Senior Programme Officer, Nairobi

Senior Programme Officer, Nairobi
Closing Date: Monday, 11 October 2010
Job Title
SENIOR PROGRAMME OFFICER, P5

Department/ Office

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

Duty Station

NAIROBI

Posting Period

12 August 2010-11 October 2010

Job Opening number

10-ADM-UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME-15968-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 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. This post is located in UNEP/DEPI at the Nairobi duty station.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of DEPI and direct supervision of the Chief of Climate Change Adaptation Unit, the incumbent will carry out the following:
1. Policy analysis: Develop and formulate policies and strategies; preparation of impact evaluation of activities for climate change adaptation; Advice and provide technical assistance to governmental and intergovernmental organizations, and scientific communities on the development and implementation of adaptation projects under the UNEP climate change strategy; Develop conceptual frame works, tools and policy options to support the integration of environmental concerns with economic and social development and implementation of Millennium Development Goals; Provide policy and programme guidance to senior management and establish strategic collaboration links with other divisions, 2. Program development and project implementation for selected key priorities: Interpret the UNEP climate change strategy, and subsequent agreement with project partners and stakeholders, conceptualise formulate and manage implementation projects; Design potential resource mobilisation projects, and liaise with executing agencies to explore co-financing; Develop and advocate innovative concepts and tools for UNEP regional offices to coordinate the normative and scientific programmes with regional, national and local priorities; Assess and recommend the viability of projects with linkages between ecosystem management and climate change adaptation for technical focus and relevance to the work programme and UNEP Medium Term Strategy; Develop key indicators for monitoring results of adaptation programme within the UNEP Medium Term Strategy. 3. Programme management: Develop a network of partnerships with governments and institutions to ensure quality supervision of climate change adaptation programmes within the ecosystem management; Liaise directly with programme partners/executing agencies in promoting and developing new UNEP projects in the areas of climate change adaptation; Lead, organize and/or participate in substantive meetings and conferences and represent the Unit at various fora to provide programmatic and substantive expertise; Oversee the preparation of various reports on climate adaptation. 4. Coordination with DGEF: In close consultation with the DGEF Task managers, provide technical and policy support for the development and implementation of UNEP/GEF activities; Explore opportunities for increased collaboration between UNEP work-programme and DGEF/GEF portfolio and policy development. 5. Knowledge management and communication: Supervise the focal point for the DEPI Work Programme under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and in collaboration with Division of Communication and Public Information, develop an internal communication strategy for climate change adaptation; Organize learning events and for improving project design for climate change adaptation; Contribute to the Climate Change Adaptation Learning Mechanism.

Competencies

Professionalism: Ability to understand complex issues pertaining to climate change adaptation, analyze them within the context of ecosystems management and propose solutions; Ability to work under pressure and to use limited time and resources effectively; Flexibility to adapt rapidly to changing situations; Ability to ensure that the highest possible quality outputs are produced; Ability to provide senior level advice on diverse issues and problems; Completely conversant in fundraising approaches; Knowledge of UNEP structures for fundraising, project document formulation, budgeting and reporting; Understanding of the operational structures of strategic donors, e.g. the European Union and GEF. Communication: Ability to speak and write clearly and effectively; Ability to communicate effectively with audiences of various levels of seniority and technical knowledge, tailoring language, tone, style and format appropriately; Sound working knowledge of media networks; Ability to communicate with various stakeholders in politically sensitive situations with diplomacy and tact. Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with professional and technical staff at senior and junior level from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Planning and Organizing: Ability to identify priorities, work to tight deadlines, handle concurrent projects and coordinate the work of others.

Leadership: Provide leadership to the work of climate change adaptation and empower others to translate vision into results; Be proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support, takes 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 policy or sciences or 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 ten years of progressively responsible experience in environmental management specifically in climate change adaptation or related field with at least 5 years experience at the international level. Experience within the UN system would be an asset.

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.

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.

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.

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. Required