Programme Officer, Nairobi

Programme Officer, Nairobi
Closing Date: Monday, 18 October 2010
Job Title

PROGRAMME OFFICER, P4
Department/ Office
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Duty Station
NAIROBI
Posting Period
19 August 2010-18 October 2010

Job Opening number
10-ADM-UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME-15427-R-NAIROBI (O)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational 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.

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 law and policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This post is located in the Climate Change Adaption Unit of UNEP/DEPI in Nairobi. Under the general guidance of the Chief, Climate Change Adaptation Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:

Responsibilities

1. Synergies between climate change adaptation and ecosystem management, including water resource management, and climate change related disasters and conflicts: Being responsible to turn strategies and programmes of climate change adaptation and ecosystem management nexus into concrete activities and coordinate their implementation; Initiating concept papers and project proposals for development of ecosystem based adaptation projects; Helping fundraising, monitoring, reporting and communicating for the Programme of Work; Conducting research and analysis on the linkages of climate change adaptation and ecosystem management and prepare policy briefings, reports, and papers for publication. Organising technical meetings and provide expert guidance; To organize updated outreach materials and communicate effectively to raise public awareness and technical capacity.
2. Programme management for implementation of adaptation projects within the UNEP Programme Framework: Overall coordination of the UNEP Ecosystem Based Adaptation flagship programme; Up-scaling UNEP's current work on climate change adaptation within its respective divisions; Providing support to UNEP's thematic and divisional programmes to develop new programmes and projects; Working with UNEP divisions and other stakeholders to achieve greater impact on the policy and practice of climate change adaptation; Draw on lessons learned across Programmes and projects, and the latest science and adaptation practice internationally to provide synthesis and input into UNEP's policy work; Supporting UNEP's facilitated Global Adaptation Network and its partners.

3. Communication and partnership building: Serving as focal point of communication for the UNEP climate change adaptation programme; Initiating and overseeing the development of multi-media communication materials; Coordinating the adaptation portal of UNEP website and supporting the development of new websites/portals; Maintaining strategic partnerships and initiating new ones; Work with the Unit coordinator on preparing and monitoring the Programme of Work, and associated budget.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches related to climate change adaptation. Ability to complete in-depth studies on climate change adaptation subject matters and reach conclusions on possible causes and solutions to political problems on specific, issues areas and/or countries. Ability to relate various issues and perspectives of climate change adaptation to political, social, and economic programmes in affected countries and areas.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Tailors language to audience especially to government officials at all levels and demonstrates openness in sharing information, while observing confidentiality.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect, identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions, monitoring ongoing developments inside and outside Clients' environment to keep information and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects ; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in climate change, environment and natural sciences, economics, water resources, land management or a related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible working experience on climate change, of which at least three years working in regional or international organizations, preferably with the UN system.

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 official language is an advantage. This post is located in the Climate Change Adaption Unit of UNEP/DEPI in Nairobi.

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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.