United Nations Environment Programme,USA

Job Title:REGIONAL TECHNICAL ADVISOR AFRICA, P4
   
Department/ Office:United Nations Environment Programme
   
Duty Station:NAIROBI
   
Posting Period:14 March 2013-13 May 2013

   
Job Opening number:13-PGM-UNEP-27169-R-NAIROBI (E)
       
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Divers
   
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 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.  Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, Regional Office for Africa and the Head UNEP UN-REDD team and in close cooperation with the Chief , Terrestrial Ecosystems Unit, the incumbent will perform the following functions.
   
Responsibilities
    
1. Work with national teams in UN-REDD partner country governments and other counterparts to plan and execute the activities under national joint programmes and Targeted Support.

2. Work with the UNEP UN-REDD team to design and deliver technical support to partner countries.

3. Coordinate with other UNEP Units and Divisions on providing country-level and regional support to UN-REDD partner countries in Africa.

4. Coordinate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food Agricultural Organization (FAO), and the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat on the planning and implementation of country-level and regional activities.

5. Select and supervise project consultants, oversee the work of National Officers and consultants in UN-REDD Partner countries.

6. Collaborate closely with UNEP-WCMC on  REDD+ safeguards and the implementation of related activities in Africa.

7. Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparation of documents.

8. Draft, edit and secure clearances for key documents and mission reports.

9. Establish and maintain contacts and generate good will with current and potential partners, fund managers and non-traditional sources of funds. Translate opportunities into concrete partnership activities, outputs and goals at the project and thematic levels.

10. Analyse the objectives and scope of major regional and sub-regional REDD+ meetings and workshops; advise on UNEP’s participation in and eventual contribution to such events; report on events and propose and co-ordinate subsequent follow-up activities, and represent UNEP at key technical workshops in the region.

11. Contribute to the coordinated and coherent delivery of REDD+ activities with other relevant UNEP projects implemented in the target countries.

12. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
      
Competencies
     
a) Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the development and environment nexus in Africa; knowledge of global forest and climate change debate; understanding of REDD+, and of forest policy, ecosystem management and economics. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; has excellent judgment, including in establishing and maintain working relations with senior government officials; remains calm in stressful situations.
b) Communication: Highly developed communication skills (spoken, written, public speaking and presentational), including the ability to present sensitive issues/positions and prepare reports on short notice, and the ability to communicate complex topics in easily and widely understood manner. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
c) Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively to achieve organizational goals in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
d) Planning and Organizing: Ability to identify priorities, work to tight deadlines, handle concurrent projects and coordinate the work of others. Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
Clear ability to plan and execute complex undertakings such as organizing international conferences.
       
Education
     
Advanced University  degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in forest policy, forest management, natural resources management or environmental economics.  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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in forest policy, forest management, climate change or ecosystem management, with at least three years  of work experience with international organizations dealing with forests, climate and emerging forest issues.  Experience in policy development is required. Previous work experience with an UN agency or the private sector is an asset. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.
   
 Languages
     
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English and French are required.  Working knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.
       
Assessment Method
      
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
     
Special Notice
       
This position is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension.

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.

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