Closing date: 17 Jan 2010 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
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 Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA) is responsible for analyzing the state of the global environment, providing early warning information and assessing global and regional environmental trends to catalyse and promote international cooperation and action on the environment. This post is located in UNEP/DEWA at the Nairobi Duty Station.
Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Division of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA), and within delegated authority, the incumbent will function as Chief of the Scientific Assessment Branch (SAB). The Chief will, within delegated authority, be responsible for planning, implementation and reporting on relevant parts of UNEP’s programme duties, which will include:
1. Programme Management: Manage the relevant sections of the division and provide strategic directions to accomplish the mandated functions and approved objectives;
2. Programme Implementation: Direct and coordinate the implementation of activities and projects of the Branch work programme so as to ensure that the approved goals and objectives are met and outputs delivered in a timely fashion;
3. Policy Advice and Guidance: Act as the principal advisor in the area of integrated environmental assessment and reporting; a) Ensure that UNEP/s SAB functions are integrated across UNEP sub programmes. b) Carry out additional tasks from time to time as requested by the Director of DEWA.
4. Programme Budget and Supervisory Responsibilites: Serve as the principal head of the Branch; Directing its operations and administration of financial and human resources.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to direct and coordinate implementation of work programme activities and projects. Proven ability to analyze and integrate diverse information. Broad knowledge of environment and development issues and ability to develop and direct development of new approaches, scientific disciplines and methodologies and tools for UNEP's assessment and reporting activities. Ability to facilitate contribution from other entities in UNEP, while contributing to overall management of the division. Demonstrated ability to integrate and synthesise multidisciplinary information sets pertaining to the many environmental and developmental factors influencing sustainable development.
Leadership: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and tasks. Demonstrated innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operations. Evident tact and negotiating skills accompanied by demonstrated sound judgment and decision-making skills. Ability to inspire and empower others to pursue compelling organizational direction.
Teamwork: Ability to lead and gain assistance and cooperation of and from others in a team endeavour to achieve organizational goals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Ability to provide advice to senior managers and to show openness in sharing information.
Planning and Organizing: Demonstrated ability to plan, budget, coordinate, and manage complex projects and to identify priority activities and assignments within the areas of responsibility. Ability to implement and supervise programme activities that are consistent with agreed strategies. Track record of excellent time management and ability to meet tight deadlines.
Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proven ability to write in a clear concise manner and to convey complex scientific issues to non-technical audiences.
Qualifications
Education: An advanced university degree in natural and environmental sciences, natural resources management or related disciplines. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Work Experience: Minimum 15 years of relevant working experience, including at least five years at national and international level. Experience in diverse areas pertaining to different aspects of environment and development is an asset. Track record in financial resource mobilization. Familiarity with the operation and requirements of the UN particularly with regard to developing countries is required.
Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language would be an asset.
Other Skills: Excellent computer skills are a requirement. Knowledge of and ability to apply UNEP institutional mandates and policies an advantage.
Reference Code: RW_7XXHKR-13
