REGIONAL TECHNICAL ADVISOR AFRICA, P4

Job Title : REGIONAL TECHNICAL ADVISOR AFRICA, P4

Department/ Office : United Nations Environment Programme

Location : NAIROBI

Posting Period : 14 March 2013-13 April 2013

Job Opening number : 13-PGM-UNEP-27169-R-NAIROBI (E)

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

Org .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. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director,

Regional Office for Africa and the Head UNEP UN-REDD team and in close cooperation

with the Chief , Terrestrial Ecosystems Unit, the incumbent will perform the following

functions.

Responsibilities

1.Work with national teams in UN-REDD partner country governments and other

counterparts to plan and execute the activities under national joint programmes and Targeted

Support.2. Work with the UNEP UN-REDD team to design and deliver technical support to

partner countries.3. Coordinate with other UNEP Units and Divisions on providing countrylevel

and regional support to UN-REDD partner countries in Africa.4. Coordinate with the

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food Agricultural Organization (FAO),

and the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat on the planning and implementation of countrylevel

and regional activities.5. Select and supervise project consultants, oversee the work of

National Officers and consultants in UN-REDD Partner countries.6. Collaborate closely with

UNEP-WCMC on REDD+ safeguards and the implementation of related activities in

Africa.7. Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences to

include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, and preparation of documents.8.

Draft, edit and secure clearances for key documents and mission reports.9. Establish and

maintain contacts and generate good will with current and potential partners, fund managers

and non-traditional sources of funds. Translate opportunities into concrete partnership

activities, outputs and goals at the project and thematic levels.10. Analyse the objectives and

scope of major regional and sub-regional REDD+ meetings and workshops; advise on

UNEP's participation in and eventual contribution to such events; report on events and

propose and co-ordinate subsequent follow-up activities, and represent UNEP at key technical

workshops in the region.11. Contribute to the coordinated and coherent delivery of REDD+

activities with other relevant UNEP projects implemented in the target countries.12. Perform

any other duties as may be assigned.

Competencies

a)Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the development and environment nexus

in Africa; knowledge of global forest and climate change debate; understanding of REDD+,

and of forest policy, ecosystem management and economics. Is conscientious and efficient in

meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; has excellent judgment,

including in establishing and maintain working relations with senior government officials;

remains calm in stressful situations. b)Communication: Highly developed communication

skills (spoken, written, public speaking and presentational), including the ability to present

sensitive issues/positions and prepare reports on short notice, and the ability to communicate

complex topics in easily and widely understood manner. Demonstrates openness in sharing

information and keeping people informed. c)Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively to

achieve organizational goals in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and

respect for diversity. Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.

d)Planning and Organizing: Ability to identify priorities, work to tight deadlines, handle

concurrent projects and coordinate the work of others. Develops clear goals that are consistent

with agreed strategies; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.Clear ability to

plan and execute complex undertakings such as organizing international conferences.

Education

Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in forest policy, forest

management, natural resources management or environmental economics. A first level

university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be

accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in forest policy, forest

management, climate change or ecosystem management, with at least three years of work

experience with international organizations dealing with forests, climate and emerging forest

issues. Experience in policy development is required. Previous work experience with an UN

agency or the private sector is an asset. Qualifying years of experience are calculated

following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post,

fluency in written and oral English and French are required. Working knowledge of other UN

official languages is desirable.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment

which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This position is funded for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. 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 theircareers

in accordance with established rules and procedures.All applicants are strongly encouraged to

apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the

deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email

address has been provided.If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours

of submission, your application may not have been received. In such cases, please resubmit

the application, if necessary. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through

the Inspira "Need Help?" link.

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.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE

RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING,

OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH

INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

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