United Nations Environment Programme Jobs,USA

Job Title:LEGAL OFFICER, P3
   
Department/ Office:United Nations Environment Programme
   
Duty Station:MONTREAL
   
Posting Period:12 April 2013-11 June 2013

   
Job Opening number:13-LEG-UNEP-26541-R-MONTREAL (X)
   
   
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
   
    Org. Setting and Reporting  
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 the UNEP/SCBD at the Montreal duty station. Under the guidance and supervision of the Principal Officer, Biosafety Protocol Unit, the incumbent will perform the following duties:
     
Responsibilities
      
a) Facilitate assistance to Parties in the implementation of the Biosafety Protocol; b) Collect legal, socio-economic and trade-related data/information concerning living modified organisms from academic texts legal instruments, reports and submissions from Governments, UN agencies, World Trade Organization, and international  organizations concerned with biosafety-related issues; c) Analyze  information gathered to identify legal issues and trends and evaluate legal problems; d) Facilitate common understanding and the exchange of information amongst Parties and relevant institutions; e) Assist in the analysis of developing countries' needs; f) Contribute inputs to inter-agency initiatives; g) Identify institutes in developing and developed countries; h) Establish a network with relevant organizations and bodies to keep abreast of developments in the field of legal regimes pertaining to biosafety; i) Take part  in making presentations in the field of expertise, workshops and other activities organized by the Secretariat to promote awareness and capacity-building in Biosafety; j) Assist in the organization and servicing of the meetings of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol and its subsidiary bodies and prepare the necessary background documentation in assigned areas of responsibility; k) Assist supervisor and senior staff of the Secretariat in the refinements of drafts and final preparation of texts; l) Prepare memoranda and other correspondence associated with conferences and inter-agency collaboration; m) Carry out any other duties as requested by the supervisor.
      
Competencies
     
Professionalism: Proven analytical capacity and in-depth knowledge of the various complex dimensions of environment and sustainable development; good research skills and ability to coordinate the production of reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others; Shows pride in work and in achievements and 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. Planning and Organizing: Proven ability to plan and organize work, requiring an in-depth understanding of its strategic direction and ability to integrate the work of the Division into the Secretariat work programme; ability to organize and service intergovernmental bodies and technical meetings. Communication: Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft a variety of written reports, studies (legal and non-legal) and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations with governments.
       
Education
   
Advanced university degree in law, with specialization in International or Environmental law, or a first university degree with a relevant combination of academic and professional qualifications to law.
   
Work Experience
      
At least five (5) years of relevant work experience, of which preferably three (3) years in a position dealing with international legal environmental issues.
      
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 another UN official language is an advantage.
      
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 online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online 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 send an email to recruitment@unon.org, quoting the job opening number in the subject header of your email.
      
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.

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