SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, P3
Department/ Office
UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME
Duty Station
NAIROBI
Posting Period
13 June 2011-12 August 2011
Job Opening number
11-PGM-UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME-19917-R-NAIROBI
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Org. Setting and Reporting
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. This post is located in UNEP/Executive Office (EO) at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Director (DED), the incumbent will perform the following functions:
Responsibilities
Provide support to the DED: Oversee the management of the DED's schedule; Review all incoming and outgoing correspondence; Consult with appropriate managers and draft replies as appropriate; Prioritize important correspondence and issues for the DED's attention; Ensure that follow-up systems are in place and functioning effectively. 2. Liaise between the DED and other entities: Manage the flow of relevant information between the DED and the Executive Director (ED), Division Directors, Regional Directors, Convention Heads and other Managers, especially in relation to executive decisions, meeting outcomes, and priorities set by the DED; Follow-up with senior managers and other colleagues on requests made by the DED; Consult staff members on specific matters as requested; Hold preliminary meetings with staff members on issues they wish to discuss with/call to the attention of the DED; Consult regularly with colleagues in the EO on matters of mutual concern, including decisions taken by the ED, scheduling and the general functioning of the office; Liaise and consult with officials of governments, UN organizations, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); Keep the DED informed of relevant developments. 3. Support the DED's meetings: Assist in planning for and participating in meetings of the UNEP Governing Council particularly the Committee of the Whole and the Committee of Permanent Representatives; Ensure that the DED is effectively able to participate in meetings of the UNEP Senior Management Team, Project Approval Group, Publications Board, and other internal bodies; Ensure that the DED has relevant briefing material for meetings with senior managers, colleagues, members of the Nairobi diplomatic community, and visiting government, UN, IGOs and NGO officials; Support the DED during these meetings; maintain meeting records and ensure necessary follow-up action is undertaken in a timely manner. 4. Support the DED's missions: Coordinate the preparation of extensive briefing materials and mission files, ensuring that materials from other offices are submitted in a timely manner and are of high quality; Finalize all speeches and statements to be delivered, in close consultation with the submitting office; Guide the Administrative Assistant on all logistical preparations for mission travel, in cooperation with relevant substantive colleagues particularly in regional/out-posted offices and external interlocutors; Assist in follow-up actions arising from missions, including the finalization of the mission reports and dissemination of relevant information to colleagues. 5. Provide substantive and analytical support; Identify emerging policy issues for the consideration of the DED; Undertake special projects as necessary. 6. Perform any other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrated professional competence in the field of sustainable development and experience in multilateral relations; Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze complex political issues; High degree of flexibility; Willingness to travel and work long hours; Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; Ability to draft documents and express views in a clear and concise manner.
Teamwork: Experience and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; Proven record in working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavour; Ability to build trust through operating with transparency and creating an open and positive environment.
Planning and organizing: Proven excellent organizational and planning skills; Ability to identify priority activities and assignments and make necessary adjustments as required; Foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning and ensure timely delivery of results.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science/economics, environmental science or public administration 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
Five years of relevant professional experience with progressively increasing levels of responsibility, including at least three in an international setting. Preferably three years of working experience with issues related to the international environmental agenda. Prior experience with the United Nations or in a United Nations common system organization as well as familiarity with the United Nations activities and organizational structure an advantage.
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. Working knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
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.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
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.
All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. Online 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 send an email to recruitment@unon.org, quoting the job opening number in the subject header of your email.
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.
http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1308244313148