Job Title: Head, Advisory Services Unit, ETB, P5
Department/ Office: UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Duty Station: PARIS
Posting Period: 29 July 2011-27 September 2011
Job Opening number: 11-ADM-UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME-20655-R-PARIS (O)
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. The overall objective of the UNEP's Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (DTIE) is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. This post is located in UNEP/DTIE at the Paris duty station. Under the supervision of the Chief, Economics and Trade Unit Branch (ETB) the incumbent will carry out the following duties:
Responsibilities
1. Overall management of the ETB Advisory service unit: Provide guidance to the Chief of ETB and the Green Economy Initiative (GEI) Project Leader on strategy development and management of country and regional advisory services implementation; Prepare inputs for the work programme of the Economics and Trade Branch, determine priorities, and allocate resources for time completion of outputs and their delivery; Manage and supervise activities by the Advisory Services Unit and ensure that substantive work programme activities are carried out and coordinated with other ETB units and other UNEP offices and staff; Contribute to reporting to donors and intergovernmental bodies on budget and programme performance, including developing and monitoring performance parameters and indicators; Recruit staff for the Advisory Services Unit taking into account geographical and gender balance; Manage, guide, develop and train staff in the Advisory Services Unit and other key advisory service locations; Foster teamwork and communication among staff within the Advisory Services Unit and across UNEP, UN, and UNEP regional offices; Participate in international, regional or national meetings and provide programmatic/substantive expertise; Develop and implement an effective capacity building programme responding to regional and national needs;
2. Lead regional and national level implementation of the UNEP Green Economy Initiative:
Develop and maintain relations with senior officials of UNEP Member States, lead and participate in advisory service missions; Negotiate with donor and recipient governments on advisory service programmes and projects and ensure a professional and timely response to requests for advice and/or assistance to the GEl; Ensure advisory service programmes and projects are coordinated with relevant UNEP divisions, regional offices and staff, and other UN partners working at the regional and national level; Ensure outputs produced by the Advisory Services Unit maintain high standards and reports/publications are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data; Perform any other duties assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Expert technical knowledge and project management expertise in the field of environmental economics; Shows pride in work and achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
Planning and organizing – Proven ability to plan, organize and manage projects; ability to integrate the work of the Branch into the Division's workplan and UNEP work programme; ability to organize and service inter-governmental bodies and technical meetings.
Teamwork – Excellent 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; works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
Communications – Effective written, oral and presentation skills, including the ability to draft and editing of reports, studies and other communications; ability to effectively chair meetings and develop consensus; ability to defend difficult issues and positions to senior officials; ability to provide advice and guidance.
Leadership - Provide leadership to the work of the Unit to empower others and translate vision into results; and be proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and support; take responsibility for ensuring equal participation of men and women in all areas of work.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental or international economics or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Special emphasis on economics training is desired.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in economics and producing policy analysis and providing policy advice, some of which should be at the international level is required. Experience in environmental economics and development policy including country level project implementation in developing countries desirable. Experience in South America would be 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 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
Have you made at least two lateral moves during your UN career? If so, please provide further details in your PHP and cover note.
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.
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.
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