Special Notice
Appointment against this post is 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. 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 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 in the international community for Action. UNEP’s Regional Office for Europe helps to implement UNEP’s global programs in the European region by initiating, coordinating and catalyzing regional and sub-regional cooperation and action in response to environmental problems and emergencies. This post is located in the UNEP Regional Office for Europe (ROE) at the UNEP Brussels office.
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the head of the Brussels office, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
(1) Foster enhanced policy dialogue and partnership building with European Union (EU) institutions: Act as Associate Liaison Officer to the EU institutions for policy and partnership-building, including through the promotion of cooperation with other UN Brussels liaison offices; Facilitate good contacts and build trust with the key EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders in Brussels; Support the Head of the Office in strengthening the policy dialogue with the EU institutions, with the objective of establishing and maintaining long-term strategic partnerships, with the Directorate General for Environment; Support the organization of the EC-UNEP yearly high-level meetings according to the terms of the EC-UNEP Memorandum of Understanding, coordinate and contribute to policy briefings, including for the follow-up of decisions taken; Support the organization of High Level and senior management missions to Brussels, coordinate and contribute to briefings and follow-up, and provide strategic advice on and facilitate partnership-building; Act as focal point for EC/EU-UNEP policy dialogues and partnership building efforts by region, in close cooperation with UNEP Regional Offices, sub-programme coordinators and divisions.
(2) Gather intelligence and disseminate EU relevant information: Follow and analyze relevant EU policy developments in the field of environment and sustainable development (using UNEP’s Mid Term Strategy as a key point of reference); Gather intelligence on the evolution of the EU institutions and politics, to identify new opportunities for EU/UNEP partnerships and policy cooperation; assist the Head of the Office in maintaining a two-way flow of information between UNEP and the EU institutions by providing regular updates on the aforementioned issues and advise UNEP staff on the latest EU developments; Provide up to date and tailor-made advice and practical guidance to UNEP staff relating to the EU institutions and decision making.
(3) Support the programmatic cooperation between UNEP and the EU institutions, including through facilitating resource mobilization: Support strengthened programmatic cooperation between the EU institutions and UNEP, by identifying opportunities for mobilizing additional EC funding to support UNEP’s activities; Act as UNEP focal point on the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF), e.g by gathering intelligence and disseminating information on the EU priorities and the 2014-2020 MFF thematic and geographic strategies; liaise with and seek advice from the Head of the Office and the Regional Office for Europe (ROE) Senior Officer for coordination on resource mobilization and provide briefings on relevant policy developments and other information which could lead to possible EU funding for UNEP; Support the Office for Operations and ROE on the implementation of the UNEP strategy for partnership building and resource mobilization with the EC. (4) Carry out effective communication and awarenessraising activities to improve UNEP’s visibility in the EU context: Contribute to the positioning and visibility of UNEP within the European Union; Provide substantive contributions and guidance to outreach activities and material (e.g. newsletters, press releases, publications and events) and inform the Head of Office and the communication assistant about relevant major initiatives, events and meetings; Support the formulation and implementation of the communication and outreach strategy of the Office.
Competencies
• Professionalism: Excellent coordination skills, with ability to work under pressure and handle multiple activities and projects concurrently. Solid knowledge of the UN and EU institutions and decision making processes and actors. Ability to work independently and to communicate effectively; Shows pride in work and in achievements; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions.
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; Is willing to learn from others; Places team agenda before personal agenda; Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; Adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
Education
Advanced university degree in environmental sciences, international or European affairs and political science. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree
Work Experience
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in project management/team/programme management at national level and partnership building with national, regional and international organizations, communication in the political arena or related area. Previous experience in working in the field of partnerships and cooperation with the European Union is also required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English and French is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Department/ Office: United Nations Environment Programme
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Application deadline: 3 May 2015
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