact and negotiating skills accompanied by demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making skills. Ability to inspire and empower others to pursue compelling organizational direction.
- Teamwork: Ability to lead and gain assistance and cooperation of and from others in a
- team endeavour to achieve organizational goals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to provide advice to senior managers and to show openness in sharing information.
- Technological Awareness
- Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, natural resouce management or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in the area of environmental monitoring, data information management, geographical information systems, spatial data image processing, environmental change analysis, capacity building and networking or related field is required. At least five years at the international level in the same fields is desirable.
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. Working knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
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.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.
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 seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.
United Nations Considerations
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.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&JobOpeningId=26618&