Special Notice
This position is open for recruitment 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 their careers 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.
Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. 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 (http://www.unep.org). This post is located in the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) Coordinating Unit/Barcelona Convention Secretariat (CU) in Athens and will report directly to the MAP Coordinator.
Responsibilities
Under the leadership of the Coordinator and within delegated authority the incumbent will undertake the following responsibilities: 1. Strategic and operational planning, implementation and monitoring: a) Supports the Coordinator in the development and execution of the strategies of the Barcelona Convention, MAP and MCSD; b) Organizes and leads the preparation and delivery of the MAP Programme of Work, ensuring the coordination, involvement and integration of the CU, Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, MCSD Members, MAP Components, and other partners; c) Coordinates the operational implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Programme of Work and projects in consistence with UNEP policies and the Contracting Parties requirements, decisions and directives, and proposes corrective actions; d) Ensures integration and coordination of the work of the MAP Components including MEDPOL, and supports the Coordinator in supervising their Heads; e) Monitors and reports on the performance of activities and projects; f) Ensures alignment between the CU programmes and its operational and administrative performance, overseeing the work of the Administrative and Finance Unit, and developing measures to enhance the efficiency of management and operational processes by the CU and the RACs; g) Liaises with Governments, Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs); h) Coordinates and liaises with the relevant UN bodies to ensure that the work is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals; i) Supervises staff and consultants. 2.Implementation of the MAP fundraising strategy: a) Supports the Coordinator in implementing an integrated fundraising plan and priorities identified by Parties for the Secretariat and the RACs; b) Develops and implements a partnership strategy to strengthen relationships with donors and reach out to new ones; c) Keeps abreast of major developments, plans and priorities of donors to identify opportunities for cooperation. 3. Coordination of the Secretariat’s information and reporting activities: a) Oversees and monitors the preparation of publications and dissemination of scientific publications, public awareness materials, and the State of the Marine and Coastal Environment reports; b) Supervises and monitors the implementation of the Barcelona Convention/ UNEP-MAP Information and Communication Strategy; c) Represents UNEP/ MAP and the Barcelona Convention at different fora, giving speeches and other presentations; d) Reviews documentation and ensures its highest quality and consistency of presentation and content; e) Coordinates with Secretariat staff and RACs and oversees the preparation of periodic reports; f) Supervises staff and consultants carrying out activities related to information and communication systems and ensures direct liaison with the RAC responsible for information and communication (Info-RAC) to implement relevant Contracting Parties decisions. 4.Participates in the execution of the governance functions of the CU; 5.Deputizes for the Coordinator, perform representative functions, and acts as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Coordinator. 6.Performs any other relevant duties assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be «clients» and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in disciplines related to environment, law, administration and management is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in management of marine environment related projects or programmes, administration and other marine and seas or related issues is required. Experience at a senior managerial position in a national administration is an advantage. Experience from regional or international environmental organizations or networks required. Diplomatic skills and sensitivity essential desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English and excellent working knowledge of French are required. Knowledge of other UN languages and languages spoken in the Mediterranean Region is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position will include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview
United Nations Considerations
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on «The Application Process» and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.
Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Posting Period: 10 December 2015 – 07 February 2016
