Special Assistant to Chief-(0901)

United Nations Environment Programme_Nairobi based
Deadline: Sep 01, 2007

Responsibilities

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. This post is located in United Nations Environment Programme/Executive Office (UNEP/OED) at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Executive Office, the incumbent will perform the following: 1. Support the Chief, Executive Office, in managing the day-to-day operations of the Executive Office: a) Review, draft and finalize letters, memoranda, faxes and reports for signature by the Executive Director; b) In consultation with substantive divisions, assist the Chief of the Executive Office in preparing briefing notes, background papers and talking points, for the Executive Director’s meetings; c) Review incoming correspondence and matters requiring action by the Executive Office, prioritize and propose appropriate actions; d) Ensure smooth functioning of the Executive Office through arranging regular staff meetings and following-up on decisions taken. 2. Support the Chief of the Executive Office in the Executive Direction and Management of UNEP’s work programme: a) In consultation with substantive divisions, prepare background papers, briefing materials and concept proposals on the Executive Director’s special initiatives/projects; b) Assist in drafting and communicating the Executive Director’s directives, instructions and other policy communications; c) Assist in organizing the Executive Director’s Senior Management Team meetings/retreats including preparation of the agenda, scheduling/venue arrangements and ensuring preparation and distribution of meeting documentation well in advance of meetings. 3. Assist the Chief, Executive Office in maintaining liaison with the UN Secretariat and other UN agencies, UN administrative offices e.g. United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), etc. and the Host Government: a) Assist the Chief, Executive Office, in liaising with the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. b) In addition, provide administrative support to the Chief of the Executive Office in representing UNEP at the Host Country Liaison Committee and following-up on decisions taken. c) Liaison with UN administrative offices, particularly UNON in ensuring timely implementation of administrative decisions.

Competencies

Professionalism: Proven analytical and evaluative skills and ability to conduct independent research and analysis, formulate options and make recommendations. Proven knowledge and understanding of relevant UN administrative, human resources and financial policies and procedures and their application in UNEP. Ability to identify key issues in a complex situation and come to the heart of the problem quickly. Ability to consider positive and negative impacts of decisions on others and on the organization, prior to making them and apply good judgement in the context of assignments given. Communication: Good communication skills (written and spoken), including the ability to draft/edit a variety of correspondence and reports and to aticulate ideas in a clear, concise style. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity, including gender balance. Planning and organizing: Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and manage conflicting priorities. Ability to respond to requests with short deadlines and work under pressure.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Advanced university degree in management, business administration, law, economics, or a first university degree with relevant combination of education and experience in a related area.

Work Experience

At least three years experience working on administrative and policy issues in an international setting.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertized, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of a second official UN language an advantage.

Other Skills

Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, IMDIS, and familiarity with research methods, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet, and other databases and software. Knowledge of UN Rules and Regulations and Administrative Instructions.

Apply

E-mail: Recruitment@unon.org , Fax: 254-20-762-4212