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.
