Closing date: 05 Sep 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Côte d'Ivoire - Abidjan
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 Abidjan duty station.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Director, DEPI, the incumbent will: 1. Acts as the focal point of the Secretariat of the Abidjan Convention and related Protocols, and the Bureau of the Abidjan Convention. 2. Co-ordinates activities implemented in the framework of the Action Plan for the protection, management and development of the coastal and marine environment of Atlantic Coast of the West, Central and Southern Africa Region. 3. Co-ordinates implementation of regional programme components of Atlantic Coast of the West, Central and Southern Africa Region and Global Environmental Fund (GEF) projects. 4. Develops regional policies and strategies for the protection of the marine and coastal areas of Atlantic Coast of the West, Central and Southern Africa Region in close cooperation with the Contracting Parties to the Abidjan Convention and other Western African (WAF) States, and assists WAF States in the formulation of national programmes. 5. Administration of Atlantic Coast of the West, Central and Southern Africa, Regional Co-coordinating Unit (WAF RCU) and the financial management of WAF RCU activities including the preparation and organization of donor/partner meetings for the funding of WAF activities. 6. Liaises with the Director, DEPI, and other organizations to ensure the proper interaction of WAF RCU activities with other UNEP activities 7. Responsible for the overall supervision of the administration of WAF/RCU and responsible for the financial management of WAF RCU activities. 8. Contributing to all other related activities.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrates knowledge of regional seas and/or marine activities in Atlantic Coast of the West, Central and Southern Africa region. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Ability to manage programme administration and the financial management of WAF RCU activities including the preparation and organization of donor/partner meetings for the funding of WAF activities. Development of project proposals for resource mobilization is required.
Communication: Ability to communicate distinct organizational directions, maintain effective partnerships and collaborative working relations including the ability to present sensitive issues/positions.
Leadership: Proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives and drive for change and improvement. Able to initiate vision and empowering others to translate vision into results and give staff autonomy in important areas of their work.
Judgement: Discretion and sound judgement in applying expertise to complex and sensitive issues, with partners, stakeholders and staff under supervision. Ability to take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives into substantive work and commitment to the goal of achieving gender balance in staffing.
Qualifications
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in marine environment, energy, or natural resources management applied to coastal marine environmental resources or other related field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience: At least ten years of professional experience in natural resources management including coastal marine experience with implementation of multi-disciplinary programmes at national level. Experience in working with government(s) on policy issues and experience in project development and management. Knowledge of UNEP Programmes an advantage.
Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written French and English is required. Working knowledge of Spanish is an advantage, as is knowledge of other United Nations languages.
Reference Code: RW_7TS9DF-47
